Is Soarin' Over California a World Class Attraction? • FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT

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Soarin' to Tower: Ryan and Byron are ready for takeoff! They'll take to the skies over California to discuss the original version of this attraction.
CREATED & HOSTED BY
Ryan Bergara & Byron Marin
EDITOR
Byron Marin
PRODUCER
Matt Real
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Steven Lim
Ryan Bergara
Shane Madej
Social:
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/ ryanbergara
/ byronamarin
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FYA Logo by Arthur Kierce (@theonekierce)

[@addysonpopenhagen]

Please never give up on this podcast, it's legitimately one of the only things I look forward to every week :)

[@drewwrobel564]

damn, I'm sorry🙏

[@apeiceofgarbage9848]

Me too ❤❤

[@SarasAbstractExpressions]

I'm in the same boat lol. Like there is nothing good coming out on the regular anymore 😅

[@jorgehorge2126]

I agree with ya

[@maluuuuuuuuuuuuiza]

same!!

[@ratbones620]

The most obvious solution for Soarin to me would be to keep over California in DCA and keep over the world in EPCOT. It makes so much sense for the themes of those parks.

[@watcherpodcasts]

Hard agree. - Ryan

[@noblenansa]

THANK YOU! I've been saying this for years!

[@reidmonninger1110]

I agree and I’d say they need to redo the new Soarin vid to be more centered around the world’s beautiful NATURAL landscapes like Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, the Arctic and less famous cities and architecture. I’d also say they should get rid of that stupid wipe across the screen that they do now each time the location changes. Like that just kills the immersion

[@STSGuitar16]

Honestly it seems like they could film multiple different Soarin’ “videos” and rotate through them like Star Tours. Idk, maybe that would mess with the perfection of the ride as it is, though. I guess one or two great shows is better than five mediocre shows. I’ve now completely talked myself out of my original idea lmao

[@imaginearingwithme6544]

Oh lol I literally just made the same comment

[@moiraconrad2196]

The original Soarin' Over California will always have a very special place in my heart. When they were filming the movie for the attraction, cast members could bring their family in for the flyover. My Mum was in the last stages of chemo for stage 4 cancer, but she valiantly went with us to watch this epic occasion. The Christmas parade was going down Main Street, and we were standing (she was sitting) near where the toy soldiers are marching. She died 6 months after this, the chemo ultimately having no effect. Now, whenever I'm back in town (I now live in NYC, but my sister still works for the company), I look forward to going on this attraction. Yes, the vistas are stunning and the music is beautiful, but seeing the toy soldiers, and knowing that my mum is down there watching the parade makes this attraction an extremely emotional moment for me.

[@watcherpodcasts]

Sorry to hear about your mom, but happy you have that memory preserved. I had no idea Disney did that for the flyover, thank you for sharing. - Ryan

[@zacharyeversole]

I drop everything and listen to this whenever it comes out. Please keep going. Also make another theme park podcast. Also just keep talking about theme parks forever. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

[@1.-._.-._.]

I think what “around the world” is missing is charm. Over California had so many charming, almost personable moments; the golf ball coming at the screen, the cowboys, the jets, the guy eating shit on the side of the mountain… it gave life to the places rather than just “oh look, it’s all those incredibly famous and unattainable landmarks….again”

[@Tortidis987]

Yeah I think that's a huge part of it. Soarin Around the World gives a sensation of "look at all these famous places that I already know about but I'll probably never be able to visit" as opposed to Over California's "ooh what are these places that are all within driving distance?"

[@brittanykingdon7335]

This pod is a safe place for Disney adults who reject the negative connotation of our shared obsession lol

[@kelbh]

I would kill to see Defunctland on something like Back to the Future just because of the world class test, but there's SO many good defunct attractions that I hope you guys cover. I miss the CA version of Soarin' so bad.

