1st Look at Epcot’s new ‘Moana’-inspired attraction

18.08.2023 - 13:37 / thepointsguy.com

A new Moana-themed attraction, Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana, is opening soon at Epcot at Walt Disney World as part of the theme park's ongoing multiyear transformation.

Walt Disney Imagineers have been putting the finishing touches on the attraction as it undergoes "PLAYtesting," a phase of testing and adjusting before an attraction is officially unveiled to the public.

I had the opportunity to step behind the construction walls to tour the attraction with Walt Disney Imagineers Reid Ekman, lead concept designer, and Chelsea Whikeheart, creative producer, and try out some of its many whimsical effects.

Here's a first look at what guests can expect from Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana.

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Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is within Epcot's new World Nature neighborhood alongside existing The Land and The Sea pavilions. Carrying on the theme of conservation established by those pavilions, Journey of Water is a self-guided exploration trail that invites guests to establish a relationship with water, just as Moana did in the animated film.

During the all-ages experience, guests make their way along a circular walking trail, moving through different zones, each representing the cycles water travels through as it makes its way from the sky to the ocean and back. Each zone offers new ways for guests to "play" with water while learning about each cycle: Rain, Stream, Wetland, Spring, Land, Lake, River, Ocean and Sky.

Trail markers introduce each zone of the water cycle, with illustrations functioning like storyboards to explain the cycle stage and to show guests how to interact with the water in each zone.

In the opening Rain section, I played a water harp, running my fingers across strings of water that play music just like harp strings. The water harps are low to the ground, easily accessible to kids, but I audibly squealed when I tried one for the first time. Many of the attraction's interactive elements invite cooperation between guests — here, you might try playing in unison — harmonizing with a family member or stranger at the next harp.

Moving along to the next phase of the water cycle, when rainfall gathers into streams, guests can wave to the water, wishing it a safe voyage. Illustrations and language on the trail markers along the way carry forward the film's themes of voyaging and adventure. Shade canopies overhead take inspiration from canoe sails, and materials throughout the attraction are intended to look elemental and handmade.

Just as water is a character in the film, it's given a personality throughout the attraction, reacting specifically to each guest's unique movements. In the Stream section, my