1st Look at Epcot’s new ‘Moana’-inspired attraction
A new Moana-themed attraction, Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana, is now open at Walt Disney World's Epcot as part of the park’s ongoing multiyear transformation.
While it has taken several years to get to this point, this Moana-inspired area is one of the new additions to the Disney parks for 2023. Walt Disney Imagineers have been putting the finishing touches on the attraction as it undergoes “PLAYtesting,” a phase of testing and adjusting before an attraction is officially unveiled to the public.
I had the opportunity to step behind the construction walls to tour the attraction with two Walt Disney Imagineers — lead concept designer Reid Ekman and creative producer Chelsea Whikeheart — and try out some of its many whimsical effects.
Here’s a first look at what guests can expect from Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana.
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What Is Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana?
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is within Epcot’s new World Nature neighborhood alongside existing The Land and The Sea pavilions.
Carrying on the theme of conservation established by those pavilions, Journey of Water is a self-guided exploration trail that invites guests to establish a relationship with water, just as Moana did in the animated film.
During the all-ages experience, guests make their way along a circular walking trail, moving through different zones; each zone represents the cycle water travels through as it makes its way from the sky to the ocean and back. Each zone offers new ways for guests to “play” with water while learning about each cycle: Rain, Stream, Wetland, Spring, Land, Lake, River, Ocean and Sky.
Exploring the water cycles
Trail markers introduce each zone of the water cycle. Illustrations function like storyboards to explain the cycle stage and to show guests how to interact with the water in each zone.
In the opening Rain section, I played a water harp, running my fingers across strings of water that play music just like harp strings. The water harps are low to the ground to be easily accessible to kids, but I audibly squealed when I tried one for the first time. Many of the attraction’s interactive elements invite cooperation between guests. Here, you might try playing in unison, harmonizing with a family member or stranger at the next harp.
Moving along to the next phase of the water cycle, guests can wave to the water when rainfall gathers into streams, wishing it a safe voyage.
Illustrations and language on the trail markers along the way carry forward the film’s themes of voyaging and adventure. Shade canopies overhead take inspiration from canoe sails, and materials throughout the attraction are intended to look elemental and handmade.
Just as water is a character in the film, it’s given a personality throughout the attraction, reacting specifically to each guest’s unique movements. In the Stream section, my simple, slow wave encouraged a gentle rise and fall of the water; my fast, frantic waving caused it to react in quick, splashy bursts.
Unlike the uniform hidden effects in the parks that can be activated through games like Epcot’s Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure, the Star Wars: Datapad, or MagicBand+ interactivity, these effects respond uniquely to each individual guest’s movements and don’t require the use of MagicBand+ or the My Disney Experience app.
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Will I get wet?
I visited the attraction on a sweltering 93-degree afternoon when the prospect of a cooldown by any means was welcome. However, Florida temperatures can dip into the 30s in the winter, and even on a hot day, not everyone likes to get wet.
The good news is, you can get wet, but you definitely don’t have to — and staying dry doesn’t mean sitting out all of the interactivity either. The aforementioned water harp only got my hand wet — easily shaken off and dry in a minute. However, eager kiddos could certainly eke out a bit more of a splash with more enthusiastic harp playing. My waves in the Stream section left me completely dry.
As the trail progresses, some portions fork into wet and dry paths, allowing guests to experience the attraction while remaining dry. Even the wet paths aren’t guaranteed to get you soaked if you’re cautious though. I chose the wet paths throughout and left more or less dry.
The attraction is truly designed for all ages and sizes. There are ground-level splash areas perfect for toddlers looking to get soaked, and there are shaded benches where grown-ups can take a break while little ones splash and play.
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Look closely for hidden characters
For a fun secondary challenge, guests can look for characters from Moana. They are hidden in plain sight in carvings in the rock work, reminiscent of those throughout the pool rock work at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii and the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
A stunning selfie spot
Arriving at the Lake section, the calmest and most serene portion of the attraction, Te Fiti rises overhead as a symbolic nurturer and protector of water. With Spaceship Earth soaring grand and miraculous in the background and several vantage points for photos, this is destined to become a popular selfie spot.
Spaceship Earth standing prominently in the background doesn’t break any fourth walls here. Ekman emphasized that this attraction isn’t meant to transport guests to the ancient world of Motunui. Rather, it’s a contemporary story set in present-day Epcot and centered around a modern-day narrative about our water cycle and how we can conserve it. Signage in this area also gives more insight into current conservation efforts and directs guests online to learn more about the Walt Disney Company’s efforts to this end.
A celebratory finale
As the cycle progresses, water becomes more energetic, moving from River to Ocean finale — a celebration of water’s arrival at the ocean. Here, guests can team up for one big ocean wave. Wave a single hand, and the water will gently splash back. Team up with other guests to coordinate one big synchronized wave of everyone’s arms, and the ocean will respond with a thunderous wave back.
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When will Journey of Water open?
Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana officially opened on Oct. 16, 2023. Visit Disney's website for information on how to access the attraction.
This attraction is a welcome, family-friendly addition to Epcot that kids will love — particularly on the hottest summer days. Visitors can explore the trail without getting wet and witness transformative lighting after dark, enhanced by an illuminated Spaceship Earth. So, the attraction offers varied draws for different types of guests throughout the day.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.