[@eman.santuray]

As outdated as the footage was on Soarin’ over California, the magic of it made sense to the whole park that is DCA. The whole whimsy and adventure of the ride and how they pulled it off was what made it Disney. The pre show and queue even built off the history and charm of CA’s hype over aviation. The combo is just *chef’s kiss*

[@katie91157]

Fun fact: the video footage of Disneyland at the end was filmed at cast member Christmas party in 2000! My mom was a cast member and was pregnant with me. When I was a kid, she and my dad always pointed out the exact tree they stood next that night. Other than that fact, I vividly remembered going on soarin as a very small kid and thinking we were LITERALLY flying out of the building! Most magical feeling ever

[@SophiaStar4444]

I don’t even like rollercoasters bc they scare me… but I watch this podcast every week bc I love to hear u guys talk abt what ur passionate about. Thank you for all the good energy every week

[@brentparker7359]

"1000% Mom approved" -- I had a different experience when we talked my mom into going on Soarin' Over California. My experience is that it's this gentle, relaxing ride. However, she felt like the scenery was flying at her and had to close her eyes. At the end, her palms were sweating and she was terrified they were going to accidentally send her back up again. She thinks it's funny now though, but there's no way she'd ever go on it again.

[@michellemarlin1424]

As someone who’s ONLY ridden soarin over the world, it was my favorite ride in Epcot😭 when I realized the different smells were incorporated, it just blew me away

[@ttriblazor]

Soarin’ is one of my favorite attractions of all 6 US parks. Came back after finishing the episode to say two things: 1) I think the signature moment is the score, so I’m not sure it passes without the score (though just the footage made the composer of the score cry, so maybe) 2) the queue for soarin at Epcot used to be great. There were giant games on the walls that you played by moving your body. Everyone was playing and laughing! I was so sad to see those gone on my recent trip I’d love for you guys to do an episode with Provost Park Pass as a guest. I love the guest episodes. Not to say that I don’t love when it’s just the two of you. I’m rambling. Keep up the good work!

[@clarahuff3355]

I LOVE SOARIN OVER THE WORLD. It’s one of my favorites. But I also grew up in Europe and traveled a ton so it makes me feel very nostalgic to see places I went to with my dad when I was a kiddo. Makes me emotional to ride. I love her.

[@tristanw46]

This has to be one of my favorite podcasts/channels of all time. Plus the mention of Hersheypark by Byron and the possibility of it being covered in the future is exciting as it rarely gets talked about, even though it has some unique/interesting attractions.

[@neelis42]

Ever since I came across this channel (this podcast specifically), I look forward to whenever you release a new episode. As soon as I watched my first episode, I went back and watched all the others. Love this series and hope you guys continue on with it!

[@marcussheen]

I genuinely roared with laughter when Ryan said Jerry Goldsmith "watched it dry, and he made it wet". This podcast is incredible, absolutely loving your work.

[@pattsworth]

That Travolta "little beard" line is so good, I cracked up. Patrick Warburton's part always feels like a warm hug to me; insane how he managed to pull that off in a fucking preshow spiel. And the score for SoC is one of those pieces of music that will always make me emotional. As a born and raised Californian, it's such a love letter to the state and how diverse and beautiful it is here. I went to a Cast Member preview of the new version, and I remember liking it but also feeling a pang of sadness over what we lost. There's really no comparison to me. Still loving this podcast, I look forward to it every week! Thanks for all you guys do.

[@bradleyh7582]

I'm surprised there were not more giggles with all this talk for ERECTor sets and golf STROKES... just me?

[@sammybeanson]

Thank you for reviewing this. I’ve cried every time I’ve gotten to re-ride this version because this was my poppop’s favorite ride and it’s my way to feel close to him even though he’s no longer here. Disney made a mistake when they tried to replace it and there’s a reason why they keep bringing it back.

[@quaglegagle674]

I was hoping for Country Bears this week in tribute, but I do love to hear Ryan and Byron talk about Soarin

[@dpet18]

Literally the best day of the week solely because of this podcast!!!

