EPCOT’s Moana attraction opens as ‘edutainment’ on life-sustaining water cycle
“I like to dance with the water. The undertow and the waves. The water is mischievous.”
Don’t be surprised if those wise words from Grandma Tala of “Moana” fame come to mind as you navigate Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, the lush, green and serene paean to the wonders of water opening Monday at Walt Disney World.
Inspired by the 2016 animated movie “Moana,” Journey of Water is the latest addition to EPCOT’s World Nature section, which also includes The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Living with the Land.
The self-guided, all-ages exploration trail offers “edutainment” on the the water cycle and how it sustains our world and life, detailing water’s travel “from the sky to lakes and oceans, and back to the sky.”
Given its theme, this should come as no surprise: Journey of Water is gloriously as wet as you want it to be. Do read the signs: At every stop, with titles explaining Rain, Stream, Wetland, Spring, Land, Lake, River, Ocean and Sky, there’s an immersive, water-themed experience. Check out the nods to Moana and her friends throughout via carvings and sculptures of characters from the film. Wave your hands or step on and off raindrop-dotted pads to make the water rise and fall. Walk through the spot where the slower you walk, the drier you’ll stay. The signs will explain what you’re experiencing and how to jump into the fun.
While it’s thought-provoking, it’s also cool and colorful. Guests wind their way through trails replete with trees. Educational signage. Chances to make water leap, dance and “sing” as visitors make their way toward a stunning, greenery-bedecked, 16-foot-tall statue of Te Fiti, the goddess of creation and major character in “Moana.”
Imagineers were inspired in the design stage “by Moana’s fierce determination to protect her environment – her bond with water is unique, and we are excited for guests to learn about the importance of water and experience its playful personality just as she did.”
Of note: There are dry paths if you take the non-trickle-down routes throughout your journey, allowing guests using wheelchairs a safe, accessible pathway.
Sisters Beth McMillen of West Melbourne, Florida, and Dina McMillen of Melbourne, visited during annual passholder preview days in late September and early October.
“We found it fun and relaxing. Really exciting for all to play with the water,” said Beth McMillen.
“The cool mist was very welcome. I was pushing my sister in a wheelchair and it was very accessible, and the benches were a nice place to stop and relax for a few minutes. I was worried it would be a simple ‘This is the water cycle,’ which we have seen thousands of times, but in true Disney fashion, they took it to the next level and even as a Disney adult I found it to be so fun. I definitely want to go back and see it at night!”
And be ready to be wowed by Te Fiti: In a blog post this year, Reid Ekman, lead concept designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, stated that “Along with Moana as a steward of water conservation, Te Fiti is a symbol of how we should protect and nurture water wherever we find it.”
She doesn’t disappoint.
Sheri Herchenroeder of Fontana, California, said even though she had seen previews, “when I rounded that corner and caught sign of Te Fiti, it took my breath away.”
The opportunity to learn and be inspired seemed endless, Herchenroeder said.
“With the pond and dancing water at her base, this is easily the most beautiful spot in all of Disney World. I can’t wait to go back, especially with my 8-year-old granddaughter,” she said.
“From the moment you step through the entryway, you are immediately transported to Motunui. From the lighting to the landscaping, each corner and path leads you deeper into the immersive experience where visitors are invited to interact with the water.”
And Journey of Water is enchanting at night: “Although fully encircled by the tropical theming, you can still catch glances of Spaceship Earth, which, when playing its own light show, made for the perfect backdrop,” Herchenroeder said.
If tours through Journey of Water after opening are as highly anticipated as were the passholder previews, expect crowds. It does get bottle-necked at times, with many guests understandably wanting to read the signage along the way, take photos and participate in the wet, hands-on journey. And when Moana herself is in the Journey area for autographs and photos, expect more crowds.
But go as slowly as you can to take in all the details.
And don’t miss all the chances to step on those painted raindrops along the way.
At Journey of Water, water comes to life. Soak in its story.
Journey of Water
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, opens in the World Nature section of EPCOT. Park admission is required. Disney advises that:
⬤ Some aspects of this experience may close during inclement weather.
⬤ Wheelchair access is available on the dry path only.
⬤ Service animals are permitted with caution in some areas; service animals must remain on the dry path.
A virtual queue may be in use during periods of high demand for Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.