Disney hoped its newest update to EPCOT would feel like a celebration. Instead, the preview reactions are already turning into one of the park’s biggest debates of the summer.
Guests who recently experienced this new overlay have flooded social media with criticism, with many accusing Disney of relying too heavily on CGI and removing the emotional feeling that helped make the attraction so iconic in the first place. Some fans even described the new version as feeling cheap compared to earlier versions of the ride.
At the same time, though, other guests are defending the update and arguing Disney actually fixed some long-standing complaints.
Credit: Disney
EPCOT Has Replaced Major Attractions Before
Longtime EPCOT fans know this is hardly the first controversial change at the park.
Disney has spent decades evolving EPCOT, and several beloved attractions have disappeared along the way. Maelstrom eventually became Frozen Ever After inside the Norway Pavilion, replacing the original mythology-focused boat ride with a Frozen-themed adventure. Universe of Energy later transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, while World of Motion eventually became Test Track.
Some of those updates became wildly popular with guests. Others still divide Disney fans to this day.
That history matters because Soarin’ now finds itself in the middle of that same conversation.
One of EPCOT’s Most Emotional Rides
For many guests, Soarin’ Around the World became one of EPCOT’s signature attractions because of how immersive it felt.
The attraction carried riders across famous landmarks using giant projection screens, motion simulation, scents, and wind effects. Guests soared over sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and sweeping African landscapes, while the ride’s soundtrack pulled it all together.
Still, Soarin’ Around the World was not without criticism. Some fans disliked the CGI-heavy transitions and distorted visuals that appeared throughout certain scenes. Others joked that the attraction relied too much on sudden visual cuts that felt more jarring than smooth.
Even so, the ride remained one of EPCOT’s biggest crowd-pleasers for years.
Disney Reimagined the Ride for America’s 250th Anniversary
Disney officially closed Soarin’ Around the World on May 14, 2026, to prepare for a new limited-time overlay tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
The attraction is now previewing as Soarin’ Across America, featuring famous American landmarks and scenery designed to celebrate the country’s landscapes and history.
Many fans initially loved the concept. A ride system like Soarin’ seemed perfect for sweeping aerial footage across the United States, especially since many guests still have strong nostalgia for earlier versions of the attraction.
But the excitement quickly shifted once preview reactions started appearing online.
Fans Say Disney Missed the Mark
The biggest complaints involve the overlay’s slower pacing and heavy use of CGI.
One preview guest wrote:
“It felt like a slideshow of some pictures with a bunch of PowerPoint fade transitions. Nothing was cohesive and everything was abysmally slow. Above all, the glider had extremely limited motion compared to the World and California versions. What was Disney thinking here? I’ve been a fan of a lot of what has been done at the parks lately, but this one missed the mark.”
Another guest criticized one early moment in the attraction, saying:
“I wish there was less CGI. The Statue of Liberty near the beginning kind of killed it for me.”
Other riders called the experience “pretty bad” and complained about “unnecessary CGI” throughout multiple scenes. Several guests also described parts of the attraction as “bland” compared to previous versions.
For many longtime Soarin’ fans, that criticism feels important because earlier versions of the ride felt more grounded in practical cinematography and natural movement.
Not Every Guest Walked Away Disappointed
Despite the backlash, some preview guests actually preferred the new overlay.
One rider praised the attraction for being “much better than Around the World because there aren’t 40 jump scares,” while others complimented the updated scents that accompany the scenery.
Another guest described Soarin’ Across America as “considerably better” than Soarin’ Around the World overall.
That divide may ultimately define the attraction moving forward. Disney wanted the overlay to feel nostalgic and patriotic ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. Still, early reactions suggest EPCOT fans remain deeply split on whether the update improves the attraction or weakens what made it special in the first place.
