Soarin’ Throughout America is coming quickly to EPCOT in Walt Disney World and California Journey in Disneyland, as a part of the Walt Disney Firm’s prolonged celebration of the US’ 250th anniversary. This publish shares our ‘want listing’ for Nationwide Parks, metropolis skylines, and different locations that need to be featured within the new flyover movie celebrating the US.
As a part of Disney Celebrates America, the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the US Semiquincentennial (rolls proper off the tongue!), the Walt Disney Firm is debuting Soarin’ Throughout America in Summer season 2026. The celebration as an entire kicks off on Veterans Day 2025 and continues by the Fourth of July 2026 weekend, however we anticipate Soarin’ Throughout America to debut in direction of the tail finish of that, doubtless in June 2026.
Disney Celebrates America will honor America’s previous, have fun the current, and encourage its future. Each Walt Disney World and Disneyland will characteristic closely in “Disney Celebrates America,” which can be highlighted by Soarin’ Throughout America. As a giant fan of Soarin’ Over California and the US Nationwide Parks, I’ve sturdy opinions on what deserves to be included in Soarin’ Throughout America, which ought to have an emphasis on America’s Greatest Thought.
It’s with that in thoughts that I’ve made this listing, and doubtless given manner an excessive amount of thought to it. Earlier than digging in, there are just a few floor guidelines. First, no California. As a sensible actuality, this in all probability gained’t occur–we wouldn’t be shocked if Soarin’ Throughout America really recycles a scene or two from Soarin’ Over California, both because of issue in securing permits or to chop prices. Both manner, that’s nice with us in apply. However as a part of a want listing train, we would like all new places.
Second and considerably equally, we would like illustration of a variety of locales. The USA is a lovely place, however there’s usually disproportionate consideration given to the East Coast, West Coast, and Mountain West. There are various locations from these three areas, however we’re additionally cautious to incorporate the Midwest, Nice Plains, Heartland, and so forth. In spite of everything, these are key constituencies of Walt Disney World visitors.
Third, clearly Soarin’ Throughout America doesn’t imply Soarin’ Throughout America’s Nationwide Parks. There can be cities, farmland, and different wealthy biodiversity that makes the US such a particular and excellent place. With that stated, we’re most within the aerials from our stunning U.S. Nationwide Parks.
That is in all probability going to upset some readers, particularly those that have regional satisfaction within the cities close to them. Honest warning: Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Chicago, and different “fashionable” U.S. cities usually are not on the listing. There are solely two skylines which might be indispensable, though just a few different city environments do make the listing. In a movie that’ll have solely a dozen places, a few these will in all probability be left on the chopping room flooring.
Imagineering must be taught from its errors made with Soarin’ Across the World and focus much less on structure and man-made magnificence with Soarin’ Over America. The pure world is extra stunning and (critically) much less topic to distortion woes.
Anyway, right here goes my want listing for Soarin’ Throughout America places. Not all of those could make the lower, however it was robust to slim the listing down even this a lot, and that’s even after excluding California!
Washington, D.C.
Whereas New York is America’s Metropolis, Washington DC is our nation’s capital. It seems like an apparent choose for Soarin’ Throughout America on that foundation alone.
Flyover highlights of Washington D.C. embrace the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and all the pieces else on the Nationwide Mall, White Home, Pentagon, and extra. It’s a particular view from above.
New York Metropolis
Together with New York Metropolis is clear. Nowhere is as quintessentially American as NYC, the best metropolis on the earth, and a global image of what makes the US a superpower.
It doesn’t harm that the aerial view is spectacular. You’ve received the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, 5 Boroughs, and the town’s geography outlined by the Hudson River to the west and the East River to the east, which body Manhattan Island–the Island of Ambition. It’s about as American of an aerial as apple pie.
Thunder Over Louisville
Thunder Over Louisville is an airshow and fireworks show that begins the week of festivities main as much as the Kentucky Derby. It’s the most important and finest fireworks present I’ve ever seen outdoors of Disney.
Numerous different Disney followers have good concepts for iconic Main League Baseball stadiums or different distinctly patriotic venues that ought to be featured in Soarin’ Throughout America. I don’t disagree with any of these, however Thunder Over Louisville is an fascinating sleeper choose that mixes superior fireworks show and airshow and iconic American sporting occasion. It in all probability gained’t be featured–until Imagineering had the foresight to movie this summer season–however it’d be an superior various to extra apparent choices.
Gateway Arch
The 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch monument in St. Louis, Missouri is the world’s tallest arch, Missouri’s tallest accessible construction, and (debatably) the tallest human-made monument within the Western Hemisphere.
The Gateway Arch makes the St. Louis skyline look actually cool, and I assume appears to be like good from above. It could add Midwestern illustration to the attraction. It’s additionally inexplicably a Nationwide Park, so that will up the Nationwide Park depend for Soarin’ Throughout America.
Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park
Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park close to Cleveland and Akron, Ohio just isn’t one of many “large identify” US Nationwide Parks, however it options stunning fall colours.
Regardless of Cuyahoga Valley being fairly unassuming from the bottom, it could possibly be attractive from above. It’s not simply the autumn colours. There are just a few waterfalls, railroad, and some lined bridges. Extra nice Midwestern surroundings, and of a state that’s in all probability high 10 for Walt Disney World visitors.
Mackinac Island
Michigan’s “place of the nice turtle” is likewise deserving of a spot in Soarin’ Throughout America. Mackinac Island’s hanging pure magnificence, distinctive historic character, and car-free surroundings make it a singular winner. It could possibly be proven as a distinction to New York Metropolis, with horse-drawn carriages and cyclists providing a scene from a bygone period that’s starkly totally different to that trendy metropolis.
The flyover would additionally characteristic the pure great thing about the isle’s forest, coastal bluffs, and geological formations like Arch Rock. Mackinac Island additionally has recognizable landmarks, such because the historic Fort Mackinac, Victorian structure of the island’s quaint downtown, and ferry docks.
Have Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson sitting on the porch of the Grand Resort, and the gang would go wild. It’d be a win for America’s Workforce, in addition to Midwest illustration and the highlighting of a state park.
Acadia Nationwide Park
Acadia Nationwide Park really jogs my memory a number of Mackinac Island. It’s one of many few high-quality East Coast parks, and ranks extremely because of its distinctive coastal character. That includes the long-lasting Bass Harbor Head Mild, Monument Cove, Cadillac Mountain, and Ocean Drive would all provide breathtaking aerial visuals.
The autumn colours in Acadia additionally rating it large factors, particularly if Disney is presently filming Soarin’ Throughout America. Acadia Nationwide Park additionally has a singular private-then-public character, and it’d be a enjoyable visible to swoop down into Rockefeller’s carriage roads or head into downtown Bar Harbor.
Though fashionable, Acadia Nationwide Park in Maine is extra under-the-radar than the West Coast main Nationwide Parks, like Yosemite or Yellowstone. It’d in all probability be many People’ first publicity to Acadia. That may assist Soarin’ Throughout America stand out amidst different flyover movies.
Mount Rushmore
The rumors had been improper. Walt Disney World just isn’t eliminating the Corridor of Presidents, they’re doubling down on the thought. Soarin’ Throughout America will nearly definitely characteristic a flyover of Mount Rushmore, and for good motive.
The large carving of 4 presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—is a permanent image of America, democracy, and liberty’s leaders. Seeing the sculpture from the air would provide a singular perspective on the NPS Nationwide Memorial, and would pair nicely with the pure great thing about the Black Hills.
Mount Rushmore’s inclusion in Soarin’ would additionally give illustration to the Dakotas, so one other win on the regional diversification entrance.
Arches Nationwide Park
One among Utah’s “Mighty 5” Nationwide Parks, Arches Nationwide Park options miles and miles of pure arches (over 2,000!). The panorama of Arches is actually wonderful; it’s nearly an otherworldly surroundings.
Watching the dawn mild kiss the arches and illuminating the crimson rock formations, is one among my favourite Nationwide Park experiences. {Photograph} a snow-covered Delicate Arch is on my bucket listing, and one thing that will be a spotlight of Soarin’ Throughout America if Disney’s crews may seize it this winter. Utah can also be a completely huge demo for Disneyland, so it’d make sense to characteristic one of many Mighty 5 in Soarin’ Throughout America.
Yellowstone Nationwide Park
That is an apparent one. When Soarin’ Throughout America was first introduced, Yellowstone garnered essentially the most mentions within the feedback to our posts. My probably unpopular opinion is that Yellowstone wouldn’t high my very own private listing–along with “taking part in the hits,” I’d wish to see a fewer lesser-known locales.
Nonetheless, Yellowstone Nationwide Park has loads to supply–there’s a motive it’s America’s preeminent Nationwide Park. The park accommodates greater than 10,000 hydrothermal websites, together with about half of the world’s energetic geysers. A flyover of Grand Prismatic Spring and Outdated Devoted, together with the complete basin and village seen from above, would provide a singular perspective of the well-known geyser’s common eruptions.
Rocky Mountains Nationwide Park
Rocky Mountains Nationwide Park was the primary U.S. Nationwide Park that Sarah and I visited collectively, and it’ll at all times maintain a comfortable spot in my coronary heart for that motive. It’s additionally only a flat out spectacular place, so there’s that.
At its coronary heart, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park completely exemplifies Colorado. Recent air, dashing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, an abundance of wildlife, and folks with an affinity for the nice open air. It’s a mesmerizing place, and I’m certain the various surroundings could be gorgeous from above. It’s additionally one of many extra accessible western Nationwide Parks for lots of People, making it a very good one to focus on.
