It employs a mechanical lift system, a projected presentation on an 80 ft (24 m) concave 180-degree dome screen, and artificial scents and wind to simulate a hang gliding flight over locations in six of the world's continents.

It seemed that Soarin' wouldn't become a reality until engineer Mark Sumner developed a different idea for the ride vehicles, using an Erector Set and string to create a working model.

One of the resort's most popular attractions, it utilizes the park's Lightning Lane Multi-Pass system, allowing guests to reserve specific ride times to avoid long queues.

While in line, guests pass the Wings of Fame, an homage to California's aviation history, including profiles of the P-51 Mustang, SR-71 Blackbird, and Bell X-1.

There is also a section dedicated to aviators such as John J. Montgomery, Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, Jack Northrop, the Wright brothers, Howard Hughes, Jacqueline Cochran, Kelly Johnson, Paul MacCready, and Chuck Yeager.

Inspirational music from a variety of aviation-related films is played in the queue areas, including Patton, MacArthur, Air Force One, The Blue Max, Explorers (all by Jerry Goldsmith), The American President (by Marc Shaiman), DragonHeart, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Angels in the Outfield (1994) (both by Randy Edelman), The Last Starfighter (by Craig Safan), Apollo 13, and The Rocketeer (both by James Horner), Always (by John Williams) and the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (by Michael Kamen).

[19] The limited engagement was scheduled to run through April 21, but ended prematurely when the resort began its extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 13.

The attraction was duplicated, simply as Soarin', and officially opened inside "The Land" pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World on May 5, 2005, along with Lights, Motors, Action!

The concept was reinforced with theming of guests being loaded into "gates", with airport-themed spiels referring to "Flight 5505", an homage to the attraction's opening day.

[21] The attraction closed for refurbishment on January 4, 2016, and was originally slated to reopen on June 17, with a third theater to coincide with the release of the new Soarin' Around the World film.

The park would undergo massive construction starting in 2019, making the ending with a flyover of the Fountain of Nations at EPCOT, which has since been turned into World Celebration's park-like central area, outdated, with the Fountain View building and the Mouse Gear shop, which closed in November 2019 and January 2020 respectively, among other former signage and buildings, all being prominently visible in the film.

On November 20, 2024, an updated ending film debuted that reflected the changes in appearance, in addition to reframing the Eiffel Tower scene, which had become popular for its curvature in most seats.

Embedded in the Adventure Isle setting, the attraction is presented as an ancient observatory and temple to the Arbori tribe's Condor god.

[7] The announcement said this version would have a different theme, with ride vehicles designed as Renaissance-era Dream Flyers created by aviator and Society of Explorers and Adventurers member Camellia Falco.

Appropriate scents (citrus, pine, sagebrush, ocean mist) fill the air as the ride vehicles move gently to simulate the sensations of flight.

In addition to the state's various landscapes, it also highlights its diverse recreation, including snow skiing, river rafting, kayaking, golf, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, surfing, and hang gliding.

An updated version of the Soarin' attraction debuted at the Adventure Isle section of Shanghai Disneyland Park as Soaring Over the Horizon on June 16, 2016.

[32][33] On August 15, 2015, at the D23 Expo, it was announced that the attractions at Epcot and Disney California Adventure would debut versions of the new Soaring Over the Horizon ride film, titled Soarin' Around the World, featuring locations, landscapes and landmarks across six continents.

[34][35] Unlike the original film, the updated version heavily utilizes computer generated imagery, including animated transitions between scenes, such as close encounters with a seaplane, a kite, and an eagle.