Only in Florida: Disney’s Soarin’ Attraction Loses a Bit of Its Ceiling—and Our Faith in Building Codes

 

In a twist that could only be described as “only in Florida,” an item on the ceiling at Disney’s Soarin’ Around the World attraction at EPCOT decided to take an unscheduled detour right in the early queue area. 

Guests and Cast Members alike nearly had their feathers—and helmets—ruffled as a object hanging from the ceiling went rogue. Fortunately, the attraction was closed that evening, so the only souvenir anyone got was an unforgettable story to share at dinner.

According to a spokesperson from Disney’s facilities team, the incident occurred in the early part of the notoriously lengthy queue for the beloved ride that lifts guests into the sky for a breathtaking tour over global landmarks. 

Quick-thinking Cast Members cordoned off the area, ensuring everyone’s safety, and the errant object has since been re-affixed. Still, the episode raised some eyebrows.

So lets parlay this conversation into a short quip about Florida’s building codes and inspections—often the butt of local and tourist jokes.

Florida’s construction standards are a patchwork quilt of county-by-county regulations. With recent collapses of  a pedestrian walkway and condo building in Miami, it’s becoming increasingly clear that building inspections might be on life support. 

New homes and multi-unit apartments across the state are being built with more wood for exterior walls and less concrete these days, then they're covered in a layer of plaster that makes the outer walls look alot like a strong concrete structure. With outer structures of wood and interiors made of drywall, it's almost like you are living in a paper mache cubicle!

When you see how they're really built, they resemble more of a giant tree house than an apartment building being built! When you live in a 4th floor apartment, you expect more protection from wind and hurricanes than your childhood tree house!

Roofs  are being built with particle board pressed wood rather than pieces of solid plywood as well as other cost-cutting methods and shortcuts. In a state that regularly faces hurricanes, one might think more concrete and stronger building materials would be needed—not less! And there needs to be better inspections and also more re-inspections--- more often!

One construction analyst quipped that Florida’s codes are like the wild west of architecture: if you don’t pay attention, things can come crashing down. 

And sure enough, while Disney pours millions into creating unforgettable experiences, sometimes a little piece of something breaks away and decides it’s time to see the world! It happens...

But when your home asleep or crossing over the highway to get to school, it shouldn't! Enough said! (Tangent Complete!)

Anyways....Soarin’ Around the World—originally known as Soarin’ Over California before its 2016 global makeover—has long dazzled visitors with its immersive IMAX-like display of aerial vistas. Its innovative technology and inspiring visuals make it a wonder of modern entertainment... when the ceiling isn’t busy staging its own version of a free-fall spectacle.

As guests can now rest easy knowing that no one was hurt and the attraction is back in tip-top shape, this minor mishap serves as a humorous reminder that even in a place where dreams come true, reality (and dodgy building codes) can crash the party. Literally!

Next time you’re queuing for a ride at EPCOT, be thankful that the only thing falling from the sky is your jaw at the spectacular views—and not any unexpected ceiling adornments.

 

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