This review examines the new Soarin Across America attraction at EPCOT, celebrating American patriotism with a flight journey across the United States. The ride begins with a powerful Artemis rocket launch scene at Kennedy Space Center, setting an uplifting tone before traveling through diverse American landscapes. While some scenes featuring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty suffer from noticeable CGI distortion, the natural scenery throughout most of the flight is praised for its quality and execution. The attraction retains the beloved core elements of previous Soarin versions, including free-flight simulation and immersive scoring, though pacing feels slightly slower than earlier iterations. Critics note that the new musical arrangement by Bruce Broughton is excellent but doesn’t quite match the original score’s impact on scene transitions. Despite minor imperfections, the ride successfully celebrates American diversity and geography, making it a fitting tribute for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration. The experience concludes with a nighttime flight over EPCOT, bringing the journey full circle in a satisfying manner.
Category: Disney Parks
Universal Studios Orlando celebrated the first anniversary of Epic Universe by sharing unseen 35mm film photos from its grand opening. The park, which opened on May 22, 2025, was designed to feel distinct from other theme parks through its intimate details and immersive experiences. Executive Vice President Jeff Polk highlighted the importance of micro-moments, such as chance encounters with characters like Captain Cacao, the space-sailing teddy bear. The park features four unique lands, each with its own design and atmosphere, including the Wizarding World, Darkmoor, Super Nintendo World, and Celestial Park. Nighttime photography captured the park’s intricate lighting and magical ambiance, showcasing how the environments transform after sunset. Universal is positioning Epic Universe as a full-week destination with a boutique feel that avoids the mass-market experience common in other parks. The park’s infrastructure allows for future enhancements, including expanded nighttime offerings and new attractions. With its rich design and commitment to guest experience, Epic Universe has quickly become a standout addition to the Orlando theme park landscape.
The Rock n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets features impressive props and detailed cameos that delight fans. Great Gonzo s Stunt School Hollywood props are highlighted as a visionary touch by the ride designers. Dr Teeth s hat and keyboard buttons are noted as potential merchandise items for collectors. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights may be referenced in attic props visible on the right side. Cameo appearances by various Muppets are displayed on screens behind Scooter in the pre show room. Dr Honeydew s whiteboard displays Euler s Identity linking fundamental mathematical numbers to musical beauty themes. The Interpol Car from Muppets Most Wanted and Muppet Mobile Labs appear before boarding the ride vehicle. TouringPlans Lines app users are encouraged to stop timers before gates open for optimal wait times. The entire experience is praised for its attention to detail and whimsical execution throughout the attraction.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of a new animation-themed experience. The former Star Wars Launch Bay will be reimagined as the Walt Disney Animation Studios campus, with parts of the project already open to guests. The Animation Courtyard debuted earlier than expected, featuring updated landscaping and studio-inspired architecture. A new interactive stage show, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, brings a participatory musical experience to the park. The upcoming Magic of Disney Animation attraction will offer an indoor walk-through experience focused on the creative animation process. Interactive elements include animated portraits, short-film presentations, and guided drawing activities. A dedicated play space called Drawn to Wonderland will cater to younger visitors with themed play zones. The experience aims to introduce new generations to the creative process behind animation through various engaging activities.
Disney Hollywood Studios celebrated Star Wars Day on May 22nd by introducing new missions themed to The Mandalorian and Grogu aboard the Millennium Falcon. The updated version of Smugglers Run attracted large crowds eager to experience the fresh gameplay features. Despite initial delays and chaotic lines, the ride eventually opened with manageable wait times. The new engineer position has become a popular choice among riders, contributing to the high demand. Guests are expected to wait longer as they queue for multiple rounds of the enhanced attraction. The park also announced upcoming openings for Rock n Rollercoaster Starring The Muppets and Walt Disney Studios. This exciting update marks a significant expansion for the Galaxy’s Edge land.