Moana’s Journey of Water Attraction Info
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana is a new attraction coming to Walt Disney World as part of Epcot’s Future World overhaul. This covers everything you need to know about it: target opening date, concept art, construction progress, and answers to frequently asked questions. (Updated June 13, 2021.)
For starters, a basic overview of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana (or Moana’s Journey of Water, as we’ll call it for simplicity’s sake). The attraction is the first Walt Disney World offering based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film Moana, and will be an exploration trail rather than a ride.
This water maze will be an experience where guests can interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting. Moana’s Journey of Water will consist of a lush walk-through environment that engages and educates guests about the water cycle and how it sustains our world…
Next, let’s take a look at the location of Moana’s Journey of Water. There has been a lot of confusion about this, with some Walt Disney World fans believing it’ll be replacing Journey into Imagination for some reason. (Because both have “Journey” in the name? Perhaps since there’s already a water play area up by the Imagination pavilion?)
In any case, that’s not where Moana’s Journey of Water is going. Rather, the water maze will more or less replace half of Innoventions West, which will be demolished as part of Epcot’s central spine redesign.
Moana’s Journey of Water will be part of the new World Nature neighborhood. (As a reminder, Walt Disney World is eliminating Epcot’s Future World and replacing it with 3 new neighborhoods.)
World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world. In addition to Journey of Water, it will include The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.
Above is concept art that Disney has released of the new-look Future World.
Essentially, Moana’s Journey of Water will be located between Spaceship Earth and the Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Above is a closer look with Moana’s Journey of Water outlined.
Based upon the concept art, it appears that the water exploration trail will be one way of accessing the Seas and Land pavilions from Spaceship Earth, with normal bypass pathways on each side of it for guests who don’t wish to partake in the play area.
Here’s some aerial concept art that offers an artistic perspective on the same area.
As you exit Spaceship Earth, you’ll have a view of World Nature and Moana’s Journey of Water to your right from Dreamers Point.
That puts the entrance of Moana’s Journey to Water pretty close to one of my favorite (now-extinct) ‘play areas’ in any Disney theme park, anywhere ever.
Here’s hoping that Journey of Water can live up to the legacy of the Epcot fiber optics. (Or more ideally, that these effects are relocated elsewhere, expanded and upgraded.)
Above is a look at progress one year ago on the area where Moana’s Journey of Water will be located. The area was walled off, with some site prep work having already begun. However, demolition of the Innoventions building was still in progress.
Below is the same view today:
In case you’re unfamiliar with Future World, what you see above behind the wall is all Spaceship Earth, its show building, corporate lounge, and post show. The Innoventions building has now been fully demolished–nothing else you see will be removed.
With the land fully cleared, foundations are being laid and construction on Moana’s Journey of Water is now vertical. It’s difficult/impossible to see from the ground, but if you follow the “Begin Your Journey” text on the construction wall up, you can see a bit of the equipment.
Above is a better view, albeit more distant.
Under the leg of Spaceship Earth, you should be able to ascertain some structural work taking shape. Our assumption is that this is for the signature rock-work in Moana’s Journey of Water–the mountain-like feature with cascading waterfalls.
This is probably going to come as a surprise to some of you, but I’m cautiously optimistic about Moana’s Journey of Water.
Epcot is unquestionably changing, and part of that entails becoming more “Disneyfied” in the process. Denying that reality is a recipe for constant disappointment. From my perspective, anything that manages to mesh with the park’s optimism, inspiration, and edutainment aims is on the right track.
While Moana’s Journey of Water is clearly not a blockbuster addition, that’s fine. Not everything needs to be. That doesn’t mean this isn’t a welcome addition.
One of Future World’s biggest issues was that it was a concrete jungle with little shade, water, and lushness. This remedies all of those complaints, while also offering kids a place to play and blow off some steam.
Morever, Moana’s Journey of Water is a logical transition to both the Seas and Land pavilions, making it a good “pathway” to those attractions. Offering a nice environment to educate kids about the water cycle while providing a fun gateway to this neighborhood of Epcot sounds like a win to me.
It’s certainly not my ideal walk-through attraction, but my generation’s version of EPCOT Center is long gone. I’ve accepted that and am satisfied with the potential Moana’s Journey of Water could offer as an enjoyable diversion that coalesces nicely with what already exists on this side of Epcot.
Plus, Walt Disney World could use some Moana. Right now, there’s a segment of Happily Ever After plus some flourishes at the Polynesian (don’t get too excited…we’re talking carpet designs).
There’s also a meet & greet in the queue for Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room during the Halloween and Christmas Parties. That’s about it.
Moana is one of our favorite modern animated films (that soundtrack!) and is deserving of more representation in the parks. Its popularity probably doesn’t justify an E-Ticket addition, but an interactive play area seems well-suited to the film.
