The newest EPCOT attraction hasn’t even opened yet, but we’ve seen a LOT of opinions about it.
It’s stunning!
We’re talking about Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana, which we recently got to check out during Cast Member previews. We took you along with us to show you the full attraction (as well as its awesome bathrooms). A LOT of folks seem to think this should have been a ride rather than a walkthrough attraction, but we’re going to tell you why it’s actually a good thing.
Yes, we get it, a Moana-themed ride would’ve been pretty cool in EPCOT. But the thing is, there was ALL that space just doing NOTHING in EPCOT. Disney could’ve just turned it into a space with a fountain and some benches, but that would’ve been a lot more boring than what we’re getting. It’s a huge space, and it would’ve been an eyesore to keep it so plain.
Isn’t this way prettier than a simple fountain and benches?
And think about it — could a Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind-sized attraction even fit in that small space? From a practical standpoint, there simply wasn’t enough room for a brand-new ride in the middle of EPCOT.
There’s not enough space!
But there’s another reason that you should re-think how you see this attraction. Remember the old EPCOT? Remember when it was educational? Well, this attraction reminds us of the old EPCOT because as you walk through and interact with the water, you’re learning about the cycle of water. It’s a throwback to what EPCOT used to represent and part of the original idea behind the park.
Off to the River!
If we had to argue, we’d say that this walkthrough attraction probably fits into the whole concept of EPCOT better than Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, at least when you consider the educational opportunities it presents. Now, we LOVE Cosmic Rewind, but sometimes, we wonder if the Marvel tie-in is a little out of place in EPCOT. But Journey of Water? It fits right in and ties into The Seas and The Land pavilions well.
It’s such an EPCOT experience
We also love how this attraction is built to give you a break from the chaos that can be happening in EPCOT, with people rushing to and from rides. It gives people some additional shade AND a new place to cool off. In the middle of a hot summer day, that mist feels pretty amazing.
This experience is meant to appeal to everyone!
When it opens, perhaps a lot of folks might change their mind after they experience Journey of Water for themselves.
So, basically, we’re asking you all to check it out for yourselves and give it a chance. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for more.
EPCOT’s NEW Moana Attraction Rocks, but There Was One Major Bummer
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I’ve watched five different vlog presentations on the Moana inspired Water attraction. I worked in musem marketing and public affairs for over seven years developing and promoting science based exhibits. This experience is a complete DUD, a letdown. Loved Mickey & Minnie and other recent attractions. This will be replaced completely in less than five years. Sorry to be negative, but we expect much, much more from Disney; or at least we used to.
It wasn’t a big empty spot until they took out that beautiful fountain of nations that everyone loved. The fountain fit in and was pleasing to the eye. This attraction seems plopped into a spot that wasn’t made for it and appears to interrupt the horizon and view. I see this attraction in constant need of repair as parts of it will continue to malfunction or breakdown (Rise of the Resistance, anyone?) We only see pics and reviews of this walk-through with very few people inside. What will this be like during a typical crowded afternoon? I can’t believe this will be something that will bring people back time after time except if you have little ones that like to splash around.
One and done situation here. Way to go D world!
Guardians does fit in to Epcot where it was placed considering the space theme. It’s right next to mission space and the space 220 lounge and restaurant.
This will be one-and-done for us.
It looks fun to me and a good place to cool off, something Epcot needs. I don’t know how many times I’ve been to the food court in “The Land” and seen hot and tired people just sitting there staring into oblivion. At least this gives them something to do while cooling off. Not everything at Disney World is an E ticket ride, but it doesn’t need to be. People still go on the Tomorrowland Race Cars and I think that’s the biggest waste of space that there is (and it makes me sick). But some people like it, and it gives people something to do so they’re not in line for the better rides. To each his own.
Not to mention that not everyone likes, or can go on the rides. From what i’ve seen from vlogs, it looks interesting and fun. It could be a very nice down time spot, especially for people with neurodivergent kids.
When my son was 5, he loved World of Motion, Horizons, Universe of Energy, Maelstrom, El Rio Del Tiempo and Listen to the Land. I now have a 5 yr old grandson. Well, the first 3 are gone and he is not big enough to ride the replacements. He is not a fan of Frozen (neither am I) so another loss. He does like to splash and play with water, though, and I agree with AJ about the educational value. I miss the fountain that was there but there are enough things for us big kids to play on. Disney’s ‘rides’ used to be experiences and adventures not just thrills. Don’t remind me of The Great Movie Ride and Catastrophe Canyon. Two more things my son loved and my grandson will never see. I’m looking forward to seeing Moana when it opens. Definitely not a one and done for me!
Im all for shade & places to sit & enjoy the surroundings. That being said it took them as long to build this one walk through attraction as to took to build the entirety of Magic Kingdom. That will be the let down. It’s a long wait for a glorified splash pad
How does one enter this new addition? Are we talking a line like other attractions, or is it an open walk-through?
I think this shows the lack of imagination from Disney. It took WAY too long to build. (Just look at how Epic Universe is being built QUICKLY!) I can see it being very congested with people standing around. I don’t know who the powers that be are but just like the Star Wars hotel, it’s a lot of time and money down the tubes for a big nothing. They could have spent that money on reviving the Imagination pavilion!!