Cast Member Previews Begin at Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT

Soarin’ Across America is getting closer by the day, and cast member previews at EPCOT are already underway. That means the new film and updated experience are up and running — and what guests can see inside the Land Pavilion already looks noticeably different. Here’s everything you need to know about the preview schedule and what to expect when you arrive.

Quick Summary

• Cast member previews are underway at Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT
• The Soarin’ entrance column is dressed in red, white, and blue theming — stars, stripes, and bunting
• Annual Passholders preview on May 19 and 20 — standby queue, no Lightning Lane needed
• General public opening: May 26
• No pre-booking required for the passholder previews — just show up during normal park hours (subject to capacity)

A New Look Inside the Land Pavilion

Walk into the Land Pavilion right now and you’ll notice something different before you even reach the queue. The Soarin’ entrance column has been dressed in full patriotic regalia — red, white, and blue with stars, stripes, and a bunting detail running along the top. It’s a visual cue that this is no longer Soarin’ Around the World.

The new decor fits squarely with the attraction’s updated Disney Celebrates America identity. It’s a small detail, but it sets the tone immediately and makes the experience feel like a fresh start rather than a simple film swap.

The Preview Schedule: When You Can Ride

Disney is rolling out Soarin’ Across America in three phases:

• Now: Cast member previews underway — employees experiencing the new film before guests
• May 19 and 20: Annual Passholder previews — open to all passholders during normal park hours
• May 26: General public opening — available to all guests with valid park admission

The passholder preview is a standby queue experience — no Lightning Lane reservation or pre-booking required. You just need to be in the park, show your valid pass, and join the line. Disney noted the experience is subject to capacity, so getting there early on May 19 or 20 is smart if you want to beat the lines.

What to Expect When You Ride

The new Soarin’ Across America film takes you across the United States in what Disney describes as a seasons and regions approach. Confirmed stops include the New England coastline, New York Harbor, Grand Canyon West, Hawaii, Mount Rushmore, and more.

Bruce Broughton has arranged a new version of Jerry Goldsmith’s original Soarin’ score, and the ride’s iconic sensory elements — wind effects, scents, and ride programming — all remain intact. The queue also features the brand-new Soarin’ Challenge Across America interactive trivia experience, created in partnership with National Geographic.

Planning Tips for Passholder Preview Days

• Arrive early on May 19 or 20 — the standby line will grow fast as word spreads
• No Lightning Lane for the previews means everyone is on the same standby queue — first come, first served
• Check the My Disney Experience app for any capacity updates before heading to the Land Pavilion
• If you miss the passholder previews, the May 26 general opening will have Lightning Lane available

Soarin’ Across America is shaping up to be one of the most exciting EPCOT updates in years, and those cast member previews running right now confirm the experience is ready to go. Passholders get first access on May 19 — are you planning to be there?

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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!