If you’re a fan of Moana, then this attraction is for you. Just like Moana does in the movie, you’re able to interact and play with water as you enjoy this outdoor trail in Epcot.
As described by Disney, Journey of Water gives you the opportunity to “learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality.”
While this attraction is far from a thrill ride, it is gorgeous and special in its own right. Plus, you get to learn about the cycle of water with help from some pretty cool interactive water features.
Find out everything we know about the attraction in our complete guide to Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Quick Facts
Description: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is an outdoor trail that guests take in at their own pace as they explore and interact with playful water features themed after the popular animated movie. The experience includes lots of water features and fountains to help guests learn how the cycle of water works.
Location
Journey of Water is found in the World Nature neighborhood of Epcot, which is close to the entrance of the park. It’s near The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction and Coral Reef Restaurant.
How to Experience Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
During previews and the soft opening of this attraction, a Virtual Queue was utilized. However, this is no longer the case and the queue hasn’t been used since the initial opening.
When you are ready to visit, you can head over and join the standby line. You can find the entrance to this walk through attraction near Coral Reef restaurant and the Seas with Nemo and Friends.
Do I Need Genie+ to Experience Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana?
Genie+ is not offered at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. You’ll be able to visit the attraction via the standby line.
You can also access the attraction during both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
Rider Switch/Child Swap
Rider Switch is Disney’s service that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.
Seeing as Journey of Water isn’t a ride, Rider Switch is not offered here.
What to Expect When You Visit
Queue
Unlike other attractions, Journey of Water doesn’t really have a dedicated queue. One isn’t necessarily needed, since this is a trail that keeps guests constantly moving.
When hopping in the Standby line, you’ll simply stand in a queue that is located outdoors.
Accessibility Information
Guests may remain in their wheelchair/ECV as they explore the self-guided trail, but wheelchair access is available only on the dry path.
Service animals are also permitted with caution in some areas and they must remain on the dry path.
In the Experience
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, includes lots of water features and fountains to help guests learn about how the cycle of water works.
As you travel through the attraction, trail markers guide you as you interact with the water, which responds to your movements. You won’t need to use a MagicBand, a MagicBand+, or a special app to do this — it all seems to be working on a motion sensor, so you can experience the features tech-free.
The cornerstone of the attraction is a giant Te Fiti statue that stands 16 feet tall, which was placed in December 2022. It’s a pretty impressive feat, and there’s no doubt this is one of the most exciting parts of the attraction for Moana fans.
There’s a large fountain that features the heart of Te Fiti inside the attraction that is also a focal point for the area.
Speaking of fountains, there is a chance that you could get wet while experiencing this attraction, but you definitely don’t have to if you don’t want to.
Some portions of the trail offer a wet path and a dry path, so you can truly personalize your experience. You likely won’t get fully soaked even on the wet path, but there are splash areas designed for kids who are into that.
As you walk through the attraction, you’ll encounter several different stops along the water cycle, starting with rain. You’ll then proceed to the stream, where you’ll find “strings” of water you can run your hands through and play music.
Next are the wetlands, a walking path where you can choose to stay dry or walk directly through the water, though the water will part to allow you to walk through. Then, there’s the spring, where the water will come up to meet your hand.
This is followed by the land, a cavelike area which also offers a dry path, and the lake, where you’ll finally see Te Fiti. Next, you’ll be at the river, and finally, the sky as you make your way back around the path. Each of these stops offers different ways to interact with water as you learn along the way.
The attraction ends with the opportunity for several people to join together to create one giant wave with their movement.
Though Moana herself does not appear in this attraction, a meet and greet with the character is in an area nearby, across from the Coral Reef restaurant.
Is Journey of Water Kid-Friendly?
Yes, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is definitely kid-friendly. There’s an interactive water feature here (similar to a splash pad) with theming that Moana fans will enjoy. You may want to bring a change of clothes for your little one in case they get wet!
Since it’s an outdoor, walk-through attraction based on one of Disney’s most beloved animated characters, we expect that it this to be a crowd pleaser with younger age groups.
Children who don’t like getting wet may not like this attraction, since a lot of water is involved. But, there is also the dry path available for all guests.
Be sure to check out our guide on things that might scare little ones at Disney World.
Strollers
If you have a stroller with you, there is a designated stroller parking area outside of the entrance.
History
Disney officially announced Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana in August 2019 at the D23 Expo as part of an overhaul of Epcot that’s been in progress for several years now.
It was initially intended to open in 2021 to celebrate the parks’ 50th anniversary, but was eventually pushed back to late 2023.
Almost a year later, Disney shared an update with fans, providing new concept art of the attraction once construction was underway.
Since then, Disney Parks Blog shared new project milestones with eager fans, including the progress being made on a sculpture of Moana by Principal Dimensional Designer Jim Towler that will be featured in the attraction in August 2022.
During the 2023 Disney Shareholders Meeting in April 2023, Bob Iger toured the attraction, and from the footage shared, it seemed like it was close to being completed.
At the time, he revealed that guests would be able to interact with the water similar to the way that Moana did in the movie.
During the 2023 Destination D23 parks panel, it was finally confirmed that Journey of Water, Inspired Moana would open on October 16, 2023.
Other Fun Details
- There are a range of hidden characters carved into the surrounding areas, like Moana, baby Moana, HeiHei, Pua, Gramma Tala, and Kakamora.
- If you listen closely, you’ll hear songs from the Moana soundtrack playing as you explore the trail.
- There is a Moana meet and greet nearby Journey of Water for guests to say hello to the character who inspired this attraction.