It has been a very long road to get to the opening of Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana at EPCOT since it was first announced back in August 2019.

We have enjoyed bringing you updates on the construction process and are very hopeful that with the area now complete we are not far away from the official opening of this new attraction as part of the EPCOT transformation. We still await confirmation of the exact date which we will share with you as soon as it is announced.

For many, in that Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana is a walk-through attraction and doesn't include an actual ride, expectations are fairly low. We understand that this new area will include water features and splash pads for children to enjoy.

Cast Members have been testing Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana and if you are wondering exactly what this new attraction has to offer then take a look at the atmospheric full walk-through video which is embedded below. You can see how it looks in daylight as well as after dark where the water effects take on a whole new look and meaning.

Although Disney has been criticised for the two year construction timeline for Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana and that there is no actual ride element, if it is taken for what it is, Disney fans surely can't fail to be impressed? But, is EPCOT the right location for this attraction? Although it clearly has a edutainment element, for many the answer will be no, Disney's Animal Kingdom would have made for a better fit for the theme. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.

In a recent review posted to YouTube by DSNY Newscast, we get to hear an honest opinion of the new Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana and on first looks it appears that this new attraction at EPCOT is more impressive and fun than most are likely expecting it to be.

What is great about this new walk-through experience?

The very interesting thing about the water effects is that they are interactive and completely controlled by the guests as they are in the film, making this a very different experience to most areas which include jumping fountains or water features which are centrally controlled.

According to DSNY Newcast, Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana is an area where all families or parties could spend at least 30 minutes out of their day to EPCOT to enjoy.

Water features which particularly stood out and are worth spending time exploring are:

• The geysers at the beginning of the experience where you can control the water by your arm movements.
• Pads at the end which control geyser style spouts by jumping on them.
• Wall of Water created by a group of guests moving their arms at the same time.
• Effect where the water adjusts to the height of your hand to give you a high five.

Disney has very cleverly placed sensors hidden in plain sight to enable the water effects to appear magical. The theming is very impressive with rock work, foliage and of course the towering 16 foot statue of Tafiti as well as Easter Eggs to Moana.

It revitalises one of the original purposes of EPCOT being edutainment and teaches guests about the importance of water conservation as well as the facts of the water cycle.

What are the problems?

The location is an issue as it is difficult to feel completely immersed in Moana's world when Spaceship Earth looms in the distance. With a Moana meet and greet exclusive to Disney's Animal Kingdom and blue sky plans announced for a Moana themed land to be built in the location of Chester and Hester's Dinorama in DinoLand USA, it seems a real shame that this interactive walk-through experience was not located at Disney's Animal Kingdom rather than EPCOT. 

Also, as the water features are all controlled by guests it can seem slightly lifeless when fewer people are in the area, however we aren't predicting that this will be a problem for majority of the time, especially when Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana first opens.

In summary, don't be put off by preconceptions regarding Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana. From initial reviews it appears that Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana, if taken for what it is as a walk-through experience, will be a very fun and enjoyable attraction for all the family. 

Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana at EPCOT is slated to open this Fall and back in August, Disney revealed a new look photo and logo for Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana at EPCOT which can be seen below posted to Twitter by Landon McReynolds. We are expecting news of an opening date for this walk-through attraction soon. 

#Disney has shared a new look at "Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana" attraction. According to Disney's latest quarterly earnings report, the attraction at #EPCOT is still scheduled to open this fall. pic.twitter.com/QhWzLgMHoH

— Landon McReynolds (@LandonProducer) August 16, 2023

It certainly looks like although there will not be a ride that this new attraction will be a very immersive addition to EPCOT and we will be very excited to bring you video footage of exactly what you can expect to experience from Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana when it opens at EPCOT.

Here is the newly released logo for Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana, do you think it does the attraction justice? Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.

To see the construction journey continue reading...