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Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana (An Attraction Guide)

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is a beautifully landscaped walking trail in the World Nature section of Epcot. One of the newest attractions at Walt Disney World, the self-guided walking path teaches guests how water cycles the Earth and its importance.

We visited Epcot during the initial preview of Moana’s Journey of Water. Since then, we’ve walked through the experience multiple times. So, I wanted to circle back and provide a formal review of the attraction.

While our central focus is on the resorts, we are in the parks almost every week. Living so close to Disney allows us to experience the attractions at our leisure without ever feeling a need to do everything unless someone is visiting from out of town. It’s one of the perks that I imagine most transplants don’t take for granted.

Below, we’ll discuss this new outdoor trail and a few tips for adding it to your vacation. Journey of Moana is a fun educational experience that offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana attraction signage
Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, opened on October 16, 2023.

Here is a quick reference chart for Journey of Water Inspired by Moana.

Journey of WaterEpcot

Location:

World Nature

Height Requirement:

NA

Lightning Lane:

NA

Our Traffic Signal:

Green Light

Ride Type:
Walk Through with Interactive Water Elements

Seats Per Vehicle:
NA

Rider Switch:
NA

Early Entry:
No

Extended Theme Park Hours:

Yes (for deluxe and deluxe villa guests)

Stroller Parking:
To the right of the attraction’s entrance.

Good For:

Anyone

Scare Factor:

None

Must Do List:

Medium

Perfect For:

Moana fans and children

Special mention:
You might get wet, but you can stay on the dry path to avoid the water.

Additional Info: Per Disney, Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs. An audio description is available. Service animals are permitted with caution. Details for those with mobility issues (e.g., wheelchairs and ECVs) can be found on Disney’s site.

wave to the water and it might wave back area on the attraction

While I wouldn’t call Journey of Moana an oversized aquatic play area, a few rules are posted near each interactive water feature. Guests may remain on a dry path or enter the areas with water features. How wet you get depends on how much you decide to interact with the water.

As we enter the attraction, we’re greeted by fog or mist, which adds a bit of mystery about where we’re headed.

fog or mist on Journey of Water at Epcot

We begin to see signs along the path, introducing us to each area. Initially, we learn about the water cycle and how it connects us. The sign below tells us how “all of the water in the world circles the planet, from the sky to the seas and back again.” It also shows a diagram of the process. In the bottom right-hand corner, an element tells how “Moana of Motonui, Wayfinder, and friend of the ocean, saved her people by protecting and healing nature.”

signage explaining how water connects us

Thanks to the signage, you can tell when you transition to a new cycle of water.

the water cycle sign

After passing the mist, you’ll be able to see a little more clearly as you look back to Spaceship Earth in the distance. You can also see the emblem of the heart of Te Fiti on the mountain.

smoke coming from the mountain at the beginning of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

The water cycle begins with rain. We learn that water is “born as drops of water high in the sky, rain falls from clouds to earth. It renews everything it touches.” This area references the sound of rain as happy music and invites us to play along.

signage for the rain area of Journey of Water

Then, you can touch the strings of water to create a few notes with this magical resource. (As you can imagine, the interactive features have multiple areas for participation. But depending on the crowd, you might have to wait a few moments for one.)

guests can touch the strings of water and it plays music

As the water cycle continues, we go with it to the stream.

a sign that says stream

The stream represents traveling together as the “rain runs over the ground, trickles of water come together to make a new stream.”

signage for the stream portion of Journey of Water

This area allows guests to stand in a specific area and wave to the stream. You might be surprised by its response.

a water element representing the stream

Below, the path continues.

a dry path through Journey of Water

Next, we reach the wetland where building community is important. Water soaks the soil, helping plants to grow and providing a home for water-loving animals.

the Wetland

This is a pretty large section with several interactive elements for those who choose to participate.

guests participating in Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

We then run into the Spring, which moves underground.

signage for the Spring

Here is an example of how water responds to our touch. Guests can stand on any of the emblems and hold out their hands. The water should respond.

