Soarin’ Around the World is more than just a ride; it’s a breathtaking, multi-sensory adventure that elevates the very concept of immersive entertainment. Hailed as an instant classic and a testament to the ingenuity of Walt Disney Imagineering, this attraction takes guests on a simulated hang gliding tour across the globe, offering stunning visuals, realistic sensations, and captivating aromas. Its popularity has led to its replication across multiple Disney parks worldwide, solidifying its place as a must-experience attraction.
The original Soarin’ debuted at Disneyland Resort, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Its success led to the creation of a sister attraction at Epcot in Walt Disney World, ensuring that guests on both coasts could experience the thrill of soaring. Not content to rest on its laurels, Disney continually sought to improve the experience, culminating in the 2016 introduction of "Soarin’ Around the World," featuring entirely new destinations and a significantly enhanced visual experience.
The global appeal of Soarin’ further expanded in 2016 with the opening of "Soaring Over the Horizon" at Shanghai Disneyland. In 2019, Tokyo DisneySea welcomed "Soaring: Fantastic Flight," adding another international chapter to the ride’s story. While the core experience remains consistent across all locations, these international versions often feature unique finales that showcase the beauty and landmarks of their respective host countries.
Preparing for Takeoff: What to Expect
While the external architecture varies depending on the park, the essence of the pre-flight experience remains consistent. At Disney California Adventure, the ride is housed within a vintage aviation hangar, a subtle nod to the golden age of flight. In Epcot, "The Land" pavilion is home to Soarin’, sharing space with the bustling Sunshine Seasons food court. The entrance and queue area are designed to resemble a modern airport terminal, immersing guests in the travel theme even before they board.
Before embarking on their airborne adventure, guests are treated to a pre-flight video hosted by Patrick Warburton, known for his role as Puddy on "Seinfeld." Warburton’s humorous and informative briefing sets the stage for the journey ahead.
The ride itself takes place in one of several identical theaters, each equipped with nine motion-base units. Each unit accommodates 10 passengers, and a unique design feature is the absence of a floor, allowing riders’ legs to dangle freely. After securing their seat belts, a roof structure descends over each unit, creating the illusion of being seated in a hang glider and focusing the field of vision on the massive, domed Omnimax screen.
The Illusion of Flight: A Sensory Symphony
As the stirring soundtrack begins, the motion-base units smoothly rise and tilt forward, aligning passengers with the colossal screen. This marks the beginning of the simulated flight, and the illusion is remarkably convincing. The motion units, while offering a limited range of movement, work in concert with the visuals to create a powerful sensation of being airborne.
The gentle yet exhilarating nature of the ride makes it accessible to a wide range of guests. While the overall experience is thrilling, it lacks the sudden drops or jarring movements found in traditional roller coasters. This makes it suitable for those who might be hesitant about thrill rides. While very young children might find the experience overwhelming, the 40-inch height restriction ensures that only those who are physically and emotionally ready can participate. For guests who experience any discomfort, closing their eyes often helps to alleviate the sensation.
The core of Soarin’ Around the World is its breathtaking visual journey. Riders are transported to some of the most iconic and stunning locations on Earth, including the South Pacific, the Great Wall of China, Sydney Harbour, and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The seamless transitions between these diverse landscapes, achieved through clever use of clouds and fog, add to the immersive experience.
Minor Imperfections in a Grand Design
While Soarin’ excels in creating a convincing illusion of flight, it’s not without its minor imperfections. The rapid transitions between scenes, while visually impressive, can sometimes feel abrupt. The ride prioritizes showcasing a variety of locations over telling a cohesive narrative. Additionally, certain visual elements, such as the breaching whales, may appear somewhat artificial due to their computer-generated nature. Depending on a passenger’s position in the theater, the perspective of certain landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, might appear distorted.
A Family-Friendly Adventure
Soarin’ Around the World is generally well-suited for children ages five and older. While the ride is gentle, it convincingly replicates the sensation of flight, which may be overwhelming for younger children. The height restriction of 40 inches is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all riders. Guests prone to motion sickness should be aware that the ride can sometimes cause queasiness.
The Magic Behind the Flight: A Technological Marvel
Despite these minor drawbacks, Soarin’ Around the World remains a uniquely captivating attraction. Its success lies in its multi-modal approach, engaging not only sight and sound but also touch and smell. Fans generate gentle breezes that rustle riders’ hair, enhancing the feeling of flying. Subtle scents, such as the aroma of flowers during the India scene, add another layer of realism.
The true marvel of Soarin’, however, lies in its innovative motion-base technology. Building upon the foundation of flight simulator attractions like Star Tours, Soarin’ takes the concept to new heights by utilizing sophisticated motion platforms to simulate the sensation of hang gliding.
The ride also draws inspiration from "speed room" technology, previously employed in classic Disney attractions like Disneyland’s PeopleMover and Epcot’s Horizons and World of Motion. In these earlier rides, vehicles moved towards a screen projecting images of forward movement, creating the illusion of acceleration. While only Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom still utilizes a speed room effect, Soarin’ refines and elevates the concept with its advanced motion-base system.
Soarin’s motion bases offer a greater range of movement and are more adept at immersing passengers in the onscreen imagery. The IMAX film, projected at a higher frame rate than traditional movies, further enhances the realism and reinforces the illusion of flight.
The innovative concept pioneered by Disney has inspired similar attractions in other parks, often referred to as "flying theaters." Examples include The Lego Movie Masters of Flight at Legoland Florida and The Flyer San Francisco. Disney itself has further refined the flying theater concept with Avatar Flight of Passage at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
A Return to California: A Nostalgic Option
On occasion, Disney California Adventure will temporarily replace Soarin’ Around the World with the original "Soarin’ Over California" content. This nostalgic offering features scenes of iconic California landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, San Diego’s North Island, and a fragrant glide over an orange grove. This limited-time experience provides a unique opportunity for guests to revisit the ride’s origins and experience a different perspective on the Golden State.