[@Tortidis987]

I am one of Soarin Around the World's biggest haters, but that being said I cannot recommend the Tokyo DisneySea version enough. It actually passes the smart phone test with flying colors, one of the most beautiful queues in a park full of great ones. And while it may sadly lack Patrick Warburton, it makes up for it with an incredible pre show of its own. And if you thought moms loved Soarin, just wait until you've seen Tokyo-ites reactions to Soaring. Screaming, clapping, crying, the energy is so contagious that it made me appreciate the ride for the first time (also helps that they replaced the Eiffel Tower scene with a less warped Tokyo Tower)

[@frannienunn5260]

I have been deep diving into Defunctland (because of you guys!) and was just thinking that this would be an amazing attraction for him to cover. And now you’re doing it! So many memories of this ride, I was at California Adventure near its opening as a preteen, and this was one of the most memorable rides. Definitely gives a huge hit of nostalgia!

[@INTJMatt]

My favourite of the watcher branded pods. I love the history on all these. It’s really cool to see old footage of rides that inspired the rides being covered and as someone who’s a fan of history I do enjoy all the context for everything. Keeep up the good work.

[@ashlynbail]

I have a deep love for soarin over the world but I’ve also never been able to experience the over California version so I don’t have that to compare it to. I just think they they got the vibes so right for soarin that any version you’ve rode of it no matter your age makes you feel that magic

[@zacharyeversole]

I felt like this too, until I went out to California adventure and got to ride Soarin’ over California for the first time when they had it temporarily. It is a far superior experience.

[@WillDoThatLater]

So glad I’m not the only one who likes to listen to this song shredding on the mountain. This track is built in to my ski playlist

[@HaleyS_]

The Soarin' score is the reason I fell in love with Disney. Listening to it brought such immense joy one day, that it cemented my love for the theme parks. Listening to you guys talk about it brought the chills it once gave me.

[@davidfeltheim2501]

What makes the music for the reveal of the golden gate bridge at the beginning of Soarin' just that much better than the equally as amazing Jurassic Park ride reveal through the gates with John Williams, is that Jerry Goldsmith wrote it FOR the ride.

[@killervirgo]

I’ve been on every Soarin(g) except Shanghai. The Soaring queue at Tokyo DisneySea is amazing.

[@MrJmuboy]

The Grumpy Disneyland Resort shirt the "little aviator" is wearing in the Soarin Pre Show. The one that you mentioned is the script are from the early DCA era / early 2000s and were definitely sold in DL stores. I distinctly remember them. I have to say I am IN LOVE with this PODCAST! Thank you for bringing this Disney Adult and Theme Park Geek a lot of joy!

[@pterodactylpie8825]

I like soarin over the world, especially the Fiji islands, personally I think that smell is nicer than the oranges. But the California scenery is super beautiful too

[@brookegranger9183]

Absolutely adore this podcast!! Please do continue it- it makes my days at boring retail job bearable. also, I am indeed one of the people who loves soarin’ over the world. The tinker bell slander is uncalled for

[@SazzzMatazzz]

I’m loving this podcast so much I just booked my first solo Disneyland trip for my birthday and I couldn’t be more hyped

[@LindsayKBurton]

I grew up in Camarillo and I have a soft spot for this ride, so I really enjoyed this episode! I love bragging about living in the place with the orange groves. What a great podcast! I look forward to it every week.

[@RM13741]

1. I’ve only ever been on Soarin’ Around the World, and I love it. I cry every time I ride it, the score is definitely super emotional! And I would love to ride Soarin’ Over California if I ever get the chance. 2. I’m actually going to see Patrick at the end of the month, and I’m going to play him the part of the pod when you talk about him! He’s a great guy and will love hearing your nice comments!

[@watcherpodcasts]

WAIT WHAT?! If you show it to Patrick, you gotta record his reaction and send it to us! Just tweet it at me! - Ryan

[@RM13741]

@@watcherpodcasts I will for sure!!! He does a huge St. Jude fundraiser in Palm Desert every year, amazing and hilarious guy! Btw absolutely love this podcast. You guys are great!!

[@watcherpodcasts]

@@RM13741 Oh that's amazing! And thank you!!

