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Big news for EPCOT and Disney California Adventure: a brand-new version of Soarin’ will debut in summer 2026 to celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary. The new overlay is part of Disney’s company-wide “Disney Celebrates America” programme.
Expect the new Soarin’ Over America version to offer sweeping aerial views from Atlantic Coast to Pacific Coast, refreshed scents, and of course the iconic Soarin’ score. For UK guests planning a trip in summer 2026 this overlay will offer an exciting and memorable version of the ride.
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What’s Happening?
Disney announced the overlay with an incredible promo an YouTube. You can check it out here:
If this is setting the tone for the overlay and celebrations, it’s going to be incredible! UK visitors heading out to Walt Disney World for Summer 2026 are definitely going to have a memorable experience.
This overlay is part of the “Disney Celebrate America” programme. The initiative begins on Veteran’s Day (11th November 2025) and culminates over the 4th July 2026, Independence Day, celebrations. These will involve special park offerings, so expect it to be busier than your average Disney 4th July weekend.
Soarin’ is not the only part of this celebration which will also include:
Massive 4th July broadcast: A 24 hour, multi-platform Disney celebrates America broadcast on 4th July 2026 across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, and more, presented by David Muir. This will include an evening fireworks special from Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Expanded Independence Day Fireworks: A Fourth July Concert in the Sky is scheduled across 3 nights (3rd - 5th July 2026) at both resorts.
Discussing “Disney Celebrate America”, Rob Iger said:
"At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility – the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning,"
Why Fans Are Talking
Soarin’s original California film is loved for its real-world cinematography and lighter distortion. A USA-focused edition feels tailor-made for the America 250 years celebration. We expect it will showcase national parks, coastlines, and feature fly-overs of Washington D. C. and New York.
What UK Travellers Should Know
Trip timing is something to consider. If you already have a trip planned, join in and enjoy the celebrations. If you are looking for a quieter park experience avoid the 4th July weekend as Disney looks set to be providing a big experience that will cause a spike in crowds.
If you want to time your trip to experience Soarin’ Around America, only a season of summer 2026 has been announced. No fixed opening or closing date. Our best guess would be to aim either side of July of you are planning a trip to experience the ride.
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Riding the Magic
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Expect some hype around this overlay, which means that wait times will increase for the ride. Consider using a Lightning Lane if you have them in your budget, or make it a rope drop ride experience if you are doing Disney from the UK on a tighter budget.
Will Soarin Close Before the Overlay?
Disney has not yet announced downtime. Historically, switching Soarin’ films has only required a brief closure. Overnight flips are possible, but a short tidy-up of projectors and queues may be on the cards too. We’ll update you when Disney make any announcements, so make sure you’re subscribed to our socials and newsletter.
The Bigger Picture at EPCOT
Soarin’ Across America lands amid some broader ride tweaks and refreshes across EPCOT. Test-Track has been re-imagined, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is going 2D, and Frozen Ever After is getting upgraded animatronics. So far the refurb windows have been staggered, but 2026 will be an exciting year for UK visitors as they will get to experience the same rides, just with a new experience.
Did you know that by staggering refurb windows, Disney can continue to keep park capacity strong while rolling out all these upgrades to fan favourite rides?
This is a piece of useful information if you are booking your 2026 trip and need to experience particular bucket list rides in EPCOT.
Magic In A Minute
Soarin’ Across America launches summer 2026 at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure as part of Disney Celebrates America. It’s going to be a coast-to-coast, year-long celebration culminating with a 24-hour TV / streaming event on 4th July 2026 and expanded fireworks over the 3rd and 5th July 2026. If you’re booking from the UK, plan dates and park days now to catch Soarin Across America.