
Photo by Disney
As Magical DIStractions reported in March 2015, two highly popular attractions, Soarin‘ and Toy Story Mania, will both be expanded to improve Guest experiences and satisfaction. At the time of our March article, there was no word if Soarin‘ would be closed during the construction.
We can now report that Soarin’ will indeed be closed during the refurbishment and the Walt Disney World website has posted the following message on their Soarin’ page: “Soarin’ will close for refurbishment beginning January 4, 2016 and shall reopen in the summer of 2016.” (Excerpt from the Walt Disney World Resort website.)
While I know that it is a let-down when we hear that one of our favorite attractions will be closed during an upcoming trip, it is exciting to know that Soarin’ will be getting not only an additional theater but also a make-over. For those who have been to Epcot before and made the dash to Soarin’, you know that it is not unusual for the standby line to be long and FastPass+ selections limited so the third theater should help with those issues.
Thomas Smith, Social Media Director for the Disney Parks shared the following news in March 2015, via the Disney Parks Blog: “Well, I’m excited to share that we are expanding both attractions by adding another theater at Soarin’ and more midway track at Toy Story Mania! We’ll also be updating the screens and projection system at Soarin,’ bringing a visually enhanced experience.”
In August 2015, Erin Glover, Social Media Director for Disneyland Resort, confirmed that the makeover will take place both at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and at Disney’s California Adventure in California via the Disney Parks Blog. The updated versions will feature new digital screens and projection systems. They will use the same technology as the planned Soaring Over the Horizon ride at Shanghai Disney Resort.
If and when additional information is released, we’ll post the breaking news! Keep a keen eye on the Magical DIStractions site for additional information! Please take a moment to sign up for the Magical DIStractions newsletter, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+, so you can be kept up to date on all the latest news and articles!
Soarin’ is in dire need of refurbishment!