Disney California Adventure Park is turning 25 years old this year. In honor of the anniversary, Disney is launching a celebration of the theme park with some special new offerings. Ahead of changes to one of the park’s opening day attractions, we are getting the original version of that attraction for an extended season this year.
This version of the ride has been coming back in recent years. Now it will be back for even longer. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including news about the ART hotel shuttle shutting down and Disney World sending cease and desist letters to businesses.
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Soarin’ Over California Returning to Disney California Adventure
In recent years, Disneyland has brought back Soarin’ Over California as part of the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. Now, the version of the attraction that features highlights of California ranging from Yosemite to Palm Springs to San Diego, is coming back for a longer period.
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The original Soarin’ Over California film will return for a limited run from February 6 through July 1, 2026. Following its run, the previously announced new Soarin’ Across America will debut on July 2 in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
The ride is currently in the Soarin’ Over the World version. We don’t know when that version of the ride will return once it goes away on February 6.
Typically when the ride returns for the Food and Wine Festival there is a fun offering in the opening hours of the park where oranges are handed out to guests as they get off the ride in honor of the orange smell pumped out for guests.
We also now know that there are not plans for an extended closure of the Soarin’ ride ahead of the switch over to the new Soarin’ Across America. We can assume that this will likely be the case at Walt Disney World also. While we didn’t anticipate a long closure, we did think the ride may have closed down for a couple of days ahead.
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The 2026 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival runs from March 6 through April 27, 2026 this year. Now, the ride, which has been offered as part of the festival for the past few years, will have a longer run.
Disneyland previously shared more details about the Soarin’ Across America film, which honors the 250th anniversary of the USA, seen below:
As America’s preeminent storyteller, Disney will help bring the semiquincentennial to life by celebrating the dreams, stories, and optimism that have inspired generations. From sports and entertainment to travel and tourism, Disney encourages families everywhere to explore, learn and discover the diverse lands, and vibrant communities that make up our shared story.
To mark the occasion, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate coast-to-coast, anchored by the Summer 2026 opening of Soarin’ Across America, an immersive flight experience aboard the beloved Soarin’ attractions at Disney California Adventure park and EPCOT. Soarin’ Across America will take guests on a breathtaking journey, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.
Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary
The return of Soarin’ Over California, in this case, celebrates the 25th anniversary of Disney California Adventure Park. The celebration also includes unique character costumes, an addition to the character dining at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, and other commemorative plans. There will also be a commemorative map released.
We are also quite excited about the new popcorn bucket that was just revealed with the announcement. See the new bucket and the rest of the details for the 25th anniversary.
Stay tuned for all the details on the 25th anniversary of Disney California Adventure.
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