First Look: Behind-the-Scenes Photos From Soarin’ Across America Grand Canyon Shoot

Disney has shared the first behind-the-scenes photos from the production of Soarin’ Across America — and they’re stunning. The images show a helicopter soaring above the Colorado River deep in the Grand Canyon, one of the landmark American locations set to feature in the updated attraction coming to EPCOT’s Land Pavilion this Memorial Day weekend.

Quick Summary

• Disney has released behind-the-scenes footage of Grand Canyon filming for the upcoming Soarin’ Across America film at EPCOT.
• The Grand Canyon sequences are among the centerpiece moments of the new film, replacing the global destinations of Soarin’ Around the World.
• Soarin’ Across America opens May 26, 2026 — the same day as the Memorial Day opening push at Walt Disney World.
• Soarin’ Around the World closes May 13, giving Disney roughly two weeks to transition to the new film.
• The new film focuses entirely on American landmarks and landscapes.

What We’re Seeing

The photos give a real sense of the scale of production Disney has put into this film. Aerial cinematography over the Grand Canyon — shot specifically for Soarin’ Across America — is exactly the kind of sweeping, breathtaking imagery that makes this attraction work. The Colorado River carving through the canyon is one of the most recognizable natural landscapes in America, and seeing it from a helicopter perspective is going to look incredible on that massive concave screen.

Soarin’ Across America Replaces Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin’ Around the World has been running since 2016. Soarin’ Across America replaces it entirely, focusing the new film exclusively on American landmarks and natural landscapes. The update is part of Disney’s Disney Celebrates America initiative, tied to the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations happening throughout 2026.

The new film was shot specifically for this update — not repurposed footage. That’s evident in the Grand Canyon production photos, which show the level of care going into the cinematography.

The Ride Experience Stays the Same

Good news for Soarin’ purists: the core ride system isn’t changing. You’ll still get the hang glider motion, the signature scents pumped in at each scene, and John Debney’s iconic score is expected to return. What changes is what you’re soaring over — and this time, it’s all America.

The Grand Canyon is just one confirmed location. Expect other national landmarks and landscapes throughout the film — the kind of visuals that made the original Soarin’ Over California such a beloved classic before the worldwide version took over.

Opens May 26, 2026 at EPCOT

Soarin’ Across America opens at EPCOT on May 26, 2026 — Memorial Day weekend. It’s one of several significant openings happening around that time across Walt Disney World. If you’re visiting EPCOT in late May or early summer, this is the updated version you’ll experience.

These behind-the-scenes photos are a good sign that Disney is proud of what they’ve put together. We’re looking forward to seeing the full film.

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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!