Updated: August 11th, 2025
Soarin‘ to tower — we have some thoughts to share on how EPCOT can improve this ride.
Over in The Land Pavilion in EPCOT, you can dine at the beloved Garden Grill restaurant, and ride TWO of our favorite attractions. One of those attractions is Soarin’. We just wish Disney could add some new rules to this ride to make the guests happier, so let’s dive into those and what you can do if we never see these changes happen!
Soarin’ Over California
Soarin’ Over California is the original version of this ride, with Soarin’ Around The World replacing it in Disney World in 2016. We just got a chance to experience it back in Disney World during the celebration of Disney’s 100th Anniversary in 2023, but Soarin’ Around the World returned in February 2024. It’s such a hit with Disney fans, we think they should have it on a rotational basis because then we get the best of both worlds!
At Disney California Adventure, this version typically returns once a year during the Food & Wine Festival. Why can’t EPCOT have the same? After all, it’s not like Haunted Mansion Holiday or Jingle Cruise, where it requires props to change the ride. If you really want to see the California version, then you may just have to plan a Disneyland trip!
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Move The Lightning Lane
This attraction is now a Tier 2 choice on Lightning Lane Multi Pass at EPCOT since Test Track opened in July. However, we actually don’t love using a Lightning Lane at Soarin’ at all! The Lightning Lane line merges way too soon to significantly cut down your wait time here. The merge point is right where the different bays split up, so you are still stuck waiting there.
When you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for EPCOT, you can pre-book three Lightning Lanes — one in Tier 1 and two in Tier 2. We’d probably still book Soarin’ as one of those options, only because lines get much longer here than at the other attractions in Tier 2, but just be prepared, it may take longer than you think.
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Utilize ALL the Theaters
A third theater was added to the attraction in hopes of reducing standby wait times. However, we rarely see all 3 theaters being utilized at once, causing higher wait times for guests. We would love it if there were a way for all three to be running at once…or even expand on the pavilion and add a fourth! Okay, that’s not as likely, but we’d take all three open as a compromise.
This one is pretty much out of your control, but feeds back into that point of giving yourself plenty of time to experience the ride. Don’t hop in line right before an Advance Dining Reservation!
Add a Single Rider Line
Disney World’s Single Rider Line is designed for, well, single riders who are either flying solo on this particular ride or don’t mind being split up from their group. We have seen Soarin’ have a single rider line in the past a few times, but it is not consistent.
We’ve found that other Single Rider Lines actually make the wait time longer (we’re looking at you, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster). However, at Soarin’, this could really make your wait time go down! Since the rows are long and it’s filled with parties of all sizes, there tend to be extra seats.
You can find Single Rider at the following Disney World rides:
- Test Track
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Expedition Everest
You can always check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information on these lines. There’s even a map feature that shows them all!
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So please, please, PLEASE, listen to our cries, Disney World! We adore Soarin’, but we know the experience could be better. For more Disney World news and tips, follow AllEars.net.
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What is something you’d love to see changed at Soarin’? Tell us below!
Make it cooler in line, I always sweat my you know what off in line.
A well marked lane for people with height problems (that rises the least amount) and for handicapped access.
Those are GREAT ideas! Problem is, you’re wanting to reduce standby time, that won’t happen. If you do that, no need for the lightning pass. No lightning pa6, no extra money for Disney. I’ve seen so many ways they inflate times, not open6an extra theater, not adding extra logs, not adding extra cars, keeping one side of a ride completely closed (may be a maintenance issue…but who knows) But still…GREAT suggestions
I wish they would add pictures of the world, other Disney parks so something interesting could be read & looked at. Yes, as article said, utilize all 3 bays.
Have a better 4D effect – a cool blast when over an iceberg – the smell of oranges soaring over the groves – a slight breeze when you’re sky gliding – a sprinkle when you glide over the waves – a blast of dry heat when going over the desert – etc.
If you ever got your wish of a queue line that merged further down, the Guests on the stand-by line would be waiting for hours.
I like the alternating idea. I loved Soarin’ over California AND I love around the world… And a single rider lane would be appreciated
Of all of the things needing to be done at Disney…this, to me, falls at the absolute end. In fact it doesn’t even make the list.
There’s rarely a wait time.
We go 3 times a year. There’s never a wait. 30 minutes is the longest we’ve waited.
Concur with all of these recommendations! Hopefully Disney is listening!!
How about increasing the distance between rows 1, 2 and 3 so two of the rows don’t see people’s feet dangling. It kind of ruins the effect
The third theater has no smellavision, it’s been that way for years, that’s probably why it isnt open that much, we were just in that theater a week ago, even cast members know about it
Only the front row gives you the fascinating experience of flying. In all other rows you see all these hanging feet over you which completely destroys this feeling.
Please avoid seeing these hanging feet.
If they have 3 theatres, why not have both versions running simultaneously. And you wouldn’t know which version your theatre is showing until the show starts. That would be so neat.