In honor of the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, Soarin’ Over California has returned to EPCOT for a limited time. This original version of the attraction, then just known as Soarin’, opened with Disney California Adventure on February 8, 2001. Soarin’ then came to The Land Pavilion of EPCOT in 2005, taking over the space once occupied by Food Rocks. The original show was dubbed Soarin’ Over California as it closed in both parks in 2016 to make way for Soarin’ Around the World featuring international destinations. Soarin’ Over California has since returned to Disney California Adventure for multiple limited-time runs, but this is the first time it’s back at Walt Disney World.
Soarin’ Over California
The sign for the ride still just reads “Soarin’ Now Taking Flight,” but a silver Disney100 plaque has been added.
The medallion features a Spaceship Earth-inspired pattern of triangles and light points behind “Disney100.”
Join us for a flight over California in our video of the attraction below.
100 Years of Wonder
Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder (or Disney100 for short) is being celebrated across the world at Disney Parks and Resorts.
The 100 Years of Wonder celebration began at Disneyland Resort with “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland and “World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure. There is a platinum Mickey statue (which initially had to be fixed because the Walt Disney quote on the base was incorrect) and a platinum Minnie statue in Disneyland.
Disneyland Resort is offering the “Celebrating Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort” guided tour, including a walk through both parks, the drawing experience at Animation Academy, a digital download of a photo taken in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Disney100 snack, reserved parade viewing, and a limited-edition pin.
EPCOT is debuting several Disney100 offerings. A platinum Mickey statue has been installed in World Celebration. At the Magic Eye Theater, guests can meet Mickey and Minnie in their platinum 100th anniversary outfits. At night, Spaceship Earth will light up with a special Disney100 spectacle of light featuring a special rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
A new mural also in World Celebration will feature 100 Disney characters in the neighborhoods of EPCOT. It will be located along the walkway to World Showcase. The rest of World Celebration will also be decked out with Disney100 platinum banners and other décor.
At night, Spaceship Earth will light up with a special Disney100 spectacle of light featuring a special rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
A new nighttime spectacular, “Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” is scheduled to premiere on December 5. The show was originally supposed to debut for the 100th anniversary in October but was reportedly delayed due to the soundtrack.
The purple metallic Mickey Balloon Premium Popcorn Bucket is available and new Global Marketplaces will open as part of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
Check out our full list with locations of Disney100 pressed pennies at Walt Disney World. Other souvenirs include Disney100 silver medallions, gift cards, light-up balloons, and refillable mugs.
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The post VIDEO: Soarin’ Over California Returns to EPCOT After 7+ Years for Disney’s 100th Anniversary appeared first on WDW News Today.