Journey of Water Impressed by Moana is a brand new attraction coming to EPCOT as Walt Disney World overhauls the entrance of the park between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase. This covers all the things it’s worthwhile to know concerning the addition: goal opening date, idea artwork, development progress, and solutions to steadily requested questions. (Up to date March 24, 2023.)
Let’s start with a fundamental overview of Journey of Water – Impressed by Moana (or Moana’s Journey of Water, as we’ll name it for simplicity’s sake). That is the primary Walt Disney World attraction primarily based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit movie Moana, and will likely be an exploration path reasonably than a trip.
This water maze will likely be an expertise the place friends can work together with magical, residing water in an exquisite and provoking setting. Moana’s Journey of Water will include a lush walk-through surroundings that engages and educates friends concerning the water cycle and the way it sustains our world.
Subsequent, let’s check out the situation of Moana’s Journey of Water. There was confusion about this, with some followers who haven’t visited Walt Disney World in the previous couple of years believing it’ll be changing Journey into Creativeness for some purpose. (As a result of each have “Journey” within the title? Maybe since there’s already a water play space up by the Creativeness pavilion?)
In any case, that’s not the place Moana’s Journey of Water goes. As an alternative, the water maze will roughly substitute half of Innoventions West, which was demolished as a part of EPCOT’s central backbone redesign.
Moana’s Journey of Water will likely be a part of the brand new World Nature neighborhood. (As a reminder, Walt Disney World has eradicated EPCOT’s Future World and changed it with 3 new neighborhoods.)
World Nature is devoted to understanding and preserving the wonder, awe and steadiness of the pure world. Along with Journey of Water, it is going to embody The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Associates pavilions.
Above is idea artwork that Disney has launched of the new-look entrance of EPCOT and these three new neighborhoods. Notice that that is the up to date artwork, reflecting the scaled-back scope of those plans.
Basically, Moana’s Journey of Water will likely be positioned between Spaceship Earth and the Seas with Nemo & Associates. You’ll be able to see it within the backside proper of the above idea artwork.
Walt Disney World additionally lately launched new idea artwork displaying a better view and up to date have a look at Journey of Water – Impressed by Moana. That is the primary time the corporate has provided a have a look at the tough structure of this interactive exploration path and water play space.
Primarily based upon the idea artwork, it seems that the water exploration path will likely be a method of accessing the Seas and Land pavilions from Spaceship Earth, with regular bypass pathways on all sides of it for friends who don’t want to partake within the play space.
This replace got here as Disney provided updates on the Large EPCOT Filth Pit™️ that’s behind Spaceship Earth, which is able to turn out to be CommuniCore Corridor & Plaza.
This replaces the multi-level competition middle in a number of the above idea artwork, and displays Disney’s scaled again imaginative and prescient for the EPCOT overhaul plans. Basically, they’re rebuilding what was beforehand there, including some timber, and taking 3+ years to do it.
On that be aware, let’s check out development images of Moana’s Journey of Water as of Spring 2023…
Spring 2023 Development Pictures
We’re again with one other development replace on Moana’s Journey of Water because the venture is closing in on its completion.
Within the final week, we’ve seen quite a few issues added that may usually be ending touches. Remaining landscaping is being accomplished, water options are being examined, material shade canopies and wicker gentle fixture covers have been put in, and different particulars which might be often accomplished within the residence stretch of a venture are wrapping up.
To make sure, there are nonetheless crews on the location and work stays to be accomplished on Moana’s Journey of Water.
Nevertheless, precept development is accomplished and has been for over a month. Extra lately, the main focus has been landscaping (now principally accomplished) and element work to make sure the venture is show-ready for friends. Suffice to say, there’s little or no to be accomplished and it will virtually actually be our final replace earlier than Moana’s Journey of Water opens.
Given the place the venture stands, we’d usually count on to have a selected opening date. Even initiatives that Walt Disney World has intentionally dragged out, equivalent to TRON Lightcycle Run and Remy’s Ratatouille Journey, had opening dates by the punch listing or closeout stage.
That’s why Moana’s Journey of Water is so perplexing.
