September 9, 2023
Adventure is calling! Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will make its splashing debut at Walt Disney World Resort on Oct. 16.
As Guests make their way through this serene trail in EPCOT, get ready to engage with water in magical ways, just like Moana did in the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. From a simple wave “hello” to a high five – and even a crashing wave of fun – engaging opportunities to interact with this important and playful resource greet you around every bend. In this self-guided, walk-through attraction, Guests will explore lush, landscaped trails inspired by the film – the first Disney Parks experience to dive into this tropical world. Keep a lookout along the way for beloved characters sculpted in the rock formations like Hei Hei, Pua and of course, Moana.
Water here has a playful personality of its own – and Guests are invited to play along. Designed with the whole family in mind, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is a self-paced experience that offers accessible pathways and the option to see how far you’ll go by choosing the wet or the dry path. It’s up to Guests to decide just how friendly with water they’d like to get, but we hope they’ll walk away with a new pal.
Along the path, they’ll learn all about the water cycle and why it’s important to channel your inner Moana and be a protector of this incredible natural resource. From rain to lakes and oceans, water is a centerpiece of our world, and they’ll be able to see it in many of its forms throughout the trail. Guests may find yourself giggling as water meets their hands for a high five or gazing in awe at a stunning topiary of Te Fiti surrounded by a beautiful landscape and views of Spaceship Earth. And just like Moana teamed up with Maui, Pua and Hei Hei for a big adventure, Guests might find that banding together with friends can make an even bigger splash.
We have one more surprise coming to EPCOT: Starting Oct. 16, Guests will be able to meet Moana herself! The Wayfinder will greet fellow voyagers in a new area across from the attraction. What can we say except “You’re welcome!”
These new additions to World Nature are cornerstones of the multi-year EPCOT Transformation, reimagining the park to foster discovery and connections to nature, as well as to celebrate diversity around the world. Soon, Guests will be able to relax in the vibrant green spaces throughout the World Celebration gardens and connect with loved ones at Dreamers Point, where they can draw inspiration from the new Walt Disney statue called “Walt the Dreamer.”
The debut of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana on Oct. 16 coincides with the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. The attraction opening will be a highlight as Walt Disney World joins the global Disney100 celebration that honors Disney fans and the storytellers who have carried on the Disney legacy over the last century. Guests will discover special offerings throughout EPCOT during the limited-time Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World taking place Sept. 22 through Dec. 31, 2023.