Soarin' Around the World

This blog post is long overdue. Last year Alison and I completed a multi-year travel goal to visit all of the locations from Disney's Soarin' Around the World. This was quite an accomplishment and I wanted to take some time to reflect on our experiences. 

I remember the first time we rode Soarin' Around the World. It was June 26, 2016. The new ride experience had recently debuted in Disney's California Adventure theme park. The first time we rode we were blown away. At that point, we had not traveled internationally together. This ride really inspired us with a desire to see the world. I remember returning to the hotel that night after a long day in the park and being excited. Alison and I were dreaming of traveling the world. We were googling safaris at midnight. We weren't ready to admit it, but we had already decided we would visit all of the sites in Soarin' Around the World. 

A little more than a year later in November 2017 we visited our first Soarin' sight - the Great Pyramids of Giza. This site was incredible and inspired us to make our goal to visit all of the sites in Soarin' official. 

I am grateful we set this goal because it took us to amazing places all over the world. We made some amazing memories along the way. Here are some of my thoughts and favorite memories from each of these locations. 

Site: Matterhorn in Switzerland 
Background: Matterhorn is one of the best-known mountains in the Alps, straddling the frontier between Switzerland and Italy, 6 miles southwest of the village of Zermatt, Switzerland. 
Date Visited: September 26, 2018
Blog posts: The Matterhorn

While we were on our first trip to Europe, we embarked on a journey to Zermatt to discover the majesty of the Matterhorn and the surrounding landscape. We loved Zermatt and stayed in the most amazing little hotel in a room with Matterhorn views. To get even better views of the Matterhorn, we decided to take the Gornergrat Bahn, an old cog railway built in 1898, to slowly ascend the mountain and gaze at the stunning views of Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. We got off the train at Riffelsee, a serene lake with a picturesque reflection of the Matterhorn peak. To return to Zermatt we opted to hike back, encountering only a few fellow travelers along the way. The hike was more arduous than expected, yet the beauty of the terrain, Matterhorn views, and the tranquility of the trail compensated for the challenge. The day left an indelible mark on us, as we relished the romantic, magical, and captivating atmosphere.

Reflecting on our journey to the Matterhorn, I can't help but feel inspired by the sheer beauty and wonder of nature.

Site: Isfjord, Greenland
Background: Located on the west coast of Greenland, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord is the sea mouth of Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the few glaciers through which the Greenland ice cap reaches the sea. Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. 
Date Visited: July 18 - 22, 2022
Blog posts: Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier, Ilulissat Ice Fjord, Farewell Greenland

As I reflect on our trip to Greenland, I initially had low expectations for it but ultimately ended up loving it. In fact, I would rank it as one of the top three places we visited on this list. I particularly enjoyed kayaking in Disko Bay among icebergs. Alison and I spent a couple of hours kayaking around the icebergs while learning about glaciers and icebergs from their guides. The midnight sun provided a unique backdrop to this experience.

Alison and I also ventured to the Eqi Glacier, which is one of the most active calving glaciers in the world. We watched the glacier for a couple of hours, seeing it calve a few times and hearing the resulting crashing sound. The thunderous sound of the calving was surprising and incredibly loud. We also saw some concerning melting of the ice sheet due to global warming.

Alison and I went on a boat tour to see the Ilulissat Icefjord up close, an activity we recommend for anyone visiting Ilulissat. We explored the fjord for about two and a half hours, seeing countless interesting shapes, colors, and sights of ice in brilliant white, blue, and green hues. The massive size of the icebergs was almost overwhelming, and we even saw waterfalls of glacier melt pouring off the ice into the ocean. Despite the cold wind coming off the ice, the spectacular colors made the experience truly memorable. The pinnacle of this experience was spotting whales among the icebergs as we prepared to head back at midnight. 

Greenland is a destination that exceeds expectations, offering unparalleled natural beauty and a chance to witness the incredible forces of the natural world.

Site: Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia 

Background: Sydney Harbour has more than 150 miles of shoreline, punctuated by unspoiled beaches, picturesque gardens, and pockets of natural bush. It is also home to some of Australia's big-name attractions, including the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Date Visited: November 30, 2019
Blog posts: Sydney

Alison and I had an awe-inspiring experience while on our trip to Sydney. We woke up early to catch the sunrise at Sydney Harbour, which we witnessed from the beautiful park of Dawes Point with stunning views of the iconic Opera House and the Bridge. We were the only ones at the park at first, but we quickly made a friend with a local photographer who shared his breathtaking photos of Sydney with us. This connection made us appreciate the kindness and hospitality of the Australian people even more.

We explored Sydney's famous landmarks, including Circular Quay, the Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where we had spectacular views of the cityscape. We also visited botanical gardens, pristine beaches, and a stunning lighthouse, which all had their own charm and beauty.

