Soarin’ Across America Review
Soarin’ Across America is a unique version of one of Epcot’s most popular attractions. Other versions of the attraction include Soarin’ Around the World and Soarin’ Over California. The “Across America” destination debuted in late May of 2026. It was created for Disney Celebrates America, a celebration honoring the United States of America’s 250th anniversary. At this time, no end date has been listed for this destination.
Like other versions of the ride, Soarin’ Across America allows guests to experience the sensation of flight as they soar over aerial footage of our great nation. Soarin’ is presented on a 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome. Also worth mentioning, the attraction features a new musical arrangement by Bruce Broughton of the original Jerry Goldsmith’s Soarin’ theme underscores.
| Soarin’ Across America | EPCOT |
|---|---|
| Location: | World Nature, The Land Pavilion |
| Height Requirement | 40″ |
| Lightning Lane | Yes (Multi Pass or Premier Pass) |
| Early Theme Park Entry | Yes |
| Extended Evening Hours | Yes |
| Stroller Parking | Outside the Land Pavilion |
| Ride Type | Simulated Flight Experience |
| Seats Per Vehicle | Average of 10 seats per row |
| Rider Switch | Yes |
| Good For | Anyone without a fear of heights. |
| Scare Factor | Low, unless you have a fear of heights. |
| Must Do List | High Priority |
| Perfect For | Anyone who meets the height requirement. |
| Special Mention | You’ll want to store your belongings underneath the seat or in a designated area near each row. |
Additional Info: Guests in wheelchairs or ECVS must transfer to the ride vehicle. Details for those with mobility issues (e.g., wheelchairs and ECVs) are available on Disney.com. Video captioning is available for this attraction. Service animals are not permitted.
Soarin’ Across America Review
Soarin’ Across America offers the opportunity to enjoy, or better said, “soar” across famous landmarks celebrating the United States of America. For the most part, the queue remains the same. However, you may notice a few updates, like fresh carpet and patriotic banners celebrating the ride.
The attention to detail in the banners and attraction posters does not go unnoticed. Each piece features a backdrop of the American flag with a Bald Eagle and Lady Liberty’s torch lighting the way.
While you wait, you might play along with the trivia boards that line the queue. The questions all focus on the United States of America. We noticed some pretty challenging questions while we waited.
Overall, the queue looked great. The Lightning Lane side is lined with attraction posters representing the various destinations you’ll see on various versions of Soarin. For example, Malibu Beach is featured on Soarin’ Over California.
Soarin’ Across America Destinations
Here is a list, followed by photos, of some of the landmarks you’ll see on Soarin’ Across America:
- Rocket Launch from the Kennedy Space Flight Center
- Statue of Liberty
- New York City Skyline
- Portland Head Light Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
- United States Capitol Dome in Washington, D.C.
- Louisiana Bayou Swamp Lands
- Branson Scenic Railway (Missouri)
- Mount Rushmore National Monument
- Horse Ranch in South Dakota
- Grand Canyon (Arizona)
- Denali National Park in Alaska
- Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head backdrop in Hawaii
- Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Sign, and Los Angeles Skyline (at night)
Our Spin
Overall, we’ve enjoyed our experiences riding Soarin’ Across America to date. If you are a fan of Soarin’ already, I think you’ll enjoy the new scenes. That said, I think it’s good but not great. The ride starts strong. When you’re first lifted into the air, you’ll immediately see the rocket launch. It’s not only a moving scene but a powerful one. It’s quickly over, and you’re lifted high above the clouds. Suddenly, and in true Soarin’ fashion, you’re flying over the Statue of Liberty. It’s a blink, and you’ll miss moment that I’ve yet to capture in a photo. The New York skyline then looms underneath.
After that, you’re taken to several stunning landmarks. Some of them you’ll immediately know. Unfortunately, though, there were a few destinations we didn’t know, and on each ride we witnessed other guests saying things like “where’s that” or “I’m not sure where that is.” In fact, I had to spend some time researching the locations to provide the destination list above.
My main issue with the ride is the lack of clarity in the scenes. There were a few that were really well done, but I can’t help but notice a blurriness in most of them. This is not a major criticism, and I will continue to enjoy the ride. How long would I wait? A 45-minute posted wait would be the maximum amount of time I would be willing to wait. Of course, that’s coming from someone who’s ridden all three versions of the attraction multiple times now.
Ultimately, after experiencing all three, I still go back to Soarin’ Over California as being my personal favorite version of the ride. As someone who considers themself patriotic, I was hopeful that Soarin’ Across America would slide into that number one spot. That said, I didn’t feel let down after seeing the ride. It just felt like Soarin’ only with new scenes. And I don’t think that anyone can expect any more or less than that.
As far as our traffic signals for Soarin’ go, I would give it the green light if you haven’t experienced it. It’s a must-do at least once. For all others, you can red-light it based on how much you like the ride or how long you’re willing to wait. I hope that’s helpful.
Resorts Gal Traffic Signals
Green Light
We give an attraction the green light if we consider it a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also give the green light for attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime. For example, some attractions have high capacities. Therefore, the lines continuously move, and you shouldn’t have a long wait unless the attraction experiences downtime.
Red Light
We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later. We also give some attractions the red light that we feel might not be suitable based on our experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Soarin’ Across America is a nice and fresh addition. At the time of publication, Disney hasn’t announced how long this version of the ride will be in place. We do know that it won’t be permanent, and we can expect to see Soarin’ Around the World and (hopefully) more runs of Soarin’ Over California in the future. If you’re visiting, make sure to include a ride in your plans so you can form your own opinion. For more in the park, you might also enjoy our list of Epcot Rides.
In the Comments
Have you experienced Soarin’ Across America yet? If so, what did you think? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know below in the comments.