Soarin’ Across America is a new adventure that showcases the United States from sea to shining sea, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Watch our full POV video from EPCOT.

Buckle up and get ready for takeoff! The fan-favorite attraction Soarin’ is taking an all-new airborne adventure across the United States. Be part of this limited-time journey that honors the heart and spirit of the nation as it soars into its 250th birthday celebration.

Experience the iconic elements that make Soarin’ unforgettable: the flight, the sights, the score—even the scents!

Currently in previews and officially opening on May 26, Soarin’ Around the World runs for a limited time, but this could easily be a show we see return for future patriotic holidays or events.

It opens at Disney California Adventure on July 2.

Full POV Video

Watch our full POV video for Soarin’ Across America below:

Queue

Outside the attraction is the name change reflecting the new version of the ride. There are also bunting and banners running vertically behind the marquee. The column has been fully painted blue instead of the former green.

Though not integral to this version of Soarin’, Disney did recently replace the carpet and freshen up the lighting throughout the queue. It was most definitely needed. The new carpet’s design is a tan and gray geometric pattern. The hallway with illuminated strips of blue LED lights is also brighter.

Posters of various places seen in the other versions of Soarin’ also line the walls of the queue.

Representing Soarin’ Around the World are illustrations of Kilimanjaro, Matterhorn, Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Giza Plateau, Iguazu Falls, and Sydney Harbor.

For Soarin’ Over California, there are pictures of Camarillo Orange Groves, Golden Gate Bridge, Malibu Beach, Lake Tahoe, Redwood Creek, Napa Valley, and Yosemite National Park.

Guests can put their knowledge of the United States to the test with an all-new trivia challenge. The Soarin’ Challenge Across America — created in collaboration with National Geographic for the first time — invites guests to discover which state is “Most Likely to Reach for the Stars,” “Most Likely to Lend an Ear,” and “Most Likely to Strike Gold.”

The challenge features fun facts from beloved National Geographic titles including 50 States, 5,000 Ideas and stunning photography from the National Geographic archives.

Walking through the formal queue, there is a large banner featuring “Soarin’ Across America” text and art. There are also eagles floating from the ceiling.

Pre-Show

Former flight attendant, now Captain Patrick (Patrick Warburton) has a brand-new spiel he gives to guests as they prepare to board their flight.

“Hello, and welcome to Soarin’ Across America. My name is Patrick, Captain Patrick. I’d like to welcome you to this special Semiquincentennial flight. We’ll begin boarding in a few minutes but first here’s a handsome young devil who would like like to acquaint you with some important safety information.”

He leaves the screen and the familiar safety brief from Soarin’ Around the World plays on the screen—to the delight of guests.

Scenes

There are several scenes for the new flight, and Imagineering went to great lengths capturing new footage of iconic cityscapes and natural beauty across the country. The team used satellite mapping and aerial path modeling to film.

We did get a sneak peek of filming in the Grand Canyon, but Disney remained tight-lipped regarding which scenes would be included until recently. As always, scenes are accompanied by scents and wind.

Bruce Broughton created a new musical arrangement of the Jerry Goldsmith Soarin’ themes.

The flight starts off with a scene of a Artemis II taking off from the Kennedy Space Center and moves to the Statue of Liberty before the skyline of New York City.

Guests will then fly to the shores of Maine where the Portland Head Light lighthouse is situated on the rocky shores. We felt a sea breeze in this scene. Heading to Washington, D.C., we get a birds eye view of the National Mall and Washington Monument.

We then move on to the bayou in the southeastern portion of the United States, where we get a good look at the swamp before we watch an airboat fly by.

Moving out west, we encounter a Branson Scenic Railway train moving through mountain forests before we see Mt. Rushmore’s iconic carvings of presidents.

Then, a rancher on horseback manages his herd of cattle. This scene had a distinct grass smell, similar to the African Savanna elephant scene in Soarin’ Around the World.

Continuing through the flight, the Guano Point in Grand Canyon West comes into view before segueing to Denali National Park in the Pacific Northwest where a moose wades in the water.

The last stops are the shores of Diamond Head in Waikiki and then the iconic skyline of Los Angeles where we catch a glimpse of the Griffith Observatory.

It then transitions to the Hollywood Sign.

Guests end their flight around America with EPCOT. Spaceship Earth is lit up to look like the American flag. Fireworks go off above, creating a “hidden” Mickey with the park icon.

Tinker Bell sprinkles her pixie dust as patriotic fireworks go off, some creating stars, an eagle, and the American flag.

Are you excited to ride Soarin’ Across America? What do you think? Let us know on social media.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.