UPDATED with full ride video of Soarin’ Across America…
Soarin’ Across America, a new limited-time overlay celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, will debut in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort on May 26, 2026, and in California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort on July 2, 2026. But cast member previews are already underway! 
Soarin’ Around the World closed at Epcot on May 14. The last day to experience Soarin’ Over California at California Adventure is June 30.
The all-new overlay will feature some of the country’s most iconic cityscapes and spectacular natural landscapes—from sea to shining sea.
“Each scene helps to create a portrait of what we believe makes America so special,” said Tom Fitzgerald, creative director and chief storytelling executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a tapestry of urban wonders, natural beauty, and iconic locations that celebrate the spirit of the nation and the 250th anniversary of the United States.”
According to Disney, the journey will also take riders above the iconic Statue of Liberty “welcome” in New York Harbor, the expansive Grand Canyon West, and highlight the beauty of America’s heartland, bayous, great plains, rustic wilderness, and sun-drenched coastlines.
The patriotic overlay will feature a new arrangement of the fan-favorite Jerry Soarin’ music, as well as updated ride programming and effects (including wind) to create an even more immersive experience.
Here’s a first look at three of the locations featured in the new attraction:
Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota
One of America’s most recognizable landmarks, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial consists of a massive sculpture carved into the granite face of a mountain from 1927 to 1941 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The four 60-foot-tall faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were chosen to represent the nation’s foundation, expansion, development, and preservation.
Fun Disney Fact: In the Walt Disney Studios movie “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, and Ed Harris discover a Native American city of gold hidden in at Mount Rushmore.
Portland Head Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
The Portland Head Lighthouse is the most famous and iconic lighthouse in New England, located just south of Portland, Maine. Construction on the oldest lighthouse in Maine began in 1787 (while Maine was still part of Massachusetts) at the direction of George Washington, and was completed in 1791.
Fun Disney Fact: The Portland Head Lighthouse appeared in the fifth, sixth, and seventh seasons of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D as the exterior of “The Lighthouse” in Lake Ontario, NY, which housed a covert underground facility.
Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii
The dormant volcanic on the east side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu was named Diamond Hill in 1825 by British sailors who saw sparkling volcanic calcite crystals in the sand and mistook them for diamonds. The name later became Diamond Head, with “head” shortened from “headland.”
Fun Disney Fact: Scenes for the “Lilo & Stitch” live-action movie feature the iconic Diamond Head crater.
New Pre-Boarding Experience at Epcot
While waiting to board the attraction at Walt Disney World, guests can test their knowledge with The Soarin’ Challenge Across America.
The all-new trivia challenge, created in collaboration with National Geographic, will allow guests to learn which states they’re “Most Likely to Reach for the Stars,” “Most Likely to Lend an Ear,” and “Most Likely to Strike Gold.” The interactive experience will also feature photography from the National Geographic archives.
Soarin’ Around the World closed at Epcot on May 14. The last day to experience Soarin’ Over California at California Adventure is June 30.
Patriotic Treats
Disneyland is starting the celebration for America’s 250th Anniversary early, with new limited-time treats starting May 21.
Rocket Soda at Refreshment Corner in Disneyland
Red, White & Blue Punch at Smokejumpers Grill in California Adventure
Apple Pie Churro at Willie’s Churros in California Adventure
S’Mores Marshmallow Wand
Patriotic Mickey Caramel Apple
A new Sam Eagle Popcorn Bucket will also be available later this summer.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Are you looking forward to the all-new Soarin’ Across American overlay? Do you think either Epcot or California Adventure should keep the new version permanently or perhaps you think that Soarin’ Around the World be at Epcot, while the OG Soarin’ Over California stays at California Adventure year-round? And consider this… both Walt Disney World and Disneyland have multiple Soarin’ theaters, so multiple destination films could be available at the same time. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
