Soarin' Across America previews are underway at EPCOT, giving Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members a short early window before the new flight film opens to everyone on May 26.
The preview window is a familiar Disney move, and a useful one for a ride with this much built-in nostalgia. Soarin' has always been one of EPCOT's easier crowd magnets to understand: big score, big screen, dangling feet, everybody comparing which version they miss most.
Disney later opened the attraction more broadly on May 22. We have a separate story on the early Soarin' Across America soft opening.
The new version takes guests on a simulated flight across the United States for the country's 250th birthday celebration. Disney's first look points to settings such as New England, New York Harbor, Grand Canyon West, Hawaii, and Mount Rushmore, plus a new musical arrangement by Bruce Broughton based on Jerry Goldsmith's Soarin' themes.
Disney says the Soarin' Challenge Across America, made with National Geographic, will add a trivia-style challenge while guests wait.
Disney California Adventure is scheduled to get Soarin' Across America on July 2.
Source: Walt Disney World Annual Passholder offers, Walt Disney World, and Disney Parks Blog.