More than 20 years after its debut, Soarin’ continues to draw some of the longest lines at several Disney parks worldwide. The attraction’s blend of sweeping visuals, motion-simulator technology, and multisensory effects has kept it a consistent favorite for millions of guests.
Since its launch, the ride has undergone multiple updates — from refreshed footage to technical adjustments — but its core concept has remained the same: offering the feeling of flight across breathtaking landscapes. Few Disney attractions have inspired the same global footprint.
Now, the company has confirmed another round of changes, this time tied to one of the busiest versions of the attraction. The update will bring both capacity improvements and new storytelling elements to the ride experience.
A Global Hit With Local Twists
Soarin’ first opened in 2001 at Disney California Adventure as Soarin’ Over California, immersing guests in a hang-gliding journey across the state. The groundbreaking design and panoramic views quickly turned it into a signature attraction.
Four years later, the ride landed at EPCOT, initially carrying over the California footage before evolving into Soarin’ Around the World. That version expanded the scope to global icons such as the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Wall of China. Despite its popularity, many guests still hold affection for the California original, which Disney occasionally revives.
International parks adopted their own versions. Tokyo DisneySea introduced Soaring: Fantastic Flight, rooted in a whimsical backstory about aviation pioneers. This has proven so popular that the theme park sometimes restricts entry only to those holding a paid Premier Access pass.
Shanghai Disneyland, meanwhile, opened with Soaring Over the Horizon in 2016, presented inside a temple to the Arbori tribe’s Condor god, where a shaman grants visitors the gift of flight.
New Chapter in Shanghai
Disney has now confirmed that Shanghai Disneyland’s Soaring Over the Horizon will undergo a major expansion. The park will add a third theater, boosting capacity by 50%, and introduce a brand-new finale scene. Instead of ending with a flight over Shanghai’s skyline, guests will soon soar above the park itself.
Notably, the attraction will stay open throughout the expansion. With average waits of 40 minutes — trailing only Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle Power Run — the ride is one of Shanghai Disneyland’s most in-demand experiences.
NEW: Shanghai Disney Resort is adding a third theater to Soaring Over the Horizon, boosting capacity by 50%. The attraction will also receive a new ending scene. The ride will remain open throughout the expansion.
NEW: Shanghai Disney Resort is adding a third theater to Soaring Over the Horizon, boosting capacity by 50%. The attraction will also receive a new ending scene. The ride will remain open throughout the expansion. pic.twitter.com/1G3pFB3o62
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 23, 2025
Disney has described the upcoming changes as including “magical surprises,” though exact details remain under wraps. Watch this space.
What’s your favorite version of Soarin’?
