Soarin’ Across America Full Flight Path and New Queue Details Revealed

Disney has finally pulled back the curtain on Soarin’ Across America, and the details are exactly what fans have been hoping for. Ahead of its May 26 opening at EPCOT, Disney revealed the full flight path of the new film plus a brand-new interactive queue experience built in partnership with National Geographic.

Quick Summary

• Soarin’ Across America opens May 26 at EPCOT
• The new film uses a seasons and regions approach across the United States
• Confirmed stops include the Grand Canyon, New York Harbor, Hawaii, Mount Rushmore, and more
• Bruce Broughton returns to arrange a new version of Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score
• New queue: Soarin’ Challenge Across America — an interactive trivia game with National Geographic
• Wind effects, ride programming, and scents remain part of the experience

The Full Soarin’ Across America Flight Path

Disney took a seasons and regions approach with the new film, meaning each scene reflects a different time of year and a different corner of the country. The result is a sweeping portrait of America that covers both coasts, iconic landmarks, and natural wonders.

Confirmed locations on the flight path:

• The rugged New England coastline
• New York Harbor
• Grand Canyon West
• The autumn colors of the heartland
• The bayous
• The great plains of the west
• The northern wilderness
• Sunlit island shores
• Hawaii
• Mount Rushmore

Tom Fitzgerald, creative director and chief storytelling executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, put it best: each scene is designed to create a portrait of what makes America special.

The Music: Jerry Goldsmith’s Score Returns

Bruce Broughton is back to arrange a fresh take on Jerry Goldsmith’s original Soarin’ score. That music is one of the most beloved pieces of theme park audio ever composed, and having Broughton return to shape its new form feels like real care for the ride’s legacy.

Ride programming, wind effects, and scents all remain part of the experience. This is an evolution of a classic, not a replacement.

New Queue Experience: Soarin’ Challenge Across America

Waiting in line at EPCOT gets a big upgrade. Disney partnered with National Geographic to create Soarin’ Challenge Across America, an interactive trivia experience built directly into the queue. Instead of static queue walls, guests will engage with facts and challenges tied to the destinations in the film. It’s a smart way to build anticipation while making the wait feel shorter — and the National Geographic stamp gives it real credibility.

Tips for Your EPCOT Visit

• Book Lightning Lane as early as possible — demand will be high in those first weeks
• Plan a weekday visit if you can to avoid peak crowds
• Give the new queue trivia some time — it’s genuinely worth experiencing
• If you know the old Soarin’ Over the World film by heart, prepare to update your mental map

Soarin’ Across America opens May 26 at EPCOT. Based on everything Disney has shared, Imagineering put serious thought into making this one of the best versions of the ride yet. A meaningful flight path, the return of the original score arranger, and an interactive National Geographic queue — it checks every box. Will you be there on opening day?

20% Off site-wide, plus Free Shipping on all orders of $65+

Over 75+ Designs! Your next park shirt is just a click away

Looking To Book Your Dream Disney Vacation?

Save time & money on your vacation

Your Disney vacation should create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time Disney vacationer or looking to plan your next magical adventure, it isn’t enough just to go on a Disney vacation. We want you to talk about your vacation for years to come and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Vacation is calling! Are you ready to answer?

REQUEST QUOTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jonathan Cotton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’m no stranger to Disney planning, as a Disneyland magic key holder and DVC member. I’m the person people ask for trip planning advice. But I had never been on a Disney cruise, and had heard great about Nate and decided to reach out. I’m so glad I did because we could not have been happier with our experience. His tips and insights were incredibly helpful, and he was incredibly responsive any time we had a question. Who do the Disney experts turn to when they need help? Nate, that’s who.

We’ll definitely be using him again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andria Skornik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our experience working with Nate as our Disney vacation planner was exceptional. He was responsive and thorough. He gave us insights that made the trip go much more smoothly. We were able to really relax and focus on quality time as a family and have so much fun doing it! I will definitely reach out for any future trips.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 rpwoodjr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Could not have wanted or expected more from Nate, our Distrips and More agent as we planned our 2025 Disney World trip. Nate was VERY responsive to emails and texts and more than willing to do whatever he could to guide us and answer our questions.  On several occasions I emailed him over the weekend not expecting a response until Monday but each time he responded before the weekend was over.  He even participated in a Zoom session with our group of five seniors as we planned our trip. He also helped us at the 11th hour when we added a family member to our travel group less than a month before our trip.  Without a doubt, I will reach out to Nate when I'm ready to plan my next trip to Disney World!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Homero Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so thankful we used Nate to plan not only our first Disney trip, but also our second. He made the process so easy for us, especially for us since it was our first time going. There was a lot to consider and many decisions to make, such as where to stay, when to go, and what to experience. Nate really helped us narrow down what we wanted to do overall, but he didn’t stop there. He provided detailed guides to help us navigate the airport and find our transportation to the resort, as well as a guide to explore the resorts and make sure we saw the best Christmas decorations. One of the many amazing things he also did was set up our dinner reservations for us. This saved us so much stress and allowed us to get some of our top choices. From the moment we landed in Orlando to the moment we headed back home, he made sure everything went smoothly. You truly can’t go wrong with going to him for your next trip.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Lee Mathes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate was absolutely the best planner I have ever had.  Will most definitely be using him again.   He took care of everything and kept me on track.  Was so very helpful in making all the dining reservations and everything.   Can't thank him enough.   He made our trip completely stress free!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Amanda Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nathan has been an amazing trip planner for me! So helpful and responsive. I am a very type A person -- so someone who is even more on top of their game than me -- is so so appreciated! Nathan has booked 3 trips for me (1 completed 2 pending) and it was perfection. Thanks again!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Hyperion Adventures Podcast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate has helped us with our vacation planning for the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with his service and expertise. We've used other travel agents in the past and none of them have done as phenomenal a job to make sure every detail is taken care of as he has. Switching to Nate was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He's always quick to answer questions and works tirelessly to make sure we get everything we want from our trips. Plus, he's just a genuinely great person who is wonderful to work with. Whether you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or any other vacation, Nate is the guy you want putting it all together! Five stars across the board!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews 
 
   
 
 

Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!