Disney World is constantly changing, which means there is often a new or updated snack, attraction, or experience in the works at any given time.
EPCOT
As fun as these experiences can be, a lot of these changes aren’t for everyone. Whether guests prefer a ride that existed before its replacement (like The Great Movie Ride turning into Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway) or just think something could have been done better, Disney’s decisions aren’t always popular. In EPCOT, the new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction has yet to officially open, but it’s already a bit controversial.
The new Moana attraction, which is set to open in late 2023, is a lush exploration trail where visitors can interact and play with water, learning about how it connects us all. As they walk through the trail, guests will have the chance to learn about the water cycle, with educational signage greeting them before each of the attraction’s nine sections.
The Water Cycle
These sections — Rain, Stream, Wetland, Spring, Land, Lake, River, Ocean, and Sky — each have a component that teaches you something while also letting you interact with the water in a unique way. In Rain, for example, guests can touch “strings” of water that play musical notes as they run their hands through.
The water is inviting you to play! These streams are interactive and play music as you pass your hands through the water!
📍Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana pic.twitter.com/Fp0XRuMm3z
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 1, 2023
While it’s exciting to have this new experience to look forward to, some people think that this would have been better suited at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Currently, there is already a Moana meet-and-greet there, so it could have fit right in. Also, the park’s dedication to nature and wildlife conservation really seems to match the energy of Journey of Water. There is a heavy focus on respecting this natural resource in the new attraction that is on brand for Animal Kingdom.
Journey of Water
Another thing to note is that back in 2022, Disney teased the possibility of a full Moana-themed land in Animal Kingdom. At the D23 Expo, Disney shared that they are looking into the possibility of reimagining Dinoland U.S.A., which could be rethemed to Zootopia or Moana.
Or maybe…MOANA?! 👀🌳 #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/AjmgVWHgqJ
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 11, 2022
While nothing has been confirmed, some guests think that it would have made more sense to save Journey of Water for a fully-themed land.
Possible DinoLand USA Expansion
However, we attended a Cast Member preview of the new attraction recently and had a few takeaways. Not only did we think that it was beautifully done — it also had a wonderful old-EPCOT feel to it, taking us back to its “edutainment” roots.
Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana
Furthermore, it is located in the World Nature section of the park, which is “dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.” With that in mind, this new attraction actually does fit in at EPCOT, and we think it’s a great addition! Not to mention, EPCOT can get hot, and it’s nice to have a unique way to cool off within the park.
It’s such an EPCOT experience
What do you think? Would Journey of Water have been better suited to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news!
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One thing, or two things really, that Epcot needs to change are Anna’s & Elsa’s outfits at the Royal Sommerhus meet and greet location. They need to bring back the Frozen 1 outfits for those sisters. The Frozen 1 dresses and braids are so iconic and the best looks for Anna & Elsa, especially Elsa. I hope they bring back the Frozen 1 looks for those characters eventually so we can meet and greet them in the Frozen 1 looks again
I haven’t seen the Moana attraction yet and will see it in a few weeks. Way back when, most of the attractions at EPCOT had an educational element to them. This seems to fit with that original vision. Anyone remember Cranium Command? That was my absolute favorite attraction at EPCOT in the “front half” of the park. I love World Showcase, especially during Food and Wine and at Christmas. The Candlelight Processional can’t be beat; it’s up there with the Rockettes Christmas show.
Yes finally! I love the educational part of Disney attractions. That is what I remember about Epcot and so wonderful. The old Disney! I’m so excited to see this.