Soarin’ Over the World: A Disney California Adventure Experience

Suspended in the middle of an 80-foot domed screen, California Adventure visitors soar like hang gliders over the world’s most scenic spots in this flight simulator ride.

After a long run as Soarin’ Over California, this attraction re-opened as Soarin’ Around the World, shortly after the new show premiered at Disneyland Shanghai. It is shot in high definition and displayed using a laser projection system. Visitors can soar over six continents in just a few minutes, returning to Disneyland at the end.

Actor Patrick Warburton, who may be best known as Elaine’s sometimes boyfriend Puddy on “Seinfeld,” returns as the chief flight attendant and host.

If you loved the original, California-themed Soarin’, you may feel some nostalgia since you can’t dangle your feet in the river or smell the orange blossoms. The international experience still includes scents; however, feedback suggests some of them may not represent the places they’re intended to reflect accurately.

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the old orange scent, you can open a bottle of Tang drink mix and sniff it – which was used to create that beloved scent. Otherwise, you can expect to smell grass as you soar over Africa, an ocean breeze over the South Pacific, and freshly cut roses above the Taj Mahal.

On the bright side, the projectors and sound system have been upgraded. But it’s a personal loss not to miss that golf ball flying in Palm Springs and the skier taking a tumble in the snow.

What You Need to Know About Soarin’

Disneyland Resort
  • Location: Grizzly Peak
  • Rating: ★★★★
  • Restrictions: 40 in (102 cm)
  • Ride Time: 5 minutes
  • Recommended for: Anyone who meets the height requirements
  • Fun Factor: Moderate. It’s not fast or scary, but it is enjoyable, and children of all ages delight in kicking their feet among the clouds.
  • Wait Factor: High. Use a Fastpass to shorten your time in line; however, availability may be limited, so act quickly. Consider getting in line during parades or evening shows. Note that the Single Rider option is unavailable. To maximize efficiency for families, Rider Switch allows parents to swap without waiting in line twice. Inform a Cast Member in the loading area about your intent to “swap off.”
  • Fear Factor: Most people are comfortable with the flying sensation, but it might be disturbing to those with a strong fear of heights.
  • Herky-Jerky Factor: Low
  • Nausea Factor: Medium
  • Seating: Ride vehicles are suspended with three rows each, and every person has a individual seat and seatbelt. Simply walk up, store your belongings, sit down, and buckle in.
  • Accessibility: If you’re in a wheelchair or ECV, you will have to transfer from your wheelchair into the ride vehicle. Enter alongside everyone else and request assistance from a cast member at the loading area. Service animals are not permitted. For information on guest-activated captioning, consult a cast member.

How to Have More Fun on Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin Around the World at Disney California Adventure
Soarin Around the World at Disney California Adventure. Disney Parks
  • Soarin’ is so realistic that it might make you feel slightly nauseous as you dip and soar; thus, closing your eyes may help.
  • The absolute best seat is in the front row. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise. If directed to another row, simply inform the cast member that you’d prefer to wait for a front seat. It may entail a longer wait, but the unobstructed view is worth it.

Fun Facts About Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin' Over California
Getting Ready to Go Soarin’. Cloganese/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The gliders move 45 feet into the air into the middle of a surrounding screen, creating an immersive experience. The glider vehicles mimic the movement of the camera, enhancing the realism.

The projection system, reminiscent of a local IMAX, is so advanced that Disney had to invent proprietary technology to achieve the stunning detailed views.

Enjoy the aromas that are piped in to enhance the experience; however, rest assured that if you’re allergic, all scents are natural.

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