Disney World’s popular Soarin’[1] ride is getting new scenes starring famous U.S. cities and natural wonders in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
“Soarin’ Across America” will open at Epcot and in Disneyland sometime in Summer 2026.
Disney did not give details about what visitors will see on the flight simulator ride that currently makes them feel like they are flying by the Eiffel Tower, the Egyptian pyramids and Mother Nature’s impressive displays.
“Walt Disney Imagineering is hard at work capturing more than a dozen breathtaking locations for the new flight,” the company said on the parks blog[2].
Disney announced Soarin’ Across America is coming as part of The Walt Disney Co.’s celebration for the United States semiquincentennial.
“Beginning on Veterans Day 2025 and culminating on the July 4, 2026 weekend, Disney will feature special programming, storytelling, and experiences across its iconic brands and businesses to celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey, spotlight the people and places that make this country so unique, and inspire patriotism in every generation,” Disney said in a press release.
The festivities include “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” that will take the skies at the Magic Kingdom[3] July 3-5.
“At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility — the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement Monday. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
And to no one’s surprise, Disney will sell special merchandise.
“Disney Consumer Products will once again honor our nation’s heroes with a new special military-inspired assortment now available at select locations across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, while supplies last,” the press release added.
“In addition, debuting in May 2026, an array of Americana merchandise, including select items commemorating America’s milestone anniversary, will be available for purchase at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and DisneyStore.com.”
Disney has deep ties to the American tradition.
A long line of U.S. Presidents[4] visited Disney theme parks. And former President George W. Bush’s paintings are currently on display[5] at Epcot through the Spring 2026.
Americans also look to Disney parks to understand their national ideas. The Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is designed to portray America’s sense of exploration, while Frontierland represents the country’s early rugged individualism and independence.
“Disney theme parks are some of the foremost places where the nation consumes its collective memory of the American Experience,” Smithsonian museum specialist and author Bethanee Bemis wrote in her book[6].
References
- ^ Soarin’ (disneyworld.disney.go.com)
- ^ the company said on the parks blog (disneyparksblog.com)
- ^ Magic Kingdom (disneyworld.disney.go.com)
- ^ A long line of U.S. Presidents (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ are currently on display (disneyparksblog.com)
- ^ her book (floridapolitics.com)