Disney Announces Opening Date for Soarin’ Across America

Disney fans can finally mark their calendars. After months of anticipation and plenty of speculation online, Disney has officially announced the opening date for Soarin’ Across America, the refreshed version of the beloved Soarin’ attraction.

And the timing couldn’t be more fitting—this new patriotic flight experience will debut on July 2, 2026, just in time for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Soarin’ has always been one of those rides guests feel emotionally connected to. Whether you first experienced the original California film, fell in love with Soarin’ Over the World, or simply enjoy the calming music and sweeping aerial views, it’s a ride that sticks with people. Now, Disney is bringing that feeling back to the States with a brand-new film dedicated entirely to iconic American landscapes and landmarks.

The updated attraction will take guests on a journey that stretches from coast to coast, highlighting the beauty, diversity, and spirit of the country. Expect sweeping shots of beaches, mountains, deserts, bustling cities, and historical sites—paired with a new musical arrangement and those signature scents that make Soarin’ so immersive. Disney has already teased that filming took place across several states, capturing real aerial footage to build an authentic, cinematic experience.

Disney California Adventure will be the first to roll out the attraction on July 2, but all signs point to Walt Disney World receiving the same update around the same timeframe. Soarin’ sits in such a beloved corner of EPCOT that the news has already become a major talking point among fans planning their 2026 vacations. It’s not every day that a ride gets a complete thematic makeover while staying true to its original feel.

Another detail that has fans excited is the return of Patrick Warburton as the ever-iconic flight attendant in the pre-show. While Disney hasn’t revealed every element of the new queue experience, his presence in the teaser sparked an immediate wave of nostalgia. There’s something comforting about his familiar tone welcoming guests aboard, and it’s clear Disney knows exactly how much that small detail matters.

The timing of this debut is no coincidence, either. The United States is gearing up for a milestone celebration, and Disney is leaning into that moment with a ride that pays tribute to the country’s landscapes and spirit. Guests can expect additional patriotic touches throughout the parks as the anniversary draws near, but Soarin’ is shaping up to be the centerpiece.

With the official opening date now locked in, travel planners, DVC members, and annual passholders are already beginning to shuffle their vacation plans to make sure they experience the attraction as close to its debut as possible. And honestly, who can blame them? A brand-new Soarin’ film is always newsworthy on its own—but a completely reimagined journey across America timed to one of the biggest national milestones in history? That’s the kind of update that sparks excitement across the Disney community.

This is only the beginning of what’s expected to be a huge slate of 2026 surprises, but Soarin’ Across America is already shaping up to be one of next year’s standout additions.