[@spindaexpress]

This episode was so validating as someone who prefers the CA version over Around the World, I truly thought people preferred the latter bc of the higher quality/newer footage but there is such a charm to the CA version that I can't resist.

[@Bunnybubbles]

I need a FYA shirt to wear at the parks 😂

[@rebeccar955]

I 100% agree. I would wear that shirt to rags

[@Nikki-tx6kh]

A Dad t-shirt saying- I've passed the Detrackulation Test.

[@meggiepie]

My favorite thing to do after watching yalls review is to go and look up a video of the ride so I can see for myself if I agreed with a lot of your points (and also free serotonin)

[@BelieveInMyDaydreams]

I love Soarin with the world version so much, the ride has such a wholesome and entertaining vibe. I don't really get the love for the California version outside of nostalgia, and look I get it Disneyland is full of nostalgia. But I don't think that version of the ride lives up to the hype for me. To be honest even if the quality did still hold up I just don't get the appeal of traveling to California and then going on a ride to...visit California. That said I'm so glad we still have a version of the ride! I love this podcast so much please keep making it.

[@feliciteacup]

i almost cried when i got to ride it again for the first time in so many years at epcot this past december, everything about it is so much better than around the world.

[@barbehrhart]

Team Soarin over California here!! In fact when we heard it was coming back to Epcot for a limited time we scheduled a long weekend visit to Orlando to see it!!

[@ttintagel]

I loved If You Had Wings as a kid. I remember on my first trip my sister and I got right back in line three times. It was so chill and atmospheric, with a catchy theme song that gets stuck in my head to this day. And the "speed tunnel" sequence at the end was very convincing.

[@a_wild_tortoise7755]

I didn't realize how much I would end up enjoying this series but here we are!

[@Jessikaya100]

As a New Zealander who will likely never get to experience these parks and rides, I love this podcast!! ❤

[@KetoHelloKitty]

You know you really love this podcast if you get really excited they got two sponsors. I know many have echoed this but please do not end this podcast I look forward to it every week. Once I see it’s up I can’t wait to watch to it at the end of the day. Thank you Ryan & Byron

[@Tea_and_Arsenic]

I do enjoy Soarin’ Over the World, but as someone who grew up in California but hasn’t lived there for a really long time, Soarin’ California has a special place in my heart, and makes me incredibly homesick. I’m not a cryer, but this overlay cuts onions.

[@breenotcheese746]

Soarin over California has such an intimacy and depth that the Around the World version could never achieve

[@aaronoxen]

Had the fortune to do Soarin' over the World, and then next day they switched it to Soarin' over Cali. I love both. As a native Oregonian, I love the Cali version for it's ability to show places I can go when traveling. I love World to show places I could go, but probably won't. So they are both great.

[@jacquelinemosko6162]

Every week I shall comment that this podcast fills such a special hole in my soul

[@RaschVegas]

I went on “If you had wings” when I was a little guy. I had forgotten about the mirror room until you mentioned it. They also had big fans blowing wind to make it feel like you were going very fast. And the song just played over and over on the ride “If you had wings…had wings, had wings…..If you had wings” Cheesy ride but fun for its time. Thanks for the memory. Love Soarin over CA and this Podcast.

[@henhonk]

I'll admit, when this podcast was announced I figured I'd never listen to it, simply because I haven't been to a theme park once as an adult. But this is a really fun listen!

[@TheCaligirl303]

I felt so seen and heard when you guys were describing the queue, sounds,and lights when you’re about to takeoff. So satisfying and nostalgic

[@annaphillips7359]

I not only enjoy listening to these, but also reading the comments, they’re like little treats!

[@abbiecharlene7]

LETS GOOOOO also would love your guys thoughts on the epic universe announcement!!

[@TheJAMMER55]

So yeah 19:44 when talking about the Golfer, Podcast the Ride actually talked to the director of the film and gave us the the story about it that scene

[@jacquelinemoeller7146]

My kids just got to experience the California version in WDW for the first time this past fall and they agreed that the music was better and more fun but they felt the film looked old. I asked which they would pick if they could go on again and they both picked Cali. They are 9 and 6yo… so even the kids like the classic.

