Imagineering and Cast Members Visit Journey of Water Inspired by ‘Moana’ as Construction Nears Completion at EPCOT

The construction site for a near-complete Journey of Water Inspired by “Moana” attraction was being toured by members of Disney Imagineering and Cast Members.

Cast and Imagineering Visit Journey of Water Inspired by “Moana”

While no official word has been heard from Disney, it’s possible this could be a management walkthrough, with various individuals involved with the leadership of EPCOT, Walt Disney Imagineering, and this project experiencing this new attraction. Some of the water features and interactive elements appeared to be operating during their visit.

Earlier in the day, limited construction equipment was on site, but there wasn’t much activity from the crew. The attraction has been coming together with final touches as foliage fills out the walkthrough and directional signage is placed.

Over a week ago, Walt Disney Imagineering already shared photos of water tests being conducted at the site.

As we test and prepare our next attraction to welcome guests later this Fall to World Nature in EPCOT, our Imagineers have begun to teach water how to play in Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests of all ages will engage with water in a variety of ways as they learn about water’s amazing “journey” around our natural world, including ways to better conserve our natural resources and protect water as it voyages throughout our natural world, connecting us all. We hope everyone feels inspired to connect with water as a friend, just like Moana did in the film!

A few days later, music could be heard from outside the construction area, and more water features were being tested far earlier than anticipated. “We Know the Way” from “Moana” was playing, and water was flowing over the Journey of Water entrance structure featuring Te Fiti’s swirl symbol.

A Journey of Water

In our most recent construction updates, it has looked like Journey of Water is near complete, with only testing remaining. In April, Disney shared a video of water flowing through the attraction. The walkthrough attraction may include some MagicBand+ interaction.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana concept art 2

Journey of Water concept art shows flowing waterfalls as well as water jumping over pathways. Next to a body of water is a giant statue of Te Fiti. It’s in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT.

“Along with Moana as a steward of water conservation, Te Fiti is a symbol of how we should protect and nurture water wherever we find it,” Reid Ekman, Lead Concept Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, wrote on Disney Parks Blog.

This is an important theme in Journey of Water, where guests will learn more about how water travels from our skies to the ocean, and back again. This story will unfold along a lush trail inspired by the environments and art style of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

At Journey of Water, guests will “engage with water in a variety of ways as they learn about water’s amazing ‘journey’ around our natural world, including ways to better conserve our natural resources and protect water.” Imagineers “hope everyone feels inspired to connect with water as a friend, just like Moana did in the film!”

According to CEO Bob Iger, Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” is the last step in the years-long EPCOT reimagining. It’s expected to open later this year, along with Dreamers Point, CommuniCore Hall, and CommuniCore Plaza.

Check out our list of every new attraction coming to Disney Parks in 2023, which includes Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana.”

Are you excited for Journey of Water and hope to experience this latest addition to EPCOT soon? Let us know in the comments.

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