a directional that tells how water responds to touch

Next, we learn how land is shaped by water.

signage for the Land

This is one of the more popular areas of the trail. A waterfall on one side of the path dares guests to walk through. Or you can always elect to take the dry path.

the wet and dry path options

If you move slowly, the waterfall might open for you. From what I’ve seen, the water parts for those who heed the advice of this sign. But those who dare to rush through often get a little wet.

a sign that says the water might part if you walk through it on Journey of Water

After the waterfall area, you’ll see a pair of restrooms to the left. Unfortunately, these are one-person bathrooms, so they are not ideal.

the path to the restrooms inside Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

We have reached the lake, which is one of the most gorgeous areas of the attraction.

the lake area of Journey of Water at Epcot
a water fall with Spaceship Earth in the background

Various water sources continuously refill lakes.

signage representing the Lake

You’ll soon see the lake with Te Fiti sitting at the water’s edge. This moment will leave you in awe. She is stunning.

Te Fiti photo area on Journey of Water Inspired by Moana
Te Fiti with her hands out and flowers spread around her base
Te Fiti | Moana Journey of Water
the statue of Te Fiti on Journey of Water Inspired by Moana
the pond at the base of Te Fiti on Journey of Water

We’ve now reached the river.

the River signage on Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

Rivers use energy to deliver fresh water to people, plants, and animals.

water rushing to mimic a river
water sprays

You might want to look for a few hidden items throughout your journey. So far, I’ve found the hidden Moana, shown in the photo below. However, I have yet to find the hidden Hei Hei and Pua.

a hidden Moana in the rocks on Journey of Moana

Our last prominent interactive water feature is at the ocean.

information on the interactive water features on Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

Per the signage, the ocean is our friend. Water helps shape our climate and provides much of the air we breathe.

signage for the Ocean with Moana

Since I usually have my camera, I’ve yet to venture too far into this area.

guests walking through a wet path on Journey of Water

If you do get close, you will get wet. However, it will be pretty obvious.

a place where you can get wet

You can stay on the dry path and observe from a distance. However, the water spray will likely feel refreshing and dry quickly if it’s hot outside.

guests getting sprayed by the ocean segment

A few leaping fountains remind us of the nearby Imagination Pavilion and the water’s playful personality.

water spraying through the air

We see a tribute to the sky as we’ve come full circle.

The sky sign

The sky is where water knows the way.

The Sky Cycle in Journey of Water

By the end of your journey, you’ll know the importance of water or, at the very least, have had a little fun playing in it. Oh, and parents and children adore this attraction. After our initial experience, my first thought was how I would have enjoyed this kind of attraction as a child. I cannot wait to take my niece and nephew through it during their next visit.

Moana Journey of Water with Spaceship Earth backdrop

Resorts Gal’s Spin on Journey of Water at Epcot

We give this attraction the green light. If you have children, come prepared. This is the perfect kind of offering that not only educates but also invites children to have fun. My spin on this attraction is to take your time. Often, as parents or leaders of our travel group, we feel like we have to conquer as many attractions as possible to justify the cost of a ticket. We don’t. So, don’t set any goals or expectations for your day that will cause you to rush through things and not really enjoy them. Oh, and if your kids get soaked, don’t worry! It’s only water, and they’ll dry out quickly. No one at the princess character meal will be upset if you show up looking like you just hopped out of the pool!

Resorts Gal Traffic Signals

Green Light

We give an attraction the green light if we consider it a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also give the green light for attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime. For example, some attractions have high capacities. Therefore, the lines continuously move and you shouldn’t have a long wait unless the attraction experiences downtime.

Red Light

We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later. We also red light some attractions that we feel might not be suitable based on our experience.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoy this walk-through of Journey of Water. For more attractions, you might enjoy the following:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Living with the Land
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Gran Fiesta Tour

When planning your day at Epcot, you might also enjoy our list of Epcot attractions and entertainment, our complete guide to Epcot’s World Showcase, or our Epcot Festival Guide.

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