Is Soarin’ Around the World Leaving Epcot? The Definitive Answer

No, Soarin’ Around the World is NOT currently scheduled to leave Epcot. While Disney attractions can change, and rumors swirl constantly, there are no official plans to replace this beloved ride as of today’s date. That said, change is the only constant in the Disney parks, so let’s delve into the current situation, explore the possibilities, and answer your burning questions.

Soarin’ Around the World: A Perennial Favorite

Soarin’ has been a cornerstone attraction at Epcot since 2005, originally as “Soarin’ Over California.” In 2016, it was updated to “Soarin’ Around the World,” offering guests a simulated hang-gliding experience over some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The ride’s popularity is undeniable. It’s a multi-sensory experience, complete with breathtaking visuals, realistic scents, and synchronized movements that create a truly immersive feeling of flight. Why would Disney even consider replacing such a popular attraction? Well, let’s consider a few possibilities.

The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Epcot

Epcot is undergoing a massive transformation. The park is reimagining its core philosophy and embracing new technologies and storytelling techniques. This ongoing overhaul naturally leads to speculation about the future of existing attractions. While Soarin’ continues to draw massive crowds, Disney is always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience and integrate new intellectual properties (IPs).

The Lure of New Intellectual Property

Disney has a vast library of beloved characters and worlds. It is inevitable that future expansions and attractions might incorporate these properties, potentially replacing existing rides or shows. Imagine a Soarin’ ride that takes you through the landscapes of Pandora from Avatar or the planets of Star Wars. While this is purely hypothetical, it illustrates how Disney’s strategic direction could influence the future of any attraction.

Technological Advancements

Theme park technology is constantly evolving. What was once considered cutting-edge can quickly become outdated. While Soarin’ is still a technically impressive attraction, Disney may eventually choose to upgrade or replace it with something even more advanced, offering a more realistic or interactive experience. Think of it like upgrading your phone every few years – eventually, the older model no longer meets your needs.

The Verdict: Enjoy Soarin’ While You Can!

For now, Soarin’ Around the World remains a vital part of the Epcot experience. Lines are consistently long, and the attraction consistently receives high guest satisfaction ratings. Until Disney announces otherwise, you can safely plan your Epcot visits around soaring over the globe. But, remain vigilant. The world of Disney Parks is dynamic, and change can come swiftly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Soarin’ Around the World

Here are 12 frequently asked questions designed to give you a deeper understanding of the situation surrounding Soarin’ and its future at Epcot:

1. What exactly is Soarin’ Around the World?

Soarin’ Around the World is a flight simulator attraction in Epcot’s World Nature neighborhood. Guests are seated in rows that are lifted into the air in front of a massive IMAX-style screen. The ride simulates a hang-gliding experience, taking you on a journey over various landmarks around the world, such as the Swiss Alps, the Great Wall of China, and the Eiffel Tower. The experience is enhanced with scents and movements that synchronize with the visuals, creating a truly immersive sensation of flight.

2. When did Soarin’ Around the World replace Soarin’ Over California?

Soarin’ Around the World officially replaced Soarin’ Over California on June 17, 2016, to coincide with the opening of Shanghai Disneyland’s version of the ride. The update was a significant overhaul, replacing the California-centric footage with scenes from around the globe.

3. Is Soarin’ Around the World still popular?

Yes, Soarin’ Around the World remains incredibly popular. Despite being several years old, it consistently draws long lines at Epcot. Its high capacity helps, but FastPass (now Lightning Lane) and Genie+ access are highly recommended to minimize wait times.

4. Are there different versions of Soarin’ around the world?

Yes, there are. Soarin’ Over California occasionally returns to Epcot for limited-time engagements, usually during special events or celebrations. Also, the Shanghai Disneyland version features different landmarks.

5. What makes Soarin’ Around the World a must-do attraction?

Soarin’ Around the World is a must-do attraction for several reasons:

• Immersive Experience: The combination of visuals, scents, and synchronized movements creates a truly immersive and believable flight experience.
• Iconic Landmarks: The ride showcases some of the world’s most beautiful and recognizable landmarks, providing a virtual travel experience.
• Family-Friendly: The attraction is suitable for guests of all ages (with height restrictions), making it a popular choice for families.
• High Capacity: The ride can accommodate a large number of guests, which helps to keep wait times manageable (though still often long).

6. How long is the ride experience of Soarin’ Around the World?

The Soarin’ Around the World ride experience is approximately 5 minutes long, including the pre-show. The actual flight sequence is around 4 minutes.

7. What are the height restrictions for Soarin’ Around the World?

The height restriction for Soarin’ Around the World is 40 inches (102 cm). Guests must be this tall to ride.

8. Is Soarin’ Around the World scary?

Soarin’ Around the World is generally not considered scary. The ride is a gentle simulation of flight, without any sudden drops or intense movements. Some guests with a fear of heights might experience mild discomfort, but most find the experience enjoyable.

9. Does Soarin’ Around the World have motion sickness potential?

While rare, some guests may experience mild motion sickness on Soarin’ Around the World. This is due to the simulated movement and the large screen. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking preventative measures like medication or focusing on a fixed point on the screen.

10. What is the best time to ride Soarin’ Around the World to avoid long lines?

The best time to ride Soarin’ Around the World with minimal wait times is typically early in the morning (right after park opening) or later in the evening (close to park closing). Utilizing Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations is also highly recommended. During peak seasons, even these strategies may not eliminate wait times entirely.

11. What is the current status of the rumored replacement of Soarin’ Around the World?

As of today’s date, there are no confirmed plans to replace Soarin’ Around the World. All talk of a replacement is based on speculation and unconfirmed rumors. Disney is constantly evaluating its attractions and experiences, but there is no official announcement regarding the future of Soarin’.

12. What other rides are similar to Soarin’ Around the World at Disney World?

While there isn’t another ride at Disney World that is exactly the same as Soarin’, Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom offers a similar immersive flight simulator experience. It is widely considered one of the most technologically advanced and breathtaking rides in all of Disney World, providing a similar sense of soaring and exploration. Additionally, Star Tours also offers a simulation experience, although it is based on space travel rather than flight over landscapes.