Soarin Disney World: Fly Around the World with EPCOT’s Aerial Adventure
Are you ready to take flight over some of the most breathtaking sights on earth, all without leaving sunny Florida?
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, then buckle up, because Soarin’ at EPCOT Disney World is about to take you on an unforgettable journey. It’s one of those Disney World must-see rides that makes even the grumpiest uncle want to shout, “Wow, did you see that?!”
So, what makes the Soarin attraction EPCOT so special? Let’s glide into the details!
What Is Soarin’?
Soarin’ is one of EPCOT’s most iconic attractions—an EPCOT flight ride in the Land Pavilion that will make you feel like you’re hang-gliding over the wonders of the world. If that sounds magical, that’s because it absolutely is. The full name is Soarin Around the World, and this immersive attraction at Disney is exactly what you need if you’re looking for an unforgettable EPCOT experience.
The ride, found in the Land Pavilion, simulates the sensation of flying. You’ll be comfortably strapped into a seat, feet dangling freely below, lifted high into the air. The whole setup makes you feel as if you are in the harness of a hang glider, swooping and soaring above some of Earth’s most famous landmarks. It’s gentle enough for the whole family to enjoy, making it one of the top EPCOT family experiences.
From Soarin’ Over California to Soarin’ Around the World
Originally known as Soarin Over California, this ride was designed to let guests experience the highlights of the Golden State. Eventually, the Imagineers at Disney thought, “Why stop at California when we can take you everywhere?” And so, Soarin Around the World was born, giving guests the chance to witness a curated collection of famous sites that range from the Swiss Alps to the Great Wall of China.
Don’t worry—you still get the thrill of flying over California with the eucalyptus-scented nostalgia. Disney knows what they’re doing when it comes to combining memories with magic.
The Soarin’ Experience: What to Expect
Soarin Disney World starts in the queue area, which is an experience in itself. If you’re a Disney fan, you’re no stranger to line waiting, but fear not—the Soarin’ queue is filled with information and cool aviation tidbits that may distract you from the fact that you’re waiting.
Here’s a pro tip: show up early or get a Lightning Lane pass for this thrill ride. It’s always good to have some Soarin queue tips to keep that waiting game stress-free.
Once inside the hangar, you’ll be assigned a “boarding group” (they’re really leaning into the aviation vibes here). You’re then ushered into a row of seats and strapped in for the experience. If you’re afraid of heights, rest assured Disney’s Soarin’ attraction at EPCOT is designed with comfort in mind. The seats are secure, and though you feel high above the ground, the motion is smooth and gentle—kind of like rocking on a cloud with a giant fan in your face.
But let’s talk about those Soarin photos. Disney pulls out all the stops for an immersive experience. The film is presented on an enormous IMAX screen that practically envelops you, providing a panoramic view of everything from the Taj Mahal to the savannas of Africa. You’ll catch the faint scent of the locations, too—orange groves, ocean breezes, you name it—it’s Disney, they don’t miss a trick!
Oh, and don’t forget the thrill of having your feet dangling mid-air! You’ll feel like you could dip your toes in the Nile River, which is just a teeny bit better than an average Tuesday in Florida.
The Highlights of Soarin’ Around the World
The Soarin’ Around the World ride spans some amazing locations, and you get to witness a dazzling variety of sights in just a few minutes:
The Swiss Alps: Hold on tight as you zip through the snowy peaks. The feeling of the cold air (even though it’s not actually cold) will make you feel like you need a scarf!
The Great Wall of China: You can practically hear history echoing off the stones. It’s breathtaking—even if you’re just imagining your feet touching it!
Sydney Harbour: You get a glimpse of the Opera House before zooming away over the blue waters—watch for boats!
The African Savanna: Graceful elephants, lush greenery—you’ll have a new appreciation for nature. And no, you can’t actually pet the elephants, but you might want to reach out.
Fiji: A dream vacation in a flash! The pristine waters and islands make for a scene so beautiful that you’ll start considering that second mortgage just to go there for real.
Each transition flows seamlessly, and by the time you’re “landing” back at EPCOT, you’ll feel as if you’ve truly seen the world—without the long airport security lines!
Is Soarin’ Worth the Wait?
Absolutely. It’s truly one of those immersive attractions Disney does so well, pulling you right into a world of adventure. You’ll want to laugh, take deep breaths, and savor each scene, and it’s one of those EPCOT attractions that’s perfect for all ages. Not to mention, it provides an excellent way to rest your feet if you’ve spent most of the day trekking around the World Showcase.
With EPCOT family experiences like this, everyone in your group will come out smiling. It’s gentle enough for kids (assuming they meet the 102 cm height requirement), and grown-ups love the experience for its beautiful sights and well-timed humor.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Soarin’ at EPCOT
Arrive Early: The early bird gets the ride! Soarin’ is one of the most popular attractions at EPCOT, and arriving early can help you skip some of the line.
Related Post: Disney World Best Times to Go
Lightning Lane Pass: This will save you a lot of time if you don’t want to wait. Even though the queue is interesting, let’s be honest—more time on rides, less time in line, right?
Middle Seats for the Win: When you’re boarding, aim for the middle seats in your row. These provide the absolute best view of the screen without any distortion from the curve at the edges.
Relax and Let Your Feet Dangle: Lean into the feeling—no really, let your feet dangle and immerse yourself in the experience. You’ll find it makes you feel way more like a real hang glider.
Look for the Hidden Mickeys: There are a few Easter eggs to spot while you’re flying—try to find hidden Mickeys if you can!
Soarin’ Over California – Nostalgia at Its Best
Occasionally, Soarin’ Over California comes back as a limited-time special, and it’s a nostalgic treat. With its original soundtrack and all the California sights (hello, Disneyland!), it has a lot of fans. For Disney enthusiasts who crave the scent of those classic California orange groves, this throwback is worth catching.
Why Soarin EPCOT Is a Disney World Must-See Ride
The Disney World Soarin’ experience is so much more than just sitting in a chair—it’s about feeling like you’re part of something incredible. It’s about the sights, the sounds, the scents, and, yes, the feeling of flight without ever leaving EPCOT. Whether you’re soaring over the Eiffel Tower or gliding above the elephants, the experience is one you won’t forget.
It stands out among thrill rides Disney World offers not for speed or extreme effects, but for its immersive, heart-pounding beauty. It’s an EPCOT family experience that doesn’t rely on princesses, and somehow, it’s still pure magic.
The next time you head to Walt Disney World, make sure Soarin’ is on your must-do list. After all, why settle for just walking through EPCOT when you can fly? Now, who’s ready to soar?
Soarin EPCOT FAQs
Do you get wet on Soarin around the world?
On the Soarin' Around the World ride at Disney parks, you won't actually get wet as the experience is designed to be a dry flight simulation. The ride involves immersive visuals and sensory effects that mimic flying over various global landscapes. Even if there were water effects, they would be so minimal that you will dry by the time the ride is over.
Is soaring around the world scary?
Soarin' Around the World is generally not considered a scary ride, as it simulates a gentle and scenic flight over spectacular global landmarks. However, the realistic flying sensation, complete with altitude and motion effects, might be intimidating for those with a fear of heights. Additionally, Soarin' can also cause queasiness for those prone to motion sickness due to its immersive motion simulation.
Did We Miss Anything?
Let us know in the comments below!
