Why Is It “Soarin’” in the U.S. and “Soaring” in Japan? The Hidden Meaning Behind the Different Spellings

🛫 Why Is It “Soaring” in Japan but “Soarin’” in the U.S.?

🌍 One of the most popular attractions at Tokyo DisneySea is the thrilling flight simulator, Soaring: Fantastic Flight.

But… have you ever noticed something strange about the name?
In the U.S. version, it’s spelled “Soarin’” with an apostrophe —
while in Japan, the official website uses “Soaring” with a “g.”

🤔 Why the difference?
As it turns out, this isn’t a typo — it’s a deliberate choice driven by branding, pronunciation, and cultural context!

Let’s take off and explore the hidden meaning behind this small but fascinating spelling difference.
Fasten your seatbelts! ✈️✨

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🧐 What Does “Soaring” Actually Mean?

Soaring is an English word that means “to fly high” or “to glide through the sky.” ✈️

It conjures up the image of freely flying through the air— a perfect match for the experience this attraction delivers!

By the way, the base verb “soar” means “to rise high” or “to ascend rapidly.” The word “soaring” is its present participle form, which emphasizes “the action of flying right now.”

That smooth sensation of catching a current and gliding upward— it’s exactly what you feel inside the dome theater with those motion-based seats!

In short, “Soarin’” = “You’re flying in the moment!” ✨

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🔤 “Soarin’” vs. “Soaring” — Different Spellings in Different Parks!

Did you know the attraction’s name is spelled differently depending on the park? 👀

Let’s take a look at the signs from around the world 👇

That’s right—in the U.S. parks, it’s “Soarin’”, while in Tokyo and Shanghai, it’s spelled “Soaring.”

It may seem like a small difference, but there’s actually a fascinating reason behind the spelling change.

And wait—can you really just drop the “g” like that in a ride name? 🤨 Let’s explore what’s hidden behind this subtle but meaningful variation.

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🤔 Is It Okay to Drop the “G”? Let’s Look at Some Examples!

Just like “Soarin’”, dropping the final G and replacing it with an apostrophe ’ is actually quite common in English!

It’s often used to create a more casual and friendly tone. Even outside of Disney, you’ll see this style in various pop culture examples 🎵🎬

• Movin’ On (often used in song or movie titles)
• Runnin’ Wild (used to emphasize wild or energetic action)
• Lookin’ Good (casual phrase with a cool, modern feel)

What do these all have in common? They give off a laid-back, modern vibe—perfect for fun and lighthearted experiences. That’s exactly why “Soarin’” captures the thrill of flying freely through the sky! 🌈✈️

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🌍 Why the Different Spellings? It’s All About Each Park’s Storytelling!

“Soarin’” vs. “Soaring” — this spelling difference isn’t just a matter of style.
In fact, each version is intentionally chosen to match the theme and backstory of the park it belongs to!

● California (Disney California Adventure)

The story is set at Grizzly Peak Airfield, a rugged mountain airstrip. You’re preparing for your first test flight! That’s why the casual, adventurous nickname “Soarin’” fits the vibe perfectly.

● Florida (EPCOT)

Here, the attraction is located in a futuristic flight facility next to the Imagination Pavilion. It’s all about a thrilling global adventure across continents—and just like in California, the name “Soarin’” adds a friendly and uplifting touch.

● Tokyo DisneySea

Set in the Fantastic Flight Museum dedicated to legendary aviator Camellia Falco, this attraction celebrates elegance, wonder, and a classical spirit of exploration. Hence the use of the more formal spelling: “Soaring”.

● Shanghai Disneyland

Located deep within Adventure Isle, this version follows a mythical tribe’s ceremony of flight. To reflect that spiritual journey, it’s named “Soaring Over the Horizon”— a title rich in storytelling and mystery.

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As you can see, even the spelling of an attraction’s name reflects the storytelling of each park.
Disney puts deep meaning into every name—and it shows!

Interestingly, the original “Soarin’” in California was such a big hit that the pronunciation “Soarin’” became the global standard, even when the spelling changed 😊

So in the end… even if the spelling is different, in our hearts, it’s all “Soarin’.”
Next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the “magical names” each country has chosen ✨

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📝 Summary: Soarin’? Soaring? What’s the “Right” Name?

At Tokyo DisneySea, the beloved attraction is called SOARING in English. But in the U.S. and other international parks, it’s spelled SOARIN’!

Both versions come from the verb “soar,” meaning to fly high, and both are pronounced the same—“Soarin’.”
However, the spelling reflects each park’s unique story and theme 🌍

So next time you ride Soaring, take a moment to notice how the attraction’s name is spelled.
It’s one more example of how Disney’s attention to detail runs deep—even in the letters of a name! ✨

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