For that, Adventureland or this area of Epcot were about the best-case locations. It should go without saying that Epcot is in more urgent need of new offerings.
Finally, the opening date of Moana’s Journey of Water. While a lot was planned to debut “in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021,” this was never one of those projects.
A debut date has never been announced for any of the central spine projects, but the internal timeframe has been the more nebulous “…beginning in 2022.” That was even before the closure of Walt Disney World.
It’s worth noting that during and after the closure, all construction stopped at Walt Disney World. Demolition of the Innoventions building didn’t resume until several months after Epcot reopened, and it was slow-going for a while.
Moreover, the plans for much of the Epcot overhaul have changed and been scaled back, with some components cut entirely. While we have every reason to believe that Moana’s Journey of Water is still happening, the finished product could look dramatically different than the concept art if Imagineering took the totality of the Epcot overhaul plans back to the drawing board. However, it’s always the case that what’s built differs from concept art, so nothing really novel or surprising there.
Our expectation is that 2022 is still the target opening for Moana’s Journey of Water. Given the current state of construction, previous delays, and the evolving nature of the Epcot transformation, we’re hesitant to make a prediction beyond 2022. Summer or beyond seems most likely, especially given that walkways around Moana’s Journey of Water will also need to be finished before it can open.
Ultimately, a lot could happen and change between now and 2022. It’s thus impossible to make any sort of credible predictions about the ultimate fate of Moana’s Journey of Water, including the precise date it’ll open, and what it’ll look like if/when it does. Either way, we’ll keep you posted with more updates about Moana’s Journey of Water as we learn more!
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of Moana’s Journey of Water? Do you think this will end up being cancelled, or will go forward as planned? Does this concept art look appealing to you? Do you think this will be a solid addition to Epcot, or do you wish it were a ride being added elsewhere? Do you agree or disagree with our reaction/assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Sounds great- a Moana meet and greet would be a fabulous addition too. My daughter had an amazing day meet so many of her favourite princesses in EPCOT last year.
It sounds like a great addition to me. I am curious to learn more about the 3 new neighborhoods at Epcot. I would like to go for the 50th, but if Epcot is going to be under major construction, I may wait. Epcot is my wife and my favorite park in the World.
I am so sad about the fiber optics walkway being removed. That was always so magical to my husband and I (and now our children). We were last at Epcot in June of 2019 (to bid Illuminations farewell) and we have always loved exiting the park via that walkway after the fireworks. So many casualties in the pursuit of an “improved” EPCOT.
I, too, love the addition of a lush area to EPCOT. I know when it was conceived and created, concrete and glass were what the future looked like to many. I don’t think that’s the case anymore…one could actually get quite pessimistic and bleak these days, yikes. This water area is a wonderful chance to showcase nature in a gorgeous way while also engaging and educating visitors. I personally don’t mind IP as long as it makes sense for the IP, the premise of the attraction, and it’s location (ie why isn’t Tiana going to PO?). I think Moana’s premise fits well with EPCOT’s premise…protecting and growing our future by caring for and healing what we have today.
Ratatouille Is getting a major attraction. Moana and Coco were just as successful. They deserve big attractions in the park. And Mary Poppins certainly deserves an attraction. This idea that films need to deliver a mega-billion dollar box office to deserve an attraction is wrong headed. Successfully applying a film’s storyline to an attraction is the main factor.
I am so excited for this! Epcot has been way overdue some nature, and Moana is way overdue some representation! This is just the kind of thing I enjoy (not a fan of thrill rides) so I cannot wait! Even if it is 3 years… I don’t want to go again until this is built!
Oh God. This is the first news I’ve possibly heard that the fiber optics were torn out. Has that been confirmed? We always go there just to enjoy the magic.
Yes, less concrete! I’m thinking this Moana attraction could include some misters, like Animal Kingdom, for those hot summer days. The walk from Future World to World Showcase in the heat is like crossing a desert.
You guys do realize Disney is a multifaceted media mega giant right? You don’t think for a second that film, television, or streaming can’t be dipped into to keep the ship upright. Parks has been paying for underperforming wings of the company before and there’s no reason to believe it can’t and won’t go both ways. Granted television is going to be hurting very very soon soon with no production happening but films already in the can (Mulan, Black Widow etc), merchandise, and Disney+ will be steady enough to hold things up in the short term. I don’t foresee any of the already started attractions being cancelled. Delayed a year or 2 maybe. Guardians, tron, remy, Moana, fireworks show, and play pavilion will all finish. They need a massive draw to get bodies through the gates. Shuttered half started, abandoned work sites won’t sell tickets. The only project I see in danger is the World Celebration elevated building. Future world could very easily be paved down and filled with foliage/shade. Anything already broken ground, id put money on being finished. The fort wilderness resort is probably in danger though.