Simply final week whereas providing updates on initiatives round Walt Disney World, the corporate intimated that Moana’s Journey of Water will open in Fall 2023. Right here’s what Disney introduced:
“This fall will carry much more thrilling experiences as a part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Friends will be capable of discover the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Impressed by Moana opens. This enjoyable interactive out of doors path affords an opportunity to play and work together with water because it travels from the sky to the oceans and again once more. Alongside the best way, friends be taught concerning the significance of water and uncover its playful character – simply as Moana did on her heroic voyage.”
That press launch incorporates plenty of references to Fall 2023 or Late 2023 for the EPCOT transformation. The implication is that Moana’s Journey of Water will open in that date vary, which might usually imply between October 1, 2023 and round Thanksgiving.
Nevertheless, a extra cautious studying reveals that no opening season is given for Moana’s Journey of Water. Fall 2023 is implied, however Disney–ever cautious with its use of language–doesn’t straight state as a lot. (It’s price noting that beforehand Walt Disney World has said straight that Moana’s Journey of Water would open in Fall 2023/Late 2023.)
In our view, there are a few potentialities for what occurs with the walk-through subsequent. The primary is that Moana’s Journey of Water will quietly open sooner, including a much-needed play space for the summer season season when it’s wanted most. On condition that the attraction may very well be accomplished in a matter of weeks, having it debut by Memorial Day is totally affordable. (Heck, it may very well be accomplished by Easter!)
On this situation, it’s attainable that the attraction nonetheless has its splashier grand opening in October or November when the remainder of the EPCOT transformation is completed.
The opposite is that Disney intentionally holds again Moana’s Journey of Water till CommuniCore Corridor and all the things else within the central backbone is completed. Nobody goes to get enthusiastic about Disney rebuilding one thing that they demolished, so CommuniCore Corridor alone received’t get anybody excited.
Journey of Water is the “large” and marketable addition, so it will make a point of sense that the corporate holds off its opening till all the things is prepared. If Walt Disney World desires the conclusion of the EPCOT overhaul and begin of Disney100 to be an enormous deal, delaying Moana’s Journey of Water till all the things else is prepared will assist bolster the profile of that.
What casts doubt on that’s the method the ending touches are being accomplished in Moana’s Journey of Water. Issues just like the shade canopies and different mushy items have shelf lives within the Florida solar, and it’s odd to see these put in now if this attraction isn’t opening for ~6 extra months.
Past that, it’s additionally odd to debut a water-centric attraction within the fall when it may simply as simply debut in the summertime. So we will see what occurs, however I’ve a sneaking suspicion that Moana’s Journey of Water will likely be greeting friends–even when solely as an “unofficial” opening–by June or July 2023.
Though we are able to’t see it from the bottom or monorail, Walt Disney Imagineering put in Te Fiti in Moana’s Journey of Water late final 12 months.
This comes only some months after the shock announcement that this towering Te Fiti mannequin can be added to the attraction.
Te Fiti had not been in prior idea artwork or formally launched particulars about Moana’s Journey of Water. In response to Imagineers on the present flooring on the D23 Expo, it was added to the walk-through attraction when different modifications (learn: funds cuts) have been made to different features of the plans for the entrance of the park.
Listed below are images of the mannequin itself and placards round it providing particulars:
Our expectation is that Te Fiti will likely be a formidable determine from contained in the walk-through path, however will principally be hid from outdoors Moana’s Journey of Water. Hopefully, the determine is just not competing with Spaceship Earth for visible consideration because the park’s principal ‘wienie.’
Subsequent, right here’s the prior replace about Moana’s Journey of Water, masking the ‘edutainment’ part of the attraction…
Walt Disney Imagineering additionally shared a preview of the graphic model that will likely be used all through the attraction, impressed by the design and visible language of the film. The WDI staff created many authentic items that target the dynamic motion of water because it travels across the expertise.
Per Imagineering, graphics like these will “information” friends by means of the cycle of water in enjoyable and fascinating methods. The aim is to share the important hyperlink we’ve with water throughout our planet, and encourage the necessary function all of us share in preserving this life-giving and life-sustaining valuable useful resource.
