I knew that Soarin’ Around the World would be even better than the original because of newer technology and more diverse locations and, I was right. I was also hoping some things would stay the same, I had hoped that fan favorite Patrick Warbuton would still do the pre-flight instructions and that the original Soarin’ musical score would remain. I am please to say that Patrick is still our flight attendant and his section of the pre-show video is still in tact! The new version of the score for Soarin’ Around the World was composed by Bruce Broughton and is based on the original themes by Jerry Goldsmith. I love that the new score includes instruments unique to some of the locations that are visited in the film.

Mom Maven’s Soarin’ Around the World Experience

I didn’t have a Fastpass for Soarin’ Around the World because it is a tier one attraction and I used my Tier one Fastpass for Frozen Ever After. This decision paid off even better than I had anticipated. The big thing that took place while Soarin’ was down for rehab was they built a 3rd concourse! Now instead of seating 174 people at a time, the ride can handle 261, this has done just what it was designed to do, reduce standby wait times.

When I arrived there was a 35 minute wait time posted. When you are in the main part of the queue there are huge video screens on the wall. Those screens are now an interactive trivia game you can play while you wait! When you are in line visit SoarinChallenge.com and play along with and against fellow guests. This game is geo-specific so it only works when you have your GPS on your phone enabled and are near Soarin’. I didn’t play on my phone but many guests around me were enjoying the challenge.

The line moved well and in about 25 minutes or so I was directed to Concourse B. Since I was a party of 1 I was pulled out of line to fill a spot in Section B Row 2. The ride was AMAZING! The images are beautiful, I loved the wildlife. There are moments that make you jump and maybe even scream. For a 2-D movie this was very much an experience. It is also nice that the theaters are equipped with new clean, crisp laser-powered projection systems.

Mom Maven’s Thought

Ride it! If you loved the original Soarin’ you will love Soarin’ Around the World even more. They took an amazing attraction and made it even better. This is an amazing way to see sights like the Matterhorn, Kilimanjaro National Park, Sydney Harbor and more. If you haven’t planned your trip to Walt Disney World yet, I’d love to help you. I’m a certified Disney Vacation Planner and I work with a Disney Earmarked Travel Agency. It only takes $200 down to book your magical vacation and I am here to help you every step of the way. Just Email me and we will start planning.

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Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23*. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

Photo courtesy of Disney Preston Mack, photographer

Our gang is already gearing up,and praying for cooler weather than last year. Unfortunately Disney didn’t move this event to a cooler time of the year so we need to prepare better. One thing we are planning to do this year is to park hop. Last year the Magic Kingdom was wall-to-wall people, especially from 10am-10pm. WE will still be spending about 12 hours in the Magic Kingdom but we will also hop to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom in an attempt to miss some of the crazy crowds.

After the Memorial Day weekend kick-off, the Coolest Summer Ever continues with Olaf as the official host, Walt Disney World guests can get their cool on all summer long at four theme parks and two water parks.

Some of the highlights:

• Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will bring together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, June 17-Sept. 7. Guests will find cool thrills this summer including a royal processional, a sing-along show, Frozen-themed treats and merchandise, plus a Frozen fireworks display above Hollywood Blvd.
• Cool Thrill Rides – Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Don’t-miss attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom; Test Track presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Star Wars Weekends – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15-June 14.
• New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.
• Epcot Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on a fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
• A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.

For more information, visit Disneyworld.com/CoolestSummerEver and subscribe to The Mom Maven for all of the latest updates! Will you be at this year’s 24 hour party? Let me know, I’d love to meet up! Do you think we are crazy for going again, let me know that too!

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