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The Walt Disney Imagineers have outdone themselves this time with the Moana attraction at Epcot! It’s an interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy together and Moana fans will delight .The attraction will have you feeling like you are entered the heart of Te Fiti as you explore water effects along a beautifully landscaped walking trail. The Moana attraction at Epcot is a journey that you will want to take again and again. Here’s your complete guide to all the new experiences you’ll find in the World Nature neighborhood of Epcot!
Moana Attraction at Epcot is an Epic Journey of Water
At the beginning of November our family snuck away to Disney World to celebrate the turning in of a BIG project that I had been working on. It was something that I had been working on for 10 months… One that involved a deadline. That’s all that I can say about it for now. I promise to reveal the finished product sometime in the next few months, but it’s just not time yet. So follow along and stay tuned!
We love Disney World. It’s one of our favorite places to travel as a family. There’s just something for everyone there. This time we spent longer than we usually do at Epcot, exploring the various countries across the lagoon and the newest attraction in World Nature, Moana’s Journey of Water.
Upon entering EPCOT, go right at Spaceship Earth and follow the main path along in the direction of the Disney World Nature section of the park. The Moana attraction at Epcot is pretty much directly across from The Land Pavilion so the entrance to this outdoor trail is in plain sight. This walk-through attraction is the perfect place to take a break as you meander through the journey of water. You’ll find it There is a dry path to just , but kids will be While this new experience is not the first Walt Disney World attraction that’s self-guided, it’s one that also has wheelchair access. Once you arrive at this new area of World Nature, trail markers will lead you through the Moana experience at your own pace.
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What does EPCOT stand for?
Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. However, Epcot is much more than its acronym suggests. It’s a unique theme park with three distinct areas:
- World Celebration: This part of Epcot is designed to give park guests an experience of world travel without ever leaving Florida. Various pavilions represent different countries and it’s notably a favorite among Disney fans. In World Showcase, found across the lagoon from the rest of Epcot, you will stroll through replicas of famous landmarks, shop in buildings that ,enjoy international cuisine, and even take in some cultural performances.
- World Discovery: This area take you into the world of technology, innovation, and adventure. You will explore the wonders of space travel as you take a ride inside Spaceship Earth, experience thrills on high-tech rides like Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind, Mission Space, and Test Track, and have an imaginative time with Figment.
- World Nature: This area is all about education and nature. Soar high over California on the Soarin’ ride, take a boat ride through Living with the Land, marvel at world class aquariums, and sing along with Nemo and his friends. You can even enjoy fruits and vegetables grown right there in Epcot.
Epcot is a blend of cultural exploration and technological advancement with favorite Disney characters. Its aim is to inspire guests to dream about the future and celebrate today. Epcot is a place to learn, explore, and have fun while experiencing the world in a new and exciting way!
Here are some additional facts and details about Epcot:
- Opened in 1982, it was originally envisioned as a real-life prototype city of the future.
- It is known for its unique architecture, featuring a large geodesic sphere called Spaceship Earth.
- It hosts various festivals throughout the year, focusing on food, flowers, and more.
- It is constantly evolving with new attractions and experiences added regularly.
New Generation of Epcot
Part of the Epcot transformation is to incorporate more of the favorite films and characters into the park. The Walt Disney Imagineering Team took their creative vision to the next level by creating a lush exploration trail set in the theme of Moana and the Pacific islands. This newest attraction at Epcot (that opened in October 2023) is one that you definitely want to visit.
Journey of Water Moana Attraction at Epcot
Inspired by the world of Moana, the new attraction is explorative and filled with interactive water features. Fans of the animated film will notice all the ways in which the scenery is inspired by Moana’s world. There are both wet paths with play areas as well as paths dedicated to staying dry so it truly has something for everyone depending on your comfort level.
While Journey of Water at Epcot doesn’t necessarily have named areas within it, the trail does offer different sections with Moana inspired experiences:
1. Entrance and Te Fiti Archway:
- Guests are greeted by a stunning Polynesian archway that is a welcome to the journey.
- Throughout the attraction there’s lush greenery and vegetation to resemble the vibrant island colors from the movie.
2. Interactive Water Play Area:
- Playful water fountains inspired by Te Fiti, allowing for interactive fun with jets and sprays.
- You’ll marvel at the music strings of water (like the water harp) and wonder how it all works.
- Hidden pathways offering surprises and discoveries around every corner. The rock formations have carvings of characters and you will also find sea creature sculptures decorating the area.
3. Te Fiti Tunnel:
- This immersive tunnel is filled with both lights and sound effects that will transport you to the heart of the island.
- In this area there’s also the opportunity to encounter hidden messages and Easter eggs from the movie. You might even see a hidden Mickey or two!
4. Storytelling Circle and Gramma Tala’s Grove:
- Gather around for a Te Fiti storytelling fire of Moana themed entertainment and storytellings.
- This fictional grove is educational by using interactive elements to raise awareness of the environment and showcases the beauty of the natural water cycle at the same time.
5. Pua and Hei Hei Encounter:
- This is the place where you might find life-sized Pua and Hei Hei for taking pictures.
6. Te Fiti Lagoon and Finale:
- As the journey comes to a close you encounter a lagoon with beautiful views and the last of the interactive water features.
These are just the main sections, but you’ll also be able to discover many other fun surprises and hidden gems all along the educational journey.
Bonus Tips:
- Pack sunscreen and comfortable shoes! The trail is outdoors and involves some walking.
- Bring your sense of adventure and be prepared to get playful.
- Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys and Moana Easter eggs!
- Don’t forget to share your own epic Journey of Water moments on social media!
- This attraction is wheelchair accessible.
- Strollers must be parked outside of the attraction. However, if you have a wheelchair tag for your stroller (like we did), you can keep the stroller with you.
This post could contain affiliate links or be sponsored which means I earn from advertising. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More details here.