• On Nov 4, 2018
    Jim from IN Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I heard that each destination of Soarin' Around the World has some tie to Disney. Is this true and if so what are the connections?

    Welcome BACK, Jim!

    This is such a fun question! I am a Disney Factoid Queen, so much so that I think some of my fellow Moms Panelists know not to sit next to me because I burst unsolicited Disney trivia.

    Of the 13 locations visited in Soarin' Around the World, some are indeed connected to Disney films and theme park attractions. Some are worldly places that Walt Disney himself loved to visit. And others have no apparent connections, but all could be connected to a Disney film if we tried hard enough. One thing is for sure, all of the locations are beautiful!

    ~In the opening scene, we pass over Matterhorn Mountain in Switzerland, which Walt loved and created an iconic Disneyland attraction after.

    ~Location four in Germany passes by the renowned Neuschwanstein Castle, where Walt drew the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

    ~Scene five flies over the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania, which relates back to an attraction by a similar name in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

    ~The sixth scene at the Great Wall in China was filmed at the same wall segment as the 360 Circle Vision film in the China Pavilion, also in Epcot.

    ~Monument Valley in Utah of location nine was the inspiration for Ornament Valley of Radiator Springs in the Cars franchise.

    While I was unable to officially confirm the following, the third scene in Australia could reference Finding Nemo, the Taj Mahal in India (location eight) might be a nod to the castle in Aladdin, and the tenth flyover in Fiji looks a bit Moana-ish, to me.

    Did you know: The ending scene is now a flyover of whichever Disney Theme Park you're currently visiting.
    Bonus Factoid: 'Flight 5505' is a reference to the date Soarin' originally opened in Epcot: May 5, 2005.

    We'll See You Real Soon, Jim!
    ~Kristen
thumbnail image for Kristen

Meet the Panelist: Kristen, Texas

Hi, I'm Kristen! I'm a mom to the best ride buddy and a military spouse who loves keeping up with the latest Disney Parks news. Trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World have always been fun, but now that I'm the parent AND the planner every moment is that much more treasured.  I am so honored and excited to be able to share tips I've picked up, pass on fun factoids I've learned, and help create magical moments for your vacation of a lifetime!  Learn More About Kristen

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Must-Dos at Epcot

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.