Get ready for an exciting new adventure! In a special celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary next year, the beloved Soarin’ attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will transform into ‘Soarin’ Across America.’ Launching in Summer 2026, this thrilling, bi-coastal experience promises to take guests on an unforgettable journey ‘from sea to shining sea,’ highlighting America’s stunning natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.
This limited-time engagement will be featured at EPCOT in Walt Disney World and Disney California Adventure in Disneyland. Fans will be delighted to hear that Patrick Warburton is set to return as the chief flight attendant, guiding guests through this magnificent new aerial tour.
Just like its predecessors, Soarin’ Across America will deliver the full, immersive experience that guests adore. This includes the exhilarating feeling of flight, breathtaking sights, a captivating musical score, and even the signature scents that transport you to each location. Walt Disney Imagineering is diligently working to capture over a dozen spectacular American destinations for this innovative new flight sequence.
Tom Fitzgerald, Portfolio Executive Creative Director and Chief Storytelling Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, expressed, “Our goal was to offer guests a sampling of the diversity of America’s beauty and urban wonders with the hope it would paint an emotional portrait for the nation’s Semi-quincentennial celebration.”
Bernice Howes, Executive Creative Media Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, further elaborated on the vision: “Contrasting shots of different American locales — scenic wonders, amazing cities, and the beauty of the coasts. The use of the physical landscape of the United States as a unifying element. Then, using continuous camera movement to smoothly transition between these scenes, linking them together to show the geographical ‘whole’ of the nation, from natural locations to large cities to national monuments that represent America the beautiful.”
‘Soarin’ Across America’ is a central piece of The Walt Disney Company’s broader celebration for the United States’ 250th anniversary. This grand initiative, aptly named ‘Disney Celebrates America,’ is scheduled to commence on Veterans Day (November 11) and will extend through the Independence Day weekend in 2026.
Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, shared his thoughts on the occasion, stating, “At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility – the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning. This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stops dreaming about what’s next.”
The ‘Disney Celebrates America’ initiative will conclude with an extensive 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast, also titled ‘Disney Celebrates America.’ This special event will feature the nation’s 250th-anniversary festivities from across the country, airing on Disney’s various networks and streaming services, including Disney+, Hulu, ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. The grand finale will be a spectacular evening fireworks display broadcast live from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Beyond the park attractions, Disney is reaffirming its commitment to U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families. The company will strengthen its long-standing partnership with the nonprofit Blue Star Families through a significant $2.5 million donation, aimed at bolstering military and veteran families nationwide.
This commitment includes offering military families special movie screenings of upcoming releases at bases and in major cities, providing live coverage of celebrations honoring veterans and active service members, and presenting exclusive offers for visits to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Additionally, Disney will continue its support for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.