[@TheNeers71]

Man, I get emotional just thinking about this ride. Such a special experience.

[@emilycash3609]

My first trip to any Disney park was in Sept 2023 to Disney world, I was disappointed that they had Soaring over California vs World. Now I know how lucky we were to see it!

[@l.a.684]

Hands down best podcast!

[@susannahirano8301]

This ride makes me tear up every time, especially by the score, which is perfection!

[@tuckerguillot7966]

I don't know if this is true or not, but the last time i rode it in Epcot, the cast member told us that the kid in the preshow is Patrick Warburtons kid. Potential fun fact

[@mel-pn8tn]

this is my next video to re watch for a week straight

[@erikdesoir]

Yes, please keep this podcast. It's such a dorky little adventure, and I love learning about all the different parks and rides. If you ever go to Holiday World, please please do an episode about it ❤

[@carolclmcm1214]

I’m fascinated with the quirky details of Disney Parks and everyday parkhead life in general. Great podcast!

[@LifeOnCloud8]

Watching this in the queue for Soarin Over California now. Thank goodness for Food & Wine for bringing back this gem!

[@Dcatinthehat]

This episode really did make me appreciate soaring over California more, maybe even enough to change my preference from around the world (the nostalgia of having been on that many many times before California) but I will say the scents on around the world are AMAZING. Some of my absolute favorite Disney scents. The Jasmine in India, and the dirt riding through the elephants are probably my two favorite scents after Rome burning on Spaceship Earth.

[@apeiceofgarbage9848]

I hope more sponsors come through. This pod is great yall deserve it

[@paezie12]

I gave my brother a "Nice work, Pal" shirt years ago and he still wears it. Love the California version

[@MicheleKlinger]

I love Soarin in every form so much! I have such nostalgia of riding it on family trips, and it’s just such a delightful attraction. I hadn’t seen Soarin Over California (I don’t think) until I went to food and wine this past November, and I rode it 2 more times when it was STILL in Epcot just last week. Soarin Around the World definitely fits Epcot more and I just have so many nostalgic core memories of this version.

[@spacebirds]

please please please keep this podcast going its like my most anticipated thing each week

[@atomicwest995]

I don’t think I’ve ever been so pumped to go on a ride while listening to this podcast, than when you go through the pre-show and boarding… man, I wanna go on this again!

[@deannaberry1150]

My first experience on soarin’ was in 2019 in Epcot. I got to see Soarin’ over California during our December trip, and I can say your fondness first that one is definitely nostalgia. It made me dizzy and it was blurry. Soarin’ over California was brought back to coincide with the 100th anniversary since it was founded in California.

[@toddjones1480]

There’s no reason that it has to be blurry. It was shot on film with TEN times the negative area of 35mm at 48fps.

[@lissettes]

i 13:00 I LIKE IT RYAN i turned 21 and ive only ever seen soarin over the world in orlando. didn’t know there was a california option

[@oliviab647]

I love soarin over the world most likely for the same nostalgia reason you guys love California

[@willmichael138]

Oh damn. I was at Epcot in September 2023 and saw "Soarin over California" listed on the WDW app, and I foolishly assumed it was a mistake since it had been the "world" Soarin' just a day or two before. Truly furious that I missed a chance to experience the superior version.

[@edgywtf]

it’s crazy to me how loved soarin is, I’ve always panicked and gotten incredibly nauseous whenever I ended up riding it 😭

[@SherbetAlex]

This is my all-time favorite Disney attraction. I tear up listening to the music and when I have a chance to ride it. I teared up a few times during this show as you talked about what makes it so great and it’s all true. It is absolutely perfect.

[@rather_sheepish9945]

I’m absolutely loving this podcast and look forward to it every week. I haven’t been on this ride, but I’m wondering if the intent of the hang glider was to just show another activity people do in California like the mountain climbing and surfing. And not to imply that you were also hang gliding. Just a thought.

[@ahlee7679]

The Hershey park mention!!!! Definitely a theme park with rides worth talking about.