As the trip came to an end, we made the most of our final moments in Sydney, watching the sunrise in Sydney Harbour one last time before heading to the US that day. Even with 14 countries under our belts, we couldn't help but feel that our trip to Australia exceeded their expectations and left us with memories that would last a lifetime.

Site: Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
Background: Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria, Germany. The palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat. Construction began in 1869 but was never fully completed.
Date Visited: September 23, 2018
Blog posts: Bavaria, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

On our trip to Bavaria, we had to adapt our plans because of rainy weather. We had a car so we decided to visit Neuschwanstein a day earlier than we had planned. Upon arriving in Hohenschwangau, we checked into our hotel with a view of the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. We took a short hike up to the castle and we were rewarded with stunning views of the castle, the Queen Mary Bridge, a waterfall, and the Alps. The castle's grandeur left us in awe, and we were eager to take the tour the following day.

We hiked further and found even greater views of the castle and surrounding regions. We also visited the turquoise-blue Alpsee Lake, where we rented a paddleboat and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and more castle views.

The beauty of the Neuschwanstein Castle and its surroundings left us inspired and in awe, dreaming of returning to this magical place again one day.

Site: Kilimanjaro National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Background: Tanzania is one of Africa's top safari destinations. The wildlife viewing is out of this world and big cats are especially easy to see. All members of the Big Five can be found in various Tanzanian parks and reserves, and all five are present in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
Date Visited: September 15-19, 2021
Blog posts: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro to Serengeti, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire

As we set out on my safari adventure in Africa, we felt a rush of excitement and anticipation. Because of all of the Covid restrictions, it didn't really seem like we were actually going to get to go on safari until we were on our way to the airport. The thought of seeing some of the world's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was both exhilarating and humbling. 

Our excitement reached new heights when we caught our first glimpse of a majestic impala right outside the gates of Lake Manyara. 

The next thrilling moment was when we came across a group of three magnificent elephants. We sat and watched as they grazed and moved through the bush, following them before parking our safari vehicle near a spot where they crossed the road. We were awestruck as they walked right by us, their massive size and graceful movements leaving us in awe. We would see many more groups of elephants in the coming days, but this first group made quite an impression. 

But the highlight of the day, and really the entire safari, was yet to come. As we heard over our guide's radio that another group had spotted lions, we headed to the area with bated breath. And there they were, a male and female lion, sitting in the bush. We sat there photographing them, feeling both thrilled and a bit nervous. Suddenly, the male lion charged our safari vehicle, growling and showing his teeth, and for a moment, we (mostly Alison) feared for our lives. But our driver skillfully maneuvered us away from danger, and we watched in amazement as the lions mated.

Our safari exceeded our wildest expectations, thanks in no small part to our excellent guide, Richard. He skillfully maneuvered us into the perfect position to see the wildlife, identifying each species and teaching us about them. His knowledge of the region was second to none, and he patiently answered our many questions.

Over the next few days, we explored the vast expanse of the savannah to see all the incredible creatures that called this place home. We saw herds of zebra galloping across the plains, giraffes munching on tree leaves, and a pride of lions lounging in the sun. We saw a family of cheetahs on the prowl, their sleek bodies blending in perfectly with the grass as they stalked their prey, and a family of leopards feasting on a gazelle in a sausage tree. We saw massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, their coats shimmering in the sunlight as they grazed on the grasses. We spotted a hyena circling around a carcass, fending off vultures, its eerie laughter echoing across the savannah. And we even caught a glimpse of a rare black rhinoceros, in fact, we saw all of the "Big 5".

But the safari wasn't just about the animals - it was also about the adventure. We drove through rushing rivers, navigated bumpy dirt roads, and camped under the stars at night. At night we heard the sound of lions roaring in the distance and fell asleep to the sounds of the African savannah.

As I reflect back on my safari adventure, I feel a sense of awe and wonder. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see these incredible animals up close, and to experience the thrill of adventure in one of the world's most beautiful and untouched wildernesses. It was an experience that will stay with me forever.

Site: The Great Wall of China in China
Background: In c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defense system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance.
Date Visited: May 16, 2018
Blog posts: The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, one of the world's most remarkable architectural feats, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. This incredible wonder of the world has been an emblem of China's history and culture for centuries, and it is an experience that should not be missed. We had the pleasure of visiting this iconic landmark.

To get to the wall, we took a chairlift up. The view from the chairlift was breathtaking, with the Great Wall coming into view as we ascended. Despite the foggy weather, which was a combination of clouds, humidity, and terribly unhealthy air quality, the views were still magnificent.

