The next major EPCOT attraction update is almost ready for takeoff.
Disney cast members have officially started previewing Soarin’ Across America ahead of the attraction’s public debut later this month, marking the beginning of a brand-new era for one of EPCOT’s most iconic rides.
The timing feels important for Disney right now.
Walt Disney World is heading into a massive summer filled with new entertainment offerings, refreshed attractions, and major park changes across the resort. Magic Kingdom continues transforming Frontierland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing for several new additions, and Animal Kingdom is rolling out its Cool Kid Summer offerings.
Now EPCOT is stepping into the spotlight as well.
Soarin’ Around the World officially closed on May 13 after operating inside The Land Pavilion for ten years. While the attraction remained popular, many longtime Disney fans never stopped comparing it to the original Soarin’ experience that focused on California landscapes and natural scenery.
That nostalgia has followed the attraction for years.
Now Disney is leaning into that emotional connection while also adding a patriotic theme tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Soarin’ Across America will take guests on a cross-country journey featuring landscapes and destinations throughout the United States.
Disney has already teased scenes involving coastlines, major American landmarks, wilderness regions, plains, bayous, and tropical settings.
And guests visiting EPCOT can already see the attraction’s updated identity starting to appear.
Inside The Land Pavilion, Disney has added patriotic decorations around the Soarin’ entrance area. Red, white, and blue accents now surround the attraction space, giving the pavilion a noticeably refreshed look compared to the former Soarin’ Around the World presentation.
For now, though, only cast members are getting access.
Disney frequently uses cast previews before major attraction openings to help test operations and identify issues before larger crowds arrive. Employees also get the opportunity to familiarize themselves with updated experiences before answering guest questions once the attraction officially opens.
Annual Passholders will get their turn next.
Disney confirmed preview dates for Passholders on May 19 and May 20, with general guests gaining access beginning May 26. Unlike some recent Disney preview events, guests will not need a virtual queue or reservation. Disney plans to use a traditional standby line during normal park hours.
Still, demand could become intense quickly.
Soarin’ remains one of EPCOT’s most family-friendly attractions, which gives it unusually broad appeal compared to larger thrill rides. Younger kids can enjoy it without extreme drops or launches, while older guests still appreciate the immersive flying experience.
That wide audience is exactly why Soarin’ regularly builds long wait times during busy travel periods.
There is also growing curiosity surrounding whether Disney addressed some of the biggest complaints tied to Soarin’ Around the World. Fans frequently criticized that version for warped visuals involving buildings and landmarks shown on the curved projection screen.
Because Soarin’ Across America appears to feature more natural environments and landscapes, some guests believe the new version could look significantly smoother.
Others simply hope Disney recaptures the emotional feeling that made earlier versions of Soarin’ so memorable in the first place.
Either way, EPCOT suddenly has another major attraction drawing attention heading into summer 2026, and Disney’s decision to begin cast previews suggests opening day is rapidly approaching.
