EPCOT Disney 100; new lights; stars; ball
  • On Sep 22, 2023
    Jenny from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    First time visiting Disney world from Cali, how does this version of Soarin compare to the experience in the other parks like Shanghai and Tokyo?

    Well hey there Jenny and welcome back to planDisney!

    I hope you're getting excited about your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World Resort, but it certainly sounds to me like you're a fellow world traveler! It's great to hear that you're heading out from the western realm of Disneyland Resort to regions beyond and there's really no better way to experience the thrill of adventure and travel uniting these far-flung Disney Destinations like a ride on Soarin' Around the World. Since this is one of those attractions that I've been able to experience at all of its different locations worldwide, I'm happy to lend a bit of my insight into the unique Imagineering behind each variation:

    • The duration of each attraction remains relatively the same at about 5 minutes in length, and in the version found at EPCOT you'll receive an airline-style briefing featuring your Chief Flight Attendant Patrick before you take off over locations like the Matterhorn, encounter wildlife over an icy fjord in Greenland and sail into the skies over Sydney Harbour. You'll also spot Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle and Mount Kilimanjaro, then glide atop other major landmarks like the Great Wall of China, The Great Pyramid and the Taj Mahal. A quick flight among hot air balloons in Monument Valley will take you over the ocean surrounding Fiji before going over Iguazu Falls to end up along the Seine as you witness the Eiffel Tower lit up just before your return back to EPCOT.
    • One major difference I noticed was that the queue and pre-show experience is vastly different from the very start, and even includes the way the attraction is named in China and Japan. Soaring Over the Horizon in Shanghai Disneyland is nestled within rock formations found in Adventure Isle and after traversing stone passageways, you are greeted by a shaman who can transform into a bird who helps you on your way into the night skies. Meanwhile, Soaring: Fantastic Flight takes place as you enter Il Museo Del Volo Fantastico in Mediterranean Harbor as a guest of Camellia Falco of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers before boarding her latest Dream Flyer invention. (You can even spot her own S.E.A. member paddle closer to home at The Tropical Hideaway!)
    • The ending to each attraction is also slightly different, with the version in Shanghai ending among the distinctive architecture found in Lujiazui while Tokyo Tower features prominently in the Japanese iteration before it ends back at Tokyo DisneySea
    It's important to note that as of September 22, 2023 the attraction in the Land Pavilion has been changed to Soarin' Over California as part of the Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT. (You may be used to this limited-time offering coming to Disney California Adventure Park, but it hasn't been at EPCOT since 2016.) Come back to planDisney again for any more attraction advice, and don't hesitate to politely request Section B1 for my personal favorite place to be seated!

    Oh and one more thing - have a nice flight!
    Prince
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Meet the Panelist: Prince, Ontario

Hello, Bonjour, Aloha and Ahoy there! As a performer and world explorer who's been to all of the Disney theme parks around the globe, I'm always happy to provide my best adventuring advice and knowledge to navigate your way to all of the greatest snacks, attractions and entertainment on land and at sea. Find me featured on the planDisney Podcast and on the Disney Parks Blog, discussing Disney Eats at festivals and beyond, holiday events at Walt Disney World Resort and planning my Disney Fairy Tale Wedding! Learn More About Prince

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