The Great Wall of China is a remarkable achievement of architecture and engineering that feels impenetrable. It is hard to envision how massive this Wall truly is until you're there in person. The uneven and steep steps made the climb to watchtower 1 quite a workout, but it was worth it for the incredible views. We stopped to take lots of pictures and even climbed up on top of one of the watchtowers to get the best view.

After making it to watchtower 1, we had time to explore the other side of the wall. This was more in line with what we imagined the Great Wall would be like, with large flat sloping sections. The views were also stunning, and it was not as crowded as the other side.

Overall, visiting the Great Wall was one of our favorite experiences in China. 

Site: The Great Pyramids in Egypt 
Background: The capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt has some extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas, temples, and pyramids. In ancient times, the site was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Date Visited: November 25, 2017
Blog posts: The Pyramids

The experience of visiting the Great Pyramids at Giza is an incredible journey back in time. As we approached the site, the sheer size of the pyramids took our breath away. Standing at over 400 feet tall and built with blocks weighing between 5-10 tons, it is no wonder that these majestic structures are the only surviving member of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

When we finally arrived at the Great Pyramid, the grandeur and awe-inspiring nature of this ancient wonder were palpable. It was a truly unforgettable sight that words simply cannot do justice. The sheer scale of the pyramid was a humbling experience that made us reflect on the incredible feats that humanity can achieve (or maybe aliens).

After exploring the Great Pyramid, we drove to a point where we could have a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Here, we witnessed the magnificence of the pyramids from a different perspective and even rode camels through the desert to experience the view up close. As we rode on the gentle giants, the vastness of the landscape made me feel exhilarated. It's a truly unique experience that I still cherish.

The Sphinx is another sight to behold at Giza. It is a marvel of ancient Egyptian art and engineering, and standing next to it provided a sense of awe and wonder that must have been felt by the people who built it. You can almost feel the weight of history and the significance of this place as you stand in front of it.

As we watched the sunset over the pyramids and the sky turned orange, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude for being able to experience this incredible place. It is a humbling experience that puts the power of the human spirit and the grandeur of human advancement into perspective. The pyramids at Giza are truly a wonder of the world.

Site: Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, India
Background: An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.
Date Visited: September 28 - 29, 2019
Blog posts: Agra; Taj Mahal

I still remember the first views we had of the Taj Mahal. We were in the Mahtab Bagh, or moonlit garden, across the river and we watched the sun set causing the flawless white marble to shimmer and sparkle in the fading light. What a way to be introduced to this spectacular monument. 

The next morning we visited the Taj Mahal at sunrise. It is beautifully built and immaculately maintained. We learned the history as we walked the gardens before ascending to the marble pedestal. Our perspective shifted the nearer we came to the Taj Mahal. From a distance, the Taj Mahal looks completely white, but up close it’s easy to see the flowers, calligraphy, and motifs that decorate the complex. There are in-laid stone flowers throughout the white marble in addition to verses from the Koran. The relief sculpture flowers were meant to be quite exotic. Around the bottom of the dome, there are upside-down lilies to represent mourning. When the light hits the white marble, the stones start to glisten and light up, so the colors change with the sun. It’s quite spectacular.

We enjoyed spending time at the Taj Mahal so much that we left and then came back for another visit in the afternoon. We enjoyed spending about 90 more minutes in the presence of this gorgeous monument. We were both so happy. Even if we could have spent the entire day there, it would never be enough time. It’s such a gorgeous building and we felt such a strong connection to it.

Site: West and East Mitten Buttes in Monument Valley, United States 
Background: Monument Valley is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is located on the Utah-Arizona state line, near the Four Corners area. The valley is a sacred area that lies within the territory of the Navajo Nation Reservation.
Date Visited: January 28, 2018 & January 23, 2019
Blog posts: Monument Valley, A Grand Roadtrip

Two years in a row over MLK weekend, we embarked on a road trip to Monument Valley, an awe-inspiring destination.  It is the closest Soarin' sight to our home. We strategically chose to travel in January when the weather was cool, and the crowds were thin, allowing us to have a peaceful and uninterrupted experience.

Upon arriving at Monument Valley, we were mesmerized by the enormity of the monuments and the natural beauty of the area, which surpassed our expectations. We captured the stunning sunset with our cameras and stayed in the nearby pet-friendly Goulding's Lodge. The next morning, we rose early to witness the sunrise at Monument Valley, an awe-inspiring and humbling experience that left us feeling reinvigorated and a little cold.

Driving through the valley, we encountered impressive views of the natural wonders of the area, including towering rock formations, which evoked a sense of adventure and exploration. The trip was a reminder of the importance of taking time to explore the beauty of nature and embrace the feeling of inspiration it can evoke. 

