For more than two decades, Soarin’ has remained one of Disney’s most reliable crowd-pleasers. The attraction’s mix of sweeping visuals and smooth ride technology has kept it near the top of guest must-do lists across multiple parks.
Few rides have captured the balance of innovation and nostalgia quite like this one. For many visitors, Soarin’ defined an era of Disney parks where technology and storytelling aligned to create a truly fresh experience.
Now, the company is once again investing in its global appeal. Disney has confirmed that Shanghai Disneyland’s version of the attraction — Soaring Over the Horizon — is set for a major expansion.
A Flight Path Through History
Soarin’ first opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001 as Soarin’ Over California, a groundbreaking simulator that gave guests the sensation of hang gliding across the state. Its unique ride system and sweeping aerial shots quickly earned it a loyal following.
By 2005, the attraction crossed coasts, opening at EPCOT in Florida. Initially launched with the California-focused film, it later transitioned to Soarin’ Around the World, sending guests over the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the famously wonky Eiffel Tower (although this scene has since been fixed).
Despite the global scope, many fans (this writer included) have long favored the original California footage, leading Disney to revive it on special occasions at both U.S. parks.
International parks followed suit. Tokyo DisneySea launched Soaring: Fantastic Flight with a storyline rooted in discovery, while Shanghai Disneyland introduced Soaring Over the Horizon when the park opened in 2016. Each version offered slight thematic differences, but the soaring experience remained familiar across continents.
Shanghai Takes the Spotlight
Disney has now confirmed new updates for Shanghai Disneyland’s Soaring Over the Horizon, one of the resort’s most in-demand attractions.
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
The park will add a third theater, increasing capacity by 50%. The expansion is expected to ease wait times, which regularly exceed 40 minutes.
Beyond capacity, Disney teased what it called “magical surprises,” including an entirely new finale scene. Instead of ending with a flight over Shanghai’s skyline, the ride will conclude with a sweeping view of Shanghai Disneyland itself.
The attraction will remain open throughout the expansion, a move likely to reassure visitors given its popularity. The attraction often ranks in the top three attractions with the longest wait times at the park, alongside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (which some argue is overrated) and TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
Part of what sets Shanghai’s version apart is its distinctive preshow. Unlike its American counterparts, Soaring Over the Horizon is framed within an ancient observatory and temple dedicated to the Arbori tribe’s Condor god. Guests are greeted by a shaman, who “gifts” them the ability to fly before boarding. The new ending scene will add another layer of local identity to the experience.
What's your favorite version of Soarin'?
Personally I loved Soarin’ over Calif. here in Fla Disneyworld. I’m a Passholder , go frequently & don’t care for Soarin’ around the world. The Original is the best, so when in Epcot, I don’t ride it
I like soaring around the world better than California