Alright Disney fans, we’ve got some divisive news to report so LISTEN UP!
We’re no strangers to Disney rides and attractions going out of service, being taken out completely, and teasing us with testing rides to be open soon like we’ve recently seen with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. When news initially broke that Disney would be bringing Soarin’ Over California BACK to Disney World for a limited-time run to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, we never guessed it would have lasted this long. But for the fans of this version of the popular attraction, we’ve got major news to share!
Super fans of the former Soarin’ attraction’s original form, Soarin’ Over California, have been living in the nostalgic Disney days since it was brought back for Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration. While we’ve seen other anniversary celebration offerings come and go (especially in EPCOT), this was one change that seemed to stick around a tad longer than we anticipated. However, if you’re a fan of this version of the attraction, it seems our luck may have run out!
We’ve recently noticed that some of the iconic smells from this version of the ride (mainly the orange grove scent) seemed to be spotty over the last several weeks. This sparked an internal question among our team of whether this could spell the beginning of the end for the limited-time run. Now it seems that Disney has confirmed that Soarin’ Over California will end date February 27th, 2024, and will return to Soarin’ Around The World on February 28th, 2024.
We thought this was interesting that the changeover will happen the day that EPCOT’s newest seasonal festival will begin for EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival. So, it appears there’s only a few days left to enjoy this attraction in its beloved version without traveling out to Disneyland.
It’s unclear how smooth this departure for Soarin’ Over California will look in its final days at Disney World but if you’re a fan of the former version of the ride, you’ll want to get out to ride it soon!
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Will you miss Soarin’ Over California at Disney World? Tell us which version of Soarin’ you like best in the comments below!
Dottyanna says
While it was nice to see Soarin over California again, I much prefer Soarin over the World. I am glad it is returning to Disney World!
Sue says
I much prefer Soarin Over California! I think it makes sense to leave Soarin Over the World at EPCOT and then have Soarin Over California stay permanently at Disney California Adventure. This way Disney offers both versions to customers.
Richard says
Soarin’ over California is by far the better experience (in my humble opinion). Better scenes, transitions, and smells! It’s a shame that Disney have decided to go back to Around the World.
Heidi says
Soarin’ Over California! The Worlds version looks so fake!
jj skiddy says
YAY !!! Sorry but we honestly hated soarin over Cali……WIll be so happy to have back over the World!!!! Cant wait to see the whale jumping for joy to be back !!!!!
Julie says
I really prefer the Soarin Over California version. I wish they would create a replacement for around the world!
NEN says
Unfortunately, I never got to see Soarin’ over California again. I don’t care for SATW so if I never get to ride it in May I won’t care too much.
RUSS ZEISLER says
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Jesse says
It was nice to have a throwback, but wow was it a killer in the eyes. Heard a lot of people complaining about the distorted clarity as compared to the other. Glad to see it go and bring back something better.
Melissa Lankford says
We were there in January and did not see the Soarin’ Over California version but the Sorain’ Over the World. I was disappointed bc I had really hoped to see the Cali version–my favorite! We also noticed many of the smells were missing from the attraction when we were on it.
Jenn P says
Must agree with Dottyanna, I understand nostalgia (and in no way can I hate the smell of oranges) but I just love the scenes a bit more. Maybe…can they sort of mesh them together? Make the ride a bit longer? I hate to rain on other people enjoying the moment.
Jim Needhammer says
I personally like Soarin’ Around the World better – but they are both very good!!
Thom Haze says
I went to Epcot last week and really enjoyed seeing “Soarin’ over California”. The great music I know and fun scenes I remember were very welcoming. But after seeing it again, I would say “Soarin’ Around the World” is the one we should see in Epcot. A place like Epcot focuses on the various countries around the world and it just makes sense.
Dan says
Why can’t they leave Soarin’ Around the World in Epcot and Soarin’ Over California in DCA.
Give people a reason to go to different parks and see different things.
Niki says
So glad it’s switching back! SOC is ok, but the edit is clunky and it makes me feel sea sick.
Have had to avoid Soarin the last two trips but now I can go back to my usual first day at Epcot routine of Soarin and Livin with the Land before a snack in SS 😊
Beth says
I also prefer soarin’ over the world. California is great if you live there so fine for Disneyland but I much prefer the world
Michael says
With THREE Concourse options, why doesn’t Disney keep the California version in Concourse 1, and offer the World Tour in Concourse 2 and Concourse 3? This actually will double the ride experience (like with Mission Space – choose Green or Orange). It will also allow guests to choose which version they wish to experience. We will no longer have to debate, “which one is better”. This would be a win-win for all.
Pat Jackson says
Soarin is my favorite ride in all of Disney. I love either one. The last time my best friend and I were at Disney, we road Soarin 9 times! It never gets old. I loved California and I will be sad to see it go, but they both are good.
Randi Briggs says
My favorite has always been Soarin’ over California. Just can’t help it. I think it is so much better. Hope they bring it back to Disneyland soon!
Rica says
Soarin around the world just plain makes more sense for EPCOT. It’s so educational as well as thrilling!
Deb says
I hope they improved the SATW film when they bring it back. Instead of truly enjoying it, I was bothered by the distortion of the images – the quality was very disappointing, especially compared with the CA film and very low quality for Disney
Don says
I always feel that real film is better than CGI.