Site: Lau Islands, Fiji
Background: Fiji is known for its dreamy blue sea and white-sand beaches - but it’s the famously friendly Fijian people and their unique culture that make it a world-class holiday destination.
Date Visited: September 11-18, 2022
Blog posts: Hilton Fiji, Dive and Relax, Malamala, Another Day of Diving, Cruisin' Fiji, Lounging in Fiji

We had exciting adventures and beautiful experiences in Fiji. From the unmatched hospitality of the locals to the impressive hotel, the trip started on the right foot. However, it was the dive expeditions with Deep Blue Diving & Watersports that truly blew us away. Exploring the vibrant reefs near Namotu Island, we witnessed an abundance of sea life and beautiful coral. The surface intervals on the boat, with the beautiful turquoise waters and warm sun, provided the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Beyond diving, we indulged in luxurious couples' massages and basked in the beauty of the sunsets on the beach. We took a day trip to the nearby Malamala beach club, where we lounged on the pristine sands and soaked up the tropical vibes.

The allure of Fiji, with its warm waters, friendly people, and breathtaking landscapes endeared it in our hearts. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Fiji provides the perfect escape.

Site: Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Background: The semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site is some 80 m high and 2,700 m in diameter and is situated on a basaltic line spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil. Made up of many cascades producing vast sprays of water, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. 
Date Visited: May 15 - 17, 2022
Blog posts: Gran Melia, Iguazu, Iguacu

We set out from Buenos Aires for our next adventure in Puerto Iguazú, the town on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls.

We stayed at the Gran Melia Iguazu, the luxurious hotel within the national park with a view of the falls. It was worth the splurge. The view from the balcony was breathtaking, and the opportunity to experience the magnificent Iguazu Falls in all its glory was awe-inspiring. The falls, located in the heart of a rainforest, provided a setting full of life and wildlife. Walking the lower loop of the trail, we witnessed waterfalls crashing down and marveled at the breathtaking views.

Our time at the falls took a tragic turn when we received the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of their beloved cat, CC.  In the face of such a devastating event, we decided to move forward with our plans as best we could and took a boat ride that many had recommended to us.

The Gran Adventure Boat ride turned out to be an exciting, adrenaline-filled experience. The boat navigated the rapids and arrived at the falls, where the group was completely soaked by the powerful waterfall, giving us a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The rainbows that followed the boat and the rainbows we saw as we hiked and enjoyed the falls were like symbols of hope, indicating that everything would be okay.

Our adventure at the falls proved that even amid tragedy, life goes on, and there is still so much to be appreciated and explored in the world.

Site: Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
Background: The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.
Date Visited: September 29, 2018
Blog posts: Paris

The visit to the Eiffel Tower, the crown jewel of Paris, was an unforgettable experience for us As we approached the iconic tower, we were awed by its grandeur and magnificence. Despite the long lines, we eagerly waited for our appointment to ascend the tower, gazing up in wonder at its sheer size and elegance.

As we made our way to the top, we were treated to stunning views of the city of Paris. From the highest point, we could see the sprawling metropolis stretched out before us, with the Seine River snaking its way through the heart of the city. The view was breathtaking and we felt a sense of exhilaration and wonder that they will never forget.

The Eiffel Tower, with its intricate steel lattice design, is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. As we made our way down the levels, we marveled at the incredible skill and creativity that had gone into its construction. We imagined the sheer scale of the task of building such a monumental structure and the countless hours of work that must have gone into its creation.

But the Eiffel Tower is more than just an impressive feat of engineering. It is a symbol of the spirit of Paris itself - a city that has inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries. We felt a sense of connection to this spirit as we explored the tower, and we were reminded of the many other landmarks and cultural treasures that Paris has to offer.

As we watched the tower shimmer in the sunset, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experience. We were grateful for the opportunity to explore a city as rich and vibrant as Paris, and for the chance to witness firsthand the beauty and majesty of the Eiffel Tower. At that moment, we knew it would continue to inspire us long after we had returned home.

Conclusion: 

On October 21, 2022, we rode Soarin' Over the Wold at DCA. This was a special ride because it was the first time Alison and I went on Soarin' Around the World since we finished visiting all of the sites showcased in the ride. It was so fun to sit next to Alison and point out some of the special memories we have of each of these locations. I couldn't help but think back to our first time seeing this ride 5+ years ago and being inspired to travel and see amazing places. We did it and that feels really good.

This goal has been one of the driving factors in our travel plans for the past five-plus years. It has taken us on numerous adventures around the world. Now that we have achieved this goal the natural question is, what is next? At this point, it is hard to say what the future holds. Alison and I will continue to travel. That is part of who we are, and we will continue to go on aspirational trips. Completing this goal was just the beginning of a lifetime of travel adventures.