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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Soarin’

Soarin’ is a ride that takes you hangliding over California landmarks from the comfort of a moving row of seats in front of a concave movie screen. This popular attraction opened at Epcot in May of 2005 with 2 theaters that hold 87 passengers each. The riveting musical score by Jerry Goldsmith is the perfect soundtrack for your flight.

Disney announced last week that they will be adding a third theater, which in theory will cut down on wait times allowing 1/3 more people to ride at a time. It was also announced that the screens and projection systems will be updated during this time. The addition is slated to be completed in late 2016.

photos courtesy of Disney

Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania is a spinning, virtual video game ride that takes riders through carnival style games featuring all of their favorite Toy Story characters. This fun, family-favorite ride will be having its track expanded allowing for more riders to be on the ride at a time. We do not know exactly how that will work yet since Disney has only told us that much. This project should also be completed in late 2016.

Mom Maven’s Thought

I’m glad that Disney is investing in these two uber popular attractions. Sometimes we don’t need new attractions we just need our favorites to be better or have less of a wait. I am excited to see exactly what Disney toes with Toy Story Mania and with the timeline atunder 2 years, we won’t have to wait too long.

What are your thoughts? Are these rides “must-dos” on your Disney vacation? Is Disney doing the right thing by expanding them?

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