Soarin' Over California

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

Anyone else miss this? The new one just isn't as amazing to me.

 

[amcnj]

I thought I read recently that the original version was coming back for a limited time.

 

[amcnj]

At EPCOT, Soarin’ Around the World will transition back to Soarin’ Over California on September 22, 2023, the same day other Disney100 celebrations will begin. This is temporary for the 100th anniversary celebration, but an end date was not announced.

The original version of Soarin’ debuted at Disney California Adventure in 2001 and then came to EPCOT in 2005. Soarin’ Around the World replaced the California version at both parks in 2016. Soarin’ Over California has returned temporarily to Disney California Adventure a few times, but this is the first time it’s coming back to EPCOT.

 

[fla4fun]

I’m planning on doing Soarin’ Over California the same day I do my Moana AP preview at Epcot. If I get those two things done, I will be pleased. I loved the original Soarin’, but the new one, aside from the horrible visual distortion, just doesn’t hit the emotions for me. They forgot to add the soul to the film.

 

[GoingSince1990]

In my experience almost everyone prefers the original, including the CMs.

 

[lisaviolet]

I believe my mother was in her seventies at the time when she first went on the original Soarin' (with me). She was child-like during the ride with her 'Oh' and 'Wow" & other sounds of being completely mesmerized and emotionally overwhelmed. Her reaction was not of her regular personality at all.

When we got off she immediately asked, 'Do you think we can go again?' Again not her way.

She has passed away now, but kudos to the imagineers for their talent to produce such a reaction and experience for her & a lovely memory for me to look back on with a smile.

 

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

I thought I read recently that the original version was coming back for a limited time.

Hope so and hope very much that it'll be back long around enough for me to ride it again!

 

[stevelle]

My last visit prior to this summer was in 2013. I didn't realize Soarin had changed and waited the whole ride to smell the oranges again, not realizing until later that the ride had changed.

 

[mumto3girls]

I must be in the minority. I love them both (my favorite ride of all time) and could not pick a favorite.

 

[Sweettears]

I agree in principle but the distorted view on the screen for the latest version is unforgivable

 

[disneychrista]

Never understood why they removed the Original from a park with CALIFORNIA in its name.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Never understood why they removed the Original from a park with CALIFORNIA in its name.

Because they thought they could "do better" (Not that I agree with that).

 

[disneychrista]

Because they thought they could "do better" (Not that I agree with that).

I've yet to see the "around the world" version. But I have not heard good things about it.

 

[GoingSince1990]

I've yet to see the "around the world" version. But I have not heard good things about it.

The first time you see it, ask to wait for the center (B) section, if you are not lucky enough to be assigned to it, so you can see it at its best.

 

[leebee]

The distortion on the "world" version ruined it for me. It made me so motion sick I had to just sit somewhere for over an hour. Although my travel party didn't get sick, they all agreed that the "world" version just isn't as spectacular and immersive as the "California" version; we all miss the original Soarin'!!

 

[fla4fun]

I've yet to see the "around the world" version. But I have not heard good things about it.

My biggest complaint, aside from the distortion, is that they tried to show too many places in too short a time, so the scenes are short and choppy. Then they tried to make each transition between scenes completely over the top, so it feels like they are throwing things at the audience every few minutes. If they had focused on fewer locations and made some of the transitions a fade instead of an explosion, I might have been tempted to forgive some of the distortion (but not all).

I will say I enjoy the China portion.

 

[Skywalker3]

While I'm looking very forward to getting to experience the old version, I love both. DH is very excited the old one will be back, at least temporarily. I wish they'd just offer both versions, and give guests the option to choose. The distortion on the new versions is SO evident when sitting on the sides, but I just kinda ride and laugh at it, like this is some trippy thing.
Soarin is still my favorite Epcot ride, well, it and Guardians/Galaxy. It'll be so fun though to revisit the California scenes on our trip next month!