On February 8, 2026, Disney California Adventure will be celebrating its 25th anniversary (read about the opening of Disney’s California Adventure here). Ahead of this milestone date, the Disneyland Resort will begin celebrating this anniversary for this park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Disney District (which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary). The 25th anniversary celebration will include new outfits for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on Buena Vista Street (for a limited time), merchandise, food, novelties, the arrival of Humphrey the Bear at Storytellers Cafe, and more! It will also include the return of Soarin’ Over California!
Soarin’ Over California is an opening day attraction at Disney California Adventure. When it debuted in 2001, guests were taken on a beautiful flight over some of the most iconic sights seen in California. This flight was accompanied by the beautiful score that was written by legendary composer Jerry Goldsmith.
In recent years, this original version of the attraction has returned for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. This year, the attraction will return on February 6 and continue until July 1, 2026. When it ends this run, it won’t be replaced by the current version of the attraction, Soarin’ Round the World. Instead, it will see Soarin’ Across America take its place as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States of America.
When Soarin’ Over California returns on February 6th, guests will again find themselves flying over iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Palm Springs, downtown Los Angeles, and even Disneyland! They will smell the oranges. They will feel the sense of nostalgia as they enjoy this beloved attraction and relive the excitement of what it was like when Disney California Adventure was Disney’s California Adventure, a new park that was full off possibility and dreams!
What do you think about the return of Soarin’ Over California? Are you excited to experience it? What else are you excited about for Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