Ranch
There’s gotta be one thing in Soarin’ Throughout America to characterize the Nice Plains, which is usually ignored. That may be a mistake right here, particularly given what number of visitors of each Walt Disney World and Disneyland come from this area.
The simple reply might be a ranch in Texas. That checks off some of the vital states whereas diversifying the visuals. Whereas Texas does have distinctive skylines, I don’t assume it actually is smart to incorporate these in Soarin’ Throughout America given the options.
Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
For a excessive share of Walt Disney World visitors, Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park is the closest and most easily-accessible main Nationwide Park. Notably, Nice Smoky Mountains is the US’ most visited Nationwide Park, with over double the variety of annual guests of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park.
After all, eye-catching aerial visuals are additionally wanted to benefit illustration in Soarin’ Throughout America, and Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park doesn’t disappoint on that entrance. There are the mountains and breathtaking views alongside the Newfound Hole.
Clingmans Dome is the park’s hottest spot, and there are additionally cool man-made options–Cade’s Cove and Mingus Mill–that basically put Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park excessive, including a layer of cultural intrigue to a park that additionally has immense pure magnificence (I’m unsure Mingus Mill could be accessible for a flyover, however I like the thought).
Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park
It solely appears acceptable to focus on Hawaii alongside Alaska in Soarin’ Throughout America. Seeing the lava circulation and the night glow of Halemaumau Crater in Kīlauea are two of essentially the most breathtaking sights in any Nationwide Park on this listing.
Past seeing the glow of the lava or volcano, there’s really loads to see at Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park that could possibly be featured in a flyover. The ocean arch, steam vents, and even Volcano Home. All of this makes HVNP one-of-a-kind, and ideal for inclusion in Soarin’ Throughout America.
Alaska
The Final Frontier. America’s forty ninth and largest state. Residence to eight U.S. Nationwide Parks (Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, and Wrangell-St. Elias) and a big chunk of all NPS land within the US. Additionally dwelling to tens of 1000’s of reindeer, making it the favourite state of Santa Claus (quotation not wanted).
Alaska would give Soarin’ Throughout America distinctive visuals, with giant expanses of untouched terrain, huge mountain ranges, ginormous glaciers, and wondrous wildlife. An apparent alternative for a flyover could be Denali, North America’s tallest peak, in addition to the encircling Alaska Vary.
Disney additionally would possibly select to give attention to the shoreline, highlighted by tidewater glaciers, mountain ranges that meet the water, and misty fjords. Golden synergy alternative for Disney Cruise Line, which is able to quickly be doubling its Alaska itineraries!
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
C’mon…it’s the Grand Canyon. One of many “Seven Pure Wonders of the World.” How may it not make this listing?! Seeing the Grand Canyon out the window of a business flight is awe-inspiring, so I can solely think about how nice it will look from a more in-depth vantage in Soarin’ Throughout America.
Not rather more must be stated concerning the Grand Canyon. However on a associated notice, in the event you’ve by no means visited, I’d extremely advocate it. Earlier than taking my dad to see this bucket listing Nationwide Park, I fearful it’d be a “have a look at a giant crater and go away” expertise. That couldn’t be farther from the reality. Grand Canyon Nationwide Park is not only that breathtaking pure surprise. It additionally has a few of the nation’s most compelling parkitecture and nice hikes.
Glacier Nationwide Park
Glacier would possibly simply be America’s finest Nationwide Park. Among the many ones I’ve visited, it’s proper up there with Yosemite. There’s a lot fodder for flyover footage right here–gorgeous peaks and vanishing glaciers, in fact. However there are additionally breathtaking waterfalls, iconic lodges, and a lot surroundings alongside Going-to-the-Solar Highway.
It’s additionally a winner for wildlife. A flyover may characteristic bear, bighorn, moose, deer, mountain goats, and different critters. And so they wouldn’t even must be CGI! If Soarin’ Throughout America goes to get one heavy-hitter Nationwide Park, my vote is Glacier. It’s each bit as stunning as Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Florida Wildcard
Disney already did Soarin’ Over California, so it’s time to “Be Honest to Florida.”
Apparent choices right here embrace Everglades Nationwide Park, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Biscayne Nationwide Park, Miami and the Gold Coast, Florida Keys, historic lighthouses, Kennedy House Middle, different coastal cities, and even Orlando and Walt Disney World (simply keep away from that different theme park complicated).
I’m going to go along with a sleeper choose right here: Blue Spring State Park and/or Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge (they’re not close to each other, so it’d need to be pieced collectively). Movie this footage on a chilly day within the winter and seize tons of of superb sea cows in search of heat in spring water. One time we visited Blue Spring State Park, there have been 308 manatees counted that day!
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Your Ideas
Which U.S. Nationwide Parks, metropolis skylines, and different factors of curiosity or occasions would make your want listing for Soarin’ Throughout America filming places? Are you excited concerning the debut of Soarin’ Throughout America in EPCOT at Walt Disney World or at Disneyland? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!