As the Disney Parks and Resorts ended at the Disney D23 Expo, it was quickly announced that big changes are in store for the fan-favorite attraction Soarin’ Over California in 2016 for both Disney California Adventure and Epcot. I, for one, adore this attraction. It is one of my favorites and as a former teacher and native Californian feel like it should be mandatory viewing for everyone who lives in our state. It is a beautiful tribute to our state and shows it’s extraordinary beauty and diversity. (Plus we love the Cast Members at Soarin’.)
Rumors have been swirling for some time now that the film may be updated given the recent projection/screen upgrade. I never thought it would be so drastic. Soarin’ Over California will be transformed into Soarin’ Around the World , in which (according to Disney) guests “will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders. ”
While I really wish they would have kept the film based on California at DCA and made the world-themed version for Epcot (where it is better themed), I do have my fingers crossed that Disney will bring us the same quality, beautifully shot educational film. I hope that they do not make the attraction a commercial for their other parks and resorts and really do focus on the natural and manmade wonders of the world.
Here is a tiny bit of what they said about the attraction changes at the Expo.
What do you think of the changes? Do you wish it would stay California focused or are you ready for a big change?
I am looking forward to the changes. Grand Canyon? The Pyramids? Victoria or Niagara Falls? Ancient sites in Great Britain? (castles or Stonehenge?) Washington, D.C. memorials? Ancient Rome? Rainforest? Arctic or Alaska? Puerto Rico or other Caribbean? Tower of London?
Hope they include some of the countries that are not part of World Showcase like India, Greece, Russia, Argentina, Egypt, South Africa
I agree with you, I wish they would keep the DCA ride California-themed and have the Epcot one be world-themed. It is a cool ride and I’m sure my family and I will still enjoy it with either theme. But, I hope I can ride it one more time as Soarin’ Over California before it changes.