As a part of the design course of, Imagineers create fashions, mock-ups, and maquettes to carry beloved characters into the parks.
Above is a behind-the-scenes have a look at Principal Dimensional Designer, Jim Towler, sculpting the froth maquette of Moana for this attraction.
This provides you a glimpse into the earliest phases of the design course of, earlier than paint and extra particulars have been added. As soon as the pose of the character is outlined, sculptors add element and texture till the emotional expression of the carving is excellent.
Designers then do a paint examine and infrequently create full-scale samples to check remaining supplies and carving strategies. This course of ensures the manufacturing and artistic imaginative and prescient for the expertise align.
Above is one other making-of instance, displaying a pattern from the mountain-like types that may quickly mark the doorway to the attraction. Followers will acknowledge Moana’s iconic spiral, which we portrayed in one of many first idea renderings for Journey of Water.
You’ll be able to see how artisans use paint, scenic therapies, and foliage to carry much more life to environments. Disney signifies that it’s an thrilling time for the Imagineering venture staff as these parts are coming collectively on web site now and within the coming months!
“The craft of making rockwork is a mix of artwork and science, and seeing this carving and sculpting progress reside is likely one of the issues I really like most about my function as an Imagineer. I joined the venture staff for a stroll of the location alongside Imagineers Scott and Robert, two of our leaders overseeing the venture. The vary of textures are impressed by actual world formations – all the best way right down to the tiniest particulars and variation that, when completed, needs to be unattainable to differentiate from the true factor.”
Lastly, listed below are older development images from late final 12 months that offer you an concept of how the venture has progressed in the previous couple of months…
Right here’s a floor stage view of labor on Moana’s Journey of Water taken from close to the Land and Seas pavilions.
Just under the tree department, you may see one of many mountains peeking out above the highest of the wall. That is the best level of the walk-through path, and the primary time we’ve been in a position to see any of the attraction whereas strolling round EPCOT.
With a little bit of elevation from again by Journey into Creativeness, this rockwork is even simpler to see over the wall.
Pathways will weave by means of this rockwork, making it an enticing space to discover.
For the following few images, we take to the Freeway within the Sky, for some “aerial” pictures from the Epcot monorail.
Above is a large view displaying the whole thing of the Large EPCOT Filth Pit™️ that ought to underscore simply how enormous this development zone is. Moana’s Journey of Water is within the far higher left nook. It’s an enormous venture, however solely a fraction of the general space.
Most, if not all, of the rockwork that may encompass the path has been put in.
Rockwork that was simple to see final month is now obscured by scaffolding as staff transfer to the small print part of the venture. Distinction the brand new picture above with the one beneath (from mid-July).
Lots is happening in these Moana’s Journey of Water development images, so let’s break it down.
You’ll be able to see metal assist buildings, concrete partitions, and wire mesh forming the form of rockwork.
Right here’s a better have a look at the rockwork. On the best aspect, there’s a sequence of formations that basically kind corridors. These look rather a lot like the realm beneath the leaping fountains within the idea artwork.
On the opposite aspect of that could be a moderately-sized mountain. That is seemingly the signature rockwork in Moana’s Journey of Water–the mountain-like characteristic with cascading waterfalls.
This rockwork has gone up actually rapidly. All of this has been constructed because the begin of summer season–earlier than that, there was no rockwork, just a few metal buildings and concrete partitions.
Now that all the things is put in, artisans are bringing the development supplies to life and making it seem like actual rocks. That’s the aim of the entire scaffolding that has appeared lately–it makes the mountains simpler to entry for the artists.
Disney hasn’t had something to say concerning the rockwork on Moana’s Journey of Water (or anything about it, for that matter), however right here’s hoping that famend Imagineer Zsolt Hormay is main the staff.
For these unfamiliar with Zsolt Hormay, he’s the Imagineer behind rockwork on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pandora – World of Avatar, Tree of Life, Cadillac Mountain Vary in Automobiles Land, and Mysterious Island at Tokyo DisneySea. You don’t hear Zsolt Hormay’s title as a lot because the movie star Imagineers, however he’s arguably extra deserving of that standing than anybody.
