SOARIN’ OVER CALFORNIA RETURNS TO EPCOT: A Disney100 Celebration

EPCOT at Walt Disney World in Florida is gearing up for an exciting limited run of a beloved attraction...

That's right, Soarin’ Over California is making a comeback, and it's all happening in conjunction with the grand kick-off of the 100 Years of Wonder Celebration. But hold on to your mouse ears, because the end date for this nostalgic adventure has yet to be announced, leaving Disney enthusiasts with plenty to speculate about.

**The Disney100 Celebration Takes Center Stage**

Starting on September 22, 2023, EPCOT will take center stage as the epicenter of the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World. This monumental event not only commemorates a century of magic and innovation but also ushers in the future as the multi-year transformation of the park comes to fruition. The 100 Years of Wonder festivities are set to dazzle guests until December 31, 2023.

**Soarin’ Over California Returns with Disney100**

Soarin’ Over California will spread its wings once more on September 22, 2023, coinciding with the start of Disney100 at EPCOT. However, the burning question remains: will this iconic attraction continue to soar beyond the New Year's Eve countdown? The history of Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure suggests that it might not be a guaranteed extended stay.

**A Potential Extended Run**

At the very least, the OG Soarin’ will be thrilling guests through December 31, 2023, alongside the other Disney100 festivities at EPCOT. But considering its nostalgic appeal to longtime Disney fans, there's a chance it might stick around a bit longer. Imagine experiencing this classic ride during the Walt Disney World Marathon or even throughout the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. These quieter months could attract locals and Annual Passholders to EPCOT. But, alas, these are just educated guesses, and the most probable outcome remains the end of OG Soarin’ on December 31, 2023.

**Soarin’ Over California: A Familiar Strategy**

It's not the first time Soarin’ Over California has made a triumphant return. It has previously graced Disney California Adventure, often as a tactic to draw visitors away from Disneyland. This strategy was employed during the opening season of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and when Magic Happens debuted. Additionally, it made an appearance during DCA's Food & Wine Festival, conveniently coinciding with spring break.

This approach has been effective because, well, locals adore Soarin’ Over California—it's just that good. Bringing back the superior, Golden State-centric version of Soarin’ is akin to resurrecting the Main Street Electrical Parade, a timeless tactic that keeps on working. Disney fans are thrilled to see this strategy finally being implemented in Florida.

**Why It Makes Sense at EPCOT**

You might be wondering why the original Soarin’, set in California, is returning to EPCOT, a park dedicated to celebrating the cultures of the world. Here are a couple of compelling reasons:

**1. Natural Wonders of California:** Soarin’ Over California showcases the breathtaking natural wonders of the Golden State, from its farms and deserts to its coastlines and mountains. This diversity aligns with Epcot's Land pavilion, which focuses on human civilization's interaction with the Earth.

**2. Unidentified Locations:** Most guests who experienced the original Soarin’ at EPCOT didn't realise that the locations were exclusively in California. Many of the scenes are not immediately recognisable as Californian, making the ride feel more like a generic tour of stunning locations.

**A Return to Authenticity**

While Soarin’ Around the World highlights global landmarks, the original Soarin’ focuses on the beauty of nature. It relies less on CGI and cheesy animations, and its real footage has aged gracefully. The CGI-heavy new version, on the other hand, is more likely to show its age sooner.

**A Nod to the Past and Future**

The return of OG Soarin’ to EPCOT serves as a fantastic throwback during Disney100 at Walt Disney World. This nod to the not-so-distant past, around five years ago, will surely be appreciated by longtime Walt Disney World fans who still cherish the original Soarin’. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the past, present, and future of EPCOT during Disney100.

In conclusion, the return of Soarin’ Over California to EPCOT is not just a trip down memory lane—it's a celebration of the magic, wonder, and innovation that has defined Disney for a century. So buckle up, Disney fans, and get ready for a soaring adventure through the iconic landscapes of California, all while relishing in the enchantment of Disney100.

*PS. (There’s also our (preferred) option of running Soarin’ Over California in one theater, and figuring out a logistical way to let people choose.)*