Credit: DisneyDisney is working on significantly upgrading one of its most popular attractions.
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The Walt Disney Company is constantly innovating and looking for new opportunities to provide fun and magic for its theme park guests. Over the last half-decade, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts have changed drastically, with new and exciting rides, attractions, shows, restaurants, and experiences opening up. Walt Disney Imagineering is a big part of what makes Disney theme parks so great, as it develops new and impressive technology for use in immersive attractions. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is perhaps Walt Disney Imagineering’s greatest work yet, blending multiple ride systems together in an immersive experience unlike any other.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened at EPCOT in 2022, becoming one of Disney’s best roller coasters ever. The ride puts guests in the middle of a terrifying cosmic adventure, broken up, of course, by the Guardians of the Galaxy’s well-known sense of humor. Along the way, guests will encounter all of their favorite characters, like Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket Racoon, as well as some new faces. However, what Disney is currently working on has the potential to change the theme parks forever.
Disney Files New Soarin Patent
A recently filed patent from Disney reveals the company’s plans for a Soarin 2.0 adventure, with a more lightweight ride system, greater range of motion, and more “aggressive” ride style. The new patent notes the original Soarin’ attraction by name, stating the new system is meant to replace the decades-old one.
The new system is being developed as an improvement upon Soarin’ Around the World, which can be found at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The new system would improve upon the “casual” flying experience by introducing a new and more thrilling ride sensation. Several photos from the patent give insight into the project, revealing new structures and ride vehicles.
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The new specifications indicate Disney wants to provide more thrills for Soarin’ riders, introducing new sensations like turbulence to the experience. The new mechanics would allow the seats to pitch up or down, as well as roll. The patent makes it clear that the new ride would be comprised of three stages: a load section, a transition area, and a show section.
Soarin’, originally titled Soarin’ Over California, first opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001 and was eventually brought over to other Disney resorts, like EPCOT, in 2005. The motion simulator ride has been one of Disney’s most successful creations, consistently posting hour-long waits.
No timeframe has been given by Disney, but this new patent could mean extensive downtime for Soarin’ Around the World in the coming future.
Do you enjoy riding Soarin’? What’s your favorite Disney theme park attraction?