Right here’s a remaining look from the monorail on the fringe of the Moana’s Journey of Water development web site and Spaceship Earth. The whole space behind the geodesic sphere has been the Large Epcot Filth Pit™️ for the higher a part of the final three years.
Once more, it’s troublesome to establish what’s for Moana’s Journey of Water and what’s merely the “enchanted gardens” that’ll make up the luxurious space of World Celebration. From the idea artwork that Walt Disney World has launched, it’s extremely troublesome to establish the scope and scale of Moana’s Journey of Water. It may take up plenty of actual property, or little or no. We should always have a greater concept as soon as extra of the wire mesh rockwork goes up and the precise path turns into extra clearly outlined.
My expectation is that plenty of it will make up the walk-through path, and I’m cautiously optimistic about Moana’s Journey of Water.
EPCOT is certainly altering, and a part of that entails turning into extra “Disneyfied” within the course of. Denying that actuality is a recipe for fixed disappointment. From my perspective, something that manages to mesh with the park’s optimism, inspiration, and edutainment goals is heading in the right direction.
Whereas Moana’s Journey of Water is clearly not a blockbuster addition, that’s wonderful. Not all the things must be. That doesn’t imply this isn’t a welcome addition.
Certainly one of Future World’s greatest points was that it was a concrete jungle with little shade, water, and lushness. This treatments all of these complaints, whereas additionally providing children a spot to play and blow off some steam.
Morever, Moana’s Journey of Water is a logical transition to each the Seas and Land pavilions, making it “pathway” to these points of interest. Providing a pleasant surroundings to teach children concerning the water cycle whereas offering a enjoyable gateway to this neighborhood of EPCOT appears like a win to me.
It’s actually not my perfect walk-through attraction, however my technology’s model of EPCOT Middle is lengthy gone. I’ve accepted that and am happy with the potential Moana’s Journey of Water may provide as an fulfilling diversion that coalesces properly with what already exists on this aspect of EPCOT.
Plus, Walt Disney World may use some Moana. Proper now, there are segments in Harmonious and Disney Enchantment (the nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Magic Kingdom) plus new rooms and different particulars on the Polynesian.
There’s additionally a meet & greet within the queue for Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room through the Halloween and Christmas Events. That’s about it.
Moana is certainly one of our favourite trendy animated movies (that soundtrack!) and is deserving of extra illustration within the parks. Its recognition most likely doesn’t justify an E-Ticket addition, however an interactive play space appears well-suited to the movie.
For that, Adventureland or this space of EPCOT have been concerning the best-case areas. It ought to go with out saying that EPCOT is in additional pressing want of recent choices.
It’s price noting that in and after the closure, all development stopped at Walt Disney World. Demolition of the Innoventions constructing didn’t resume till a number of months after EPCOT reopened, and it was slow-going for some time.
Furthermore, the plans for a lot of the EPCOT overhaul have modified and been scaled again, with some parts lower totally. Luckily, Moana’s Journey of Water continues to be taking place, however the completed product may look completely different than the unique idea artwork, as Imagineering has taken the EPCOT overhaul plans again to the drafting board with budgets being lower. Nevertheless, it’s at all times the case that what’s constructed differs from idea artwork, so nothing actually novel or stunning there.
In the end, rather a lot may occur and alter within the subsequent a number of months, and we wouldn’t be stunned to see Moana’s Journey of Water open in actually any month between April and October 2023.
It’s troublesome to reconcile the present state of the venture as of Spring 2023 with the autumn or Late 2023 opening that Walt Disney World has implied. It’s thus unattainable to make any form of credible predictions concerning the final destiny of Moana’s Journey of Water, together with the exact date it’ll open, and what it’ll seem like if/when it does. Both method, we’ll hold you posted with extra updates about Moana’s Journey of Water as we be taught extra!
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Your Ideas
What do you consider Moana’s Journey of Water? Do you suppose it will find yourself being cancelled, or will go ahead as deliberate? Does this idea artwork look interesting to you? Do you suppose this will likely be a strong addition to EPCOT, or do you want it have been a trip being added elsewhere? Do you agree or disagree with our response/evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!