Aside from Disney+, which they deliberately priced low to target user acquisition over profitability (a sound strategy that has paid off), which divisions are performing well right now?
Theme parks aren’t–they’re all closed.
The film studios aren’t–theaters are closed.
ESPN isn’t–no live sports.
On top of that, production has shut down for television, film, and Disney+, which will be a problem down the road when new content is needed.
i wish moana was available anywhere besides the holiday parties and at aulani. with how popular the movie was, they are squandering that momentum. she should at the very least replace pluto at the o’hana breakfast. that really should be lilo and stitch, and moana and maui, with mickey out front.
She’s at Disneyland all the time near the tree house! I know it’s not WDW, but closer than Aulani…
I hope Disney completes this addition. It sounds peaceful and lovely, especially on a hot day. A Moana meet and greet in there would be a bonus!
I like your thinking! We missed out on meeting moana 3 years ago at the Halloween party, but i assumed she would have her own spot soon enough, but nope!
I hope if there ARE cuts to the attraction, it doesn’t affect the lushness of the trees etc. I feel like that’s always the first to go. I am still bitter about New Fantasyland and all the foliage that was promised and not delivered.
this! and the trees that were in the newly widened pathway along the castle moat and then were taken out right before it was opened. and toy story land. and pretty much everywhere else on property.
Agreed. The rose garden in EPCOT was one of my favorite places!! I was so looking forward to an even more lush area to break up all the concrete between Future World and World Showcase.
Trees and all types of foliage need to be incorporated as much as possible to provide a lush, verdant, beautiful, relaxing, parklike environment.
The Magic Kingdom’s Old Fantasyland behind the castle has always felt like a congested concrete jungle. It would be great to add trees, space, and benches, though I know that is easier said than done.
I always wondered if perhaps the utilidors under this area prevent the planting of large trees.
Man! I miss Disney World so much! I miss the smells and the overall magic! I can’t wait to go back!
I definitely don’t think this is getting cancelled. Delayed? Most likely. But I am super duper excited for it! My degree is in Conservation and Biodiversity, and I loved the movie, so it feels like something I’ll really enjoy once it’s complete.
Disney needs to cut costs.
There are groups of seasons that make Disney’s budget work: Halloween/Christmas, Summer, and Spring Break. Since there is no break between Halloween and Christmas, I think this season makes the most money (in special event tickets alone). I believe the second season is Spring Break based on airfare rates.
With Disney losing Spring Break this year, we can assume the Disney Parks lost all Profit for 2020. Profit is what pays for Imagineering and Construction. As this goes on, we can assume Disney is going to lose the Profit for 2021 and possibly 2022 as well. Having three years of profit eliminated means projects need to be eliminated.
At this point, what is the need for more hotels if you can’t fill your current hotels? Why build more Disney Vacation Club Hotels, if you can’t sell your current DVC and you have a large number of DVC Vacationers about to put their points up for sale. We should assume all renovations will be stopped for three years. We should assume all hotel construction projects will be stopped. The exception might be the DVC for Disneyland Hotel.
From the point of view of the parks, any ride that is almost completed will likely finish (Guardians, Ratatouille, Tron), but all of their dates should be pushed to 2022. Ratatouille might be finished, but why open the ride and train staff if the capacity isn’t in the park. Disney could rollout Ratatouille in February 2022 to increase Spring Break guests.
The last part is Disney putting the parks back together, and by that I mean EPCOT. EPCOT is likely not opening until February or March 2021. Construction in EPCOT won’t likely happen until October 2020, in case there is a second wave of the virus. Once Construction starts expect Disney to demolish what looks bad, put in pathways, and add some green space and shade. Asking Disney to do anything beyond the basics is asking for too much. Moana might still happen in 2022, but I would say every project is turned off and won’t restart for over 12 months.
I would expect Disney to handle the EPCOT basic update well and allow for more booths and “temporary locations.” This can add a few food options and maybe they’ll add a shaded play area for kids.
There is certainly a lot of uncertainty for Disney’s business in the next three years. In particular the fate of DVC has a lot of financial risk attached to it. Disney has to have enough cash available to buy out anyone who wants to put their points up for sale, or the DVC model is dead for starters. And if the Parks don’t fully open within a month or two a large number of DVC members will want to liquidate their ownership. Many owners will want to liquidate simply because they need the cash after being forced out of work for two months. Others will want to simply because what’s the use of ownership if they can’t go into the parks and have a good time?
Neither Disney nor any other blue-chip corporation can count on having financing available in the coming years either to rebuild, or just to hang on. Until they’re at least back to one good year of operating results there is not going to be much if any new construction at Disney, and it could possibly take much longer than that.
Thanks Tom for the great update. Looking forward to seeing the completed project.