Overview
- Passholder and DVC preview rides began Tuesday, May 19 and continue through May 21 with a public opening scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.
- The update replaces Soarin' Around the World with a 4 minute 50 second film that visits more than a dozen U.S. locations, opens with an Artemis rocket launch, and closes with a nighttime flight over EPCOT.
- Creative changes include new real aerial cinematography, returning location-matched scents, a Bruce Broughton arrangement of the Soarin' theme, Patrick Warburton returned to the preshow as Captain, and a National Geographic trivia feature plus patriotic décor were added to the queue.
- Early preview reviews are mixed: critics praise the grounded aerial footage and smoother transitions but fault visible CGI artifacts, uneven pacing, and aspects of the new musical score.
- Multiple outlets forecast operational effects for EPCOT mornings with guests likely prioritizing The Land pavilion, which could drive higher standby waits, tighter Lightning Lane availability, and greater value for Early Entry while the physical theater and loading system remain unchanged.