(Review) Soarin’ Across America lifts off, but fails to reach new heights
The third iteration of Soarin’ flies into Epcot to celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States of America. Should this version be cleared for takeoff or is it best if this flight stays grounded? As a Disney and theme park enthusiast, my review covers a realistic experience.
The first Soarin’ (AKA Soarin’ Over California) opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001. The hang gliding attraction originated as a scenic flight over the state of California, showcasing both its natural and manmade beauty. After becoming a highlight at the original DCA, a clone was brought to Epcot’s The Land pavilion to replace Food Rocks in 2005.
In 2016, Soarin’ Around the World took over as the primary film and for the last 10 years, has been the subject of criticism regarding an abundance of computer-generated images (CGI) and a very curvy Eiffel Tower.
When ‘Soarin’ Across America’ was announced, there was hope that Disney might return to filming the highlighted locations across the country with minimal visual alterations.
I have been very fortunate to have experienced Soarin’ Across America twice during previews. I believe my second ride gave me more perspective and a nuanced take on the attraction’s new film. Which is a relief, because I was not impressed after my first flight. And there are plenty of others whose first impressions did not provide that soaring feeling.
A good amount of a first-time rider’s enjoyment of Soarin’, no matter the iteration, comes from the initial surprise at the locations they see and what might happen while they’re there. To avoid spoiling anything so you too can experience the ride and form your own thoughts, I’ll start off broad without giving much away.
If you’re okay with spoilers and want to know each location we visit, I’ll give my spoiler-filled thoughts further below.
Spoiler FREE thoughts on Soarin’ Across America
The enhancements to the queue are a highlight. Upon walking into the queue, you’ll be greeted by a sign promoting that this is now ‘Soarin’ Across America.’ Posters of locations from the previous two versions align the queue. The screens that project trivia have done away with the website you had to join to play along, simplifying it to just be trivia without keeping score.
Photo by April Longcore (@wheremagicbegins)
The stretch of the queue closest to the merge point, where you are sent to your designated concourse, saw the installation of bright blue LED strips, which look really great. Chief flight-attendant Patrick (played by Patrick Warburton) has been promoted to Captain Patrick, but only appears for a few seconds to explain to guests the reason for the flight across America before transitioning to the old, but still iconic, pre-show.
Photo by April Longcore (@wheremagicbegins)
The ride itself doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it’s still Soarin’. There are not nearly as many “jump scares,” which makes for a much more serene flight. The locations chosen to highlight America’s gorgeous skylines and landmarks are great picks! However, some of them suffer the same fate as their predecessor. Shoddy CGI plagues ‘Soarin’ Across America’ and makes it pretty impossible to ignore.
With advancements made in visual effects, you’d think the ride film would look more realistic. It’s very easy to notice where the visual effects end and the real imagery begins.
But ‘Soarin’ Across America’ is still Soarin’ at its core. Peaceful, relaxing, and a swell time in the AC. A change of scenery is nice regardless of how it was rendered. Disney chose a great list of locations to celebrate America’s 250th. It’s better than ‘Soarin’ Around the World’ by a mile, but it does not come close to ‘Soarin’ Over California.’
Spoiler-filled thoughts on Soarin’ Across America
If you do not want to know details about the scenes and locations throughout ‘Soarin’ Across America’ it may be best for you to return to our latest stories section and discover a different Attractions Magazine story.
If you’re ready to discover more details then keep reading right here.
Starting with the Florida Space Coast during a sunrise SLS rocket launch as part of the Artemis missions is such an amazing way to start the ride. Following it into the clouds, where the Soarin’ score swells, kicks off our flight across America in an epic fashion. After a near miss with the Statue of Liberty, you end up in the New York Harbor.
The skyline of Manhattan and the One World Trade Center was what I was hoping I’d see on an America-themed Soarin’. Unfortunately, New York’s skyline has an unsightly amount of unappealing visual effects, claiming Lady Liberty as a victim as well.
Our next stop is in Maine, at the Portland Headlight resting on the New England coastline. Night and day difference from the scene prior, as this is such a gorgeous sight on that high definition Soarin’ screen. My second favorite scene in the attraction.
A seagull flies by the screen, suddenly transporting us above the National Mall from behind the Capitol Building, approaching the Washington Monument.
Personally, I think if it is unavoidable to have a scene look like an old Grand Theft Auto video game, maybe something else should be chosen to represent that locale.
But that’s kind of where the “bad” scenes end. The rest of the locations (listed below) all have some elements of visual effects slapped onto them, and some look better than others, but overall, it looks pretty good.
My favorite scene in the attraction sees us soaring above Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles skyline at dusk. As a huge fan of the 2016 movie “La La Land,” I would truly ride this just to see this scene over and over. Absolutely breathtaking!
The rest of the scenes on Soarin’ Across America:
- Louisiana bayou
- A mountainous region in the fall with a train passing through
- Mount Rushmore
- Cowboys herding cattle in the Great Plains
- Grand Canyon
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Hollywood sign
The finale of the attraction is pretty disappointing because it’s the same as the “World” iteration. However, Epcot’s World Discovery with Spaceship Earth lit up in red, white, and blue is a nice touch. American Flag fireworks and Tinker Bell are cute, but mildly disappointing. What else would they have chosen? Not a clue, but I feel like a fool for anticipating anything special, let alone new.
It’s not all bad
A change of scenery is always nice! Despite some half-baked visual effects, ‘Soarin’ Across America’ is a welcome addition to the growing catalog of Soarin’ films. While it doesn’t come close to the original, it’s leagues better than its predecessor.
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