EPCOT guests have three weeks to squeeze in one last trip around the globe, as Walt Disney World Resort has officially confirmed that Soarin' Around the World is closing on May 14.
A Limited-Time Replacement Takes Over
The closure makes room for Soarin' Across America, a patriotic overlay timed to the United States' 250th anniversary. The new film debuts at the Land Pavilion in EPCOT's World Nature neighborhood on May 26, leaving a roughly twelve-day window between the original film going dark and the replacement going live.
Chief Flight Attendant Patrick Warburton announced the overlay, returning to his familiar role to set the stage for the updated experience:
“Hello, I'm Patrick, your Chief Flight Attendant. Soon as you sail through our spacious skies, you may see amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties…That's right! We're going to be Soarin' Across America. What better way to celebrate the country's semiquincentennial than with a limited sea-to-shining-sea itinerary?”
The overlay promises a coast-to-coast cinematic journey through the sights, sounds, and even scents of the United States.
Hours Now Confirmed
Walt Disney World Resort updated its website on April 22 with operating hours for Soarin' Across America. The attraction will be available to most Disney Resort hotel guests during Early Theme Park Entry starting at 8:30 a.m., ahead of the 9:00 a.m. general public opening. Deluxe Disney Resort hotel guests will also have access through Extended Evening Hours on select nights.
Walt Disney World Resort has not set an end date for the overlay. Soarin' Around the World is expected to return to the Land Pavilion once the limited-time run concludes.
EPCOT's Celebration of America's 250th
Soarin' Across America isn't the only America 250 programming at EPCOT. The “Portraits of Courage” gallery in the American Adventure Pavilion — featuring paintings of veterans created by former President George W. Bush — has been extended and will remain on display through July 4, 2026.
Which version of Soarin' is your favorite? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
