Soarin’ Across America to replace Soarin’ Around the World for Nation’s 250th Birthday

[larryz]

I agree on everything. Soarin' Over the USA or something would be a better title. Unless there will be a scene over the Amazon or something included.

You can do that right here in America...

 

[Andrew C]

You can do that right here in America...
View attachment 889396

Now that scene would make me tear up.

 

[larryz]

That said, one of the scenes MUST include a paddleboat steamer on some river somewhere... maybe Indiana.

Disney will say "it's a tribute to Rivers of America."

But we know it's a big middle finger from Bob...

 

[Baloo124]

Also can’t currently get a permit to film in National Parks.

Not the same thing as a big company like Disney, but YouTubers/vloggers are their own private enterprise. There are plenty of channels who do hiking, NP tours, family vacations, drone videos, etc etc and earn (sometimes BIG) money from NP properties.
I doubt most of them don't go through the hassle of applying for a permit. (?)

 

[DisneyCane]

Also can’t currently get a permit to film in National Parks.

I don't think this new film was a last second decision. There's a good chance they got the permits months ago.

Not the same thing as a big company like Disney, but YouTubers/vloggers are their own private enterprise. There are plenty of channels who do hiking, NP tours, family vacations, drone videos, etc etc and earn (sometimes BIG) money from NP properties.
I doubt most of them don't go through the hassle of applying for a permit. (?)

If they are using drones in a NP without a permit they could get in trouble with the FAA. You are definitely prohibited from flying a drone in NP airspace without a permit. For ground level filming for commercial purposes, I'm not sure if you need a permit if you are just filming with a cell phone or hand held equipment.

 

[Kamikaze]

I don't think this new film was a last second decision. There's a good chance they got the permits months ago.

Absolutely was not. It's been in the works for at least over a year, but the belief was that it would get shelved if a certain thing happened, which it did and obviously it didn't get shelved, so I don't know what changed.

I was just giving that person a reason why new footage isn't as easy as they seem to think.

 

[Kamikaze]

Not the same thing as a big company like Disney, but YouTubers/vloggers are their own private enterprise. There are plenty of channels who do hiking, NP tours, family vacations, drone videos, etc etc and earn (sometimes BIG) money from NP properties.
I doubt most of them don't go through the hassle of applying for a permit. (?)

I don't think any of them are flying helicopters over the most recognizable landmarks of those Parks.

Flying a drone in a National Park without a permit is illegal. Are they going to go after you? Probably not, unless you cause an issue. But Disney can't take that same risk that some two bit YouTuber can.

 

[Tha Realest]

I don't think any of them are flying helicopters over the most recognizable landmarks of those Parks.

Flying a drone in a National Park without a permit is illegal. Are they going to go after you? Probably not, unless you cause an issue. But Disney can't take that same risk that some two bit YouTuber can.

I saw a story the other day that due to the current state of things in national parks there’s been a huge uptick in thrill-seeking basejumpers.

 

[larryz]

Absolutely was not. It's been in the works for at least over a year, but the belief was that it would get shelved if a certain thing happened, which it did and obviously it didn't get shelved, so I don't know what changed.

I was just giving that person a reason why new footage isn't as easy as they seem to think.

Sure. If they're spinning tales about how they got the shots, filming is likely done.

 

[Kamikaze]

Sure. If they're spinning tales about how they got the shots, filming is likely done.

Not all filming is complete.

I do not know if that includes any potential National Park(s).

 

[JohnD]

That said, one of the scenes MUST include a paddleboat steamer on some river somewhere... maybe Indiana.

Disney will say "it's a tribute to Rivers of America."

But we know it's a big middle finger from Bob...

It's like EPCOT T-shirts of closed attractions.

 

[easyrowrdw]

Did you forget American Samoa ? One isle is in the Southern Hemisphere.

I said “of all 50 states” because I knew I’d miss something with the territories

That is a very fun fact!

 

[ToTBellHop]

Looks like this arrives July 2.

 

[Biff215]

Looks like this arrives July 2.

At DL at least.

 

[DCBaker]

Soarin’ Across America opens by Memorial Day (May 25, 2026):

Not only is 2026 a great time to visit Walt Disney World, it’s also the 250th anniversary of the United States of America!

The Walt Disney Company, founded over a hundred years ago in Los Angeles, California, recently announced “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating this milestone anniversary of the United States – including Soarin’ Across America, an immersive flight experience across new scenic vistas aboard the beloved Soarin’ attractions at Disney California Adventure park and EPCOT. Soarin’ to tower, we’ll be ready for takeoff on this all-new American adventure at Walt Disney World by Memorial Day 2026!

 

[ToTBellHop]

At DL at least.

Yeah. Surprised they didn’t pick the same date.

 

[SingleRider]

Hopefully when this opens they will move it to be a tier 1 LL.

 

[Purduevian]

Hopefully when this opens they will move it to be a tier 1 LL.

why would you want it to be a tier 1 LL?

 

[SingleRider]

why would you want it to be a tier 1 LL?

It will be easier to get. If it’s a tier 2 it will be gone way in advance every day, at least for the start. If everyone has to choose between Soarin, Test Track, Frozen, or Ratatouille it will result in overall greater availability for those booking later.

 

[esskay]

Slightly odd wording on the announcement. Open by memorial day not from memorial day. So all we get from that is it opens anytime between now, and then...