Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the MagicOn Wednesday, Walt Disney World Resort confirmed the operating hours for the limited-time overlay replacing Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT: Soarin’ Across America. The updated experience celebrating the United States 250th birthday will debut in the Land Pavilion in the World Nature neighborhood on May 26, 2026. To make way for the new film, Soarin’ Around the World will close on May 14.
Soarin’ Across America Operating Hours Confirmed
On April 22, Walt Disney World Resort updated its website to confirm the operating hours for Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT. The updated attraction will participate in Early Theme Park Entry for most Disney Resort hotel guests and Extended Evening Hours for select Deluxe Disney Resort hotel guests, meaning that it will open as early as 8:30 a.m. on some days before opening to the general public at 9:00 a.m.
The Soarin’ Across America overlay will feature cinematic sights, sounds, and even smells from across the United States. Chief Flight Attendant Patrick Warburton returned to announce the temporary retheme and confirmed that it would take over the ride for a limited time only:
“Hello, I’m Patrick, your Chief Flight Attendant. Soon as you sail through our spacious skies, you may see amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties…That’s right! We’re going to be Soarin’ Across America. What better way to celebrate the country’s semiquincentennial than with a limited sea-to-shining-sea itinerary?”
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced an end date for the Soarin’ Across America overlay. After it closes, though, Soarin’ Around the World is expected to return to the Land Pavilion at EPCOT.
Celebrating 250 Years of America at EPCOT
EPCOT is also celebrating 250 years of the United States with the extension of the “Portraits of Courage” exhibit in the American Adventure World Showcase Pavilion, which features paintings of veterans by former President George W. Bush. The gallery will remain on display through July 4, 2026.
What American icons do you hope to see in Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT? Share your idea with Inside the Magic in the comments!
