Disney continually updates its theme park calendars with ride maintenance dates, opening dates for new experiences, and seasonal events. Sometimes these dates can shift, which is why we closely monitor them every single month so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Disneyland Resort is preparing to debut a new version of a classic ride at Disney California Adventure, which will close earlier than announced to make way for quick but major changes. We have the applicable dates and what’s coming. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a change to Disneyland’s park reservations system and a new popcorn bucket coming to Disneyland.
READ MORE – 10 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Hotels for Disneyland
Closing Date Shifts for Soarin’ Over California
Disney California Adventure will introduce a new version of the Soarin’ attraction, Soarin’ Across America, on July 2, 2026. Soarin’ Across America will be the third version of Soarin’, following the original Soarin’ Over California and Soarin’ Around the World.
Disney Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
Though Soarin’ Around the World is the default for most of the year, Disney California Adventure has reinstated Soarin’ Over California in the springtime during its Food & Wine Festival for the past few years. This year, Soarin’ Over California began its seasonal operation on February 6, 2026, and stuck around after the festival concluded.
Initially, Disney said Soarin’ Over California would remain open through July 1, the day before the opening of Soarin’ Across America.
Now, Disney says that the timeline will be slightly adjusted. Soarin’ Over California will remain open only through June 30. However, Soarin’ Across America is still scheduled to open on July 2. We take this to mean that on July 1, Soarin’ in any form will be closed to the public.
Soarin’ Across America will also debut at EPCOT in Walt Disney World in Florida, where the attraction has a different rollout schedule. There, the new version of the ride will open on May 26 after several days of previews for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.
READ MORE – Totally Unique Front-Row World of Color View That Comes With Dinner
At both parks, Soarin’ Across America will be a limited-time offering, but Disney has not specified a closing date.
The new version of the ride is part of a company-wide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, which also includes new treats and a new popcorn bucket at Disneyland.
New U.S. Landmarks Revealed for Soarin’ Across America
Disney revealed some of the sights riders will see during their Soarin’ Across America journey, including Mount Rushmore, a Hawaiian shore, and a New England coastline.
Disney also shared that Bruce Broughton arranged a new version of composer Jerry Goldsmith’s original Soarin’ score.
This is exciting news, as Broughton previously worked on scores for Spaceship Earth and Ellen’s Energy Adventure at EPCOT, as well as Honey, I Shrunk the Audience at EPCOT and Disneyland, among other Disney attractions and films.
New Attractions at Disney Theme Parks This Summer
In addition to Soarin’ Across America, multiple new experiences will open this summer at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World in Florida.
Both destinations will welcome a new version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge starting May 22. The updated ride will star the Mandalorian and Grogu, and travel to one of three planets of the riders’ choice.
Disneyland also continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary through August 9 with special nighttime entertainment, like the Paint the Night parade and World of Color Happiness!
In Walt Disney World, May 26 is a big day, with all four theme parks debuting new or updated attractions: Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT, Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at Magic Kingdom, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Don’t Miss the Latest Disney News
Don’t miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