[@BatNeko]

I like Soarin' Around The World! And it was my dad's favorite ride by far when I took him a few years ago (he's in his 60's).

[@kendallstroup7292]

As someone who did not grow up on Soarin over California but has been on both versions, I LOVE Soarin Over the World, but I remember it better than over California. Also, I know it's in the land pavilion at Disney World, but I think it makes more sense that its Soarin Over the World for Epcot with the World Show Case next door.

[@rar3aaron]

my favorite podcast at the moment helps me keep awake at my desk top 2 and it’s not 2

[@YlimegirlCool]

I have never once realized the hangglider was CGI in all my years of riding Soarin' Over California at Disneyland, and even just recently when I saw it at EPCOT (twice) during my first Disneyworld trip. Told it to my sister (has gone to Disneyland pretty much the same amount of times I have & also rewatched it at EPCOT) and she also had no idea... mind blowing revelation

[@annamariemarks2413]

Also during Christmas at WDW in Epcot, they actually use the Soarin' Over California Video instead of the world one. It was pretty refreshing for it to switch up :)

[@republiccommando1463]

I think over California will stay for about a year or so since it’s technically for the 100th celebration. I hope I can catch again before it switches

[@flyingsaucereyes777]

did the cali version for the first time this past october and it was honestly so magical i wasn’t prepared for how much i loved it

[@slob5041]

Soarin is a transcending experience that's the best ride something can offer, you legitimately forget about the ride system the moment it takes off. Technology recedes to the background.

[@StaceyChouMusic]

This is my favorite ride in the whole resort! So glad you covered it!

[@denryuu3]

I've... never been to a Disney park. I don't know if I'll ever go to one either but it's interesting to hear people talk about them. Very insightful video! Thanks

[@lolz6409]

genuinely look forward to this pod every tuesday!!!

[@ttintagel]

I prefer Soarin; Over California because it's more about actual landforms and land use rather than just familiar sites. It fits better in DCA bacause California, and it fits better in the EPCOT Land pavilion because land.

[@nataliep856]

Whoa! I was there with my dad on April 4 last year when it reopened! Had no idea, that’s crazy good luck. I grew up with that film and hadn’t been to the park in years.

[@thewickedv3737]

I finally got to ride Soarin' Around the World in Epcot over the summer- definitely an emotional experience! Fingers crossed they have Soarin' Over CA when we go back for the Food & Wine Festival this year! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Love this pod, thank you guys so much!

[@stacybalkowski4936]

My family went to our one and only Disneyland Resort visit after DCA opened in 2002. My parents could not stop raving to everyone about how good Soarin was and how excited they were to have it in EPCOT. Personally this is a top attraction because the vibes are unmatched.

[@Project-Jaden]

I consider myself a Disney history nerd but the way you guys research each ride is incredible, I learn quite a lot each podcast after I thought there was no more to learn Keep it up!

[@luismaguina7750]

I love Soarin’ over the world! But, my first visit to California Adventure was in 2022, so I never got the chance to ride Soarin’ over California. Hope it comes back to experience it 👍🏼

[@ChadDominicSahilan]

god i look forward to this podcast every week. keep this train chugging

[@marlenivarela6930]

I’m just saying, I’ve never been to Disney, universal or any amusement park other than PNE in BC Canada, BUT I will listen to this podcast religiously just to hear you guys passionately talk :)

[@JenBreck]

10/10 would recommend riding soarin over California in Epcot after drinking around the world. The vibes are immaculate

[@qrefrain3695]

I haven't been to California Adventure in so long, I wasn't really aware that Soarin Over California is no longer around which I'm devastated to hear. I loved that ride when CA first opened, I love motion simulator rides like Star Tours so Soarin' was such a welcome surprise, plus I love riding airplanes and flying over things. The ride was the right amount of thrill from the flying and relaxation. I didn't get a chance to ride it much because the groups I would go with at the time thought Soarin' wasn't too thrilling enough, unfortunately. I also never realized that we were supposed to be hangliding, I thought I was literally just in a flying chair via Disney magic.