Soarin to Close for Refurbishment

[eandrsmom]

The Walt Disney World website is confirming that Soarin’ will be closed beginning January 4th, 2016 to change into “Soarin’ Around the World” and to add a third screen. It is scheduled to reopen in early May. I don't think that the new Frozen ride is scheduled to open until May as well. This is really going to decrease a lot of attraction options at Epcot. I imagine Fast Passes for Test Track will be a hot item.

[MarkC]

We visit on May 21-28. I really hope the new movie is open by then.

[RunDMV]

And again, WDW waits until they have attracted enough people in January for marathon weekend to make money and THEN they announce the closure of a headliner or two.

[azcavalier]

And again, WDW waits until they have attracted enough people in January for marathon weekend to make money and THEN they announce the closure of a headliner or two.

Oh, I don't think people will have skipped the marathon because Soarin' will be closed. We've known that this was going to happen for a while. If they were really only concerned about the bottom line, then they wouldn't be closing the ride during the summer.

[CarrieAllie]

so bummed about this

[MNNHFLTX]

I can understand why this would disappoint some folks visiting WDW on Marathon weekend. But, of course, the ride has needed refurbishment for a long time. When I rode it a couple of weeks ago (the first time in several years) that annoying "flaw" in the footage--call it lint, for lack of a better description--stuck out like a sore thumb. Even the couple next to me commented on it, and it was their first time on the ride.

[John]

I can understand why this would disappoint some folks visiting WDW on Marathon weekend. But, of course, the ride has needed refurbishment for a long time. When I rode it a couple of weeks ago (the first time in several years) that annoying "flaw" in the footage--call it lint, for lack of a better description--stuck out like a sore thumb. Even the couple next to me commented on it, and it was their first time on the ride.

Does make you wonder though whether they could have completed the new theatres first - then took the old ones down for refurb. Seems like that might have made more sense given the popularity of the ride but maybe there is some logistic reason they couldn't do that.

[OneMoreTime]

So bummed that we will not be able to enjoy one of fav rides during our April trip

[MNNHFLTX]

Does make you wonder though whether they could have completed the new theatres first - then took the old ones down for refurb. Seems like that might have made more sense given the popularity of the ride but maybe there is some logistic reason they couldn't do that.

They probably want to get all three theaters up and running at the same time for the premiere of the new film--goodness knows, as popular as it has been, it will be even more popular with the new footage.

[texas211]

Well, I guess TestTrack FP will be completely booked for 6-7 months then.

[EJS-Houston]

Thanks for that heads-up. We'll be there in March, so we'll be sure to use our Fast Passes for Test Trak instead.

[Davy Crockett]

Our next trip is scheduled for the end of May first of June... First trip with the parents / grandparents and we REALLY wanted them to be able to experience Soarin.... Man I hope they stay on schedule with this rehab.
Already completely bummed out that once again WL is having major construction going on during our stay and the new villas will be complete eye sores obstructing the views of the lake and why it used to be called "WILDERNESS LODGE" not Development lodge - Grrrr
Oh well enough of that soap box.

[wdwfansince75]

Don't get me wrong...I love Soarin'...reminds me of time at Monterey, and visits to just about all the locations in the film...But...Soarin' is just one of many, many attractions at Disney...and because it is in so much demand, most of us only experience it once or twice a visit, even with Fast Pass...And on almost each of our many trips over the years, we have missed at least one favorite, but still enjoyed each and every trip. So it's closed for one or two visits...Surely Disney pros can think of something else to do during the one or two gaps in their schedules!

[baldburke]

Does make you wonder though whether they could have completed the new theatres first - then took the old ones down for refurb. Seems like that might have made more sense given the popularity of the ride but maybe there is some logistic reason they couldn't do that.

That plus the fact that it leaves only other draw in the park, Test Track. That is at least until Frozen opens later this year. Let's hope they don't close too much too quick at DHS or WDW will be down to the equivalent of two to two and a half parks until they get everything back on board.

[mechanic]

The only other draw in park? I could spend two days just in world showcase. The land, spaceship earth, living seas are all above test track on my list.

[Jforrest2]

The only other draw in park? I could spend two days just in world showcase. The land, spaceship earth, living seas are all above test track on my list.

This!

[Kerry823]

The spring also has the Flower and Garden Festival which is one of my favorite times at EPCOT. It seems they would really be talking that up to maintain the levels but as of yet, I have not seen a schedule of events or Garden Rocks concerts. It has been complete silence since the announcement that they will extend it longer this year. Not sure what the issue is but previous years had far more information available before now.

[Eric87]

I am so glad that this is finally taking place. Epcot has been passed over quite a bit with New Fantasyland, Disney Springs, and the huge announcement for the Studios. Hopefully this is the start of many upgrades/returns for this park.

[WiltonJohn]

The only other draw in park? I could spend two days just in world showcase. The land, spaceship earth, living seas are all above test track on my list.

Ditto.

best,

...............john