Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana (A Resorts Gal 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 in October. 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 edutainment experience offering something for most everyone to enjoy.

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

Journey of Water	Epcot
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.

Virtual Queue: It is unlikely you’ll encounter a virtual queue for this experience. However, if one exists, you can join it via the My Disney Experience app. You must be inside the park to join, and it will not affect any other virtual queue experiences.

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 (i.e., wheelchair, ECVs) can be found on Disney’s site.

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’ll get depends on how much you decide to interact with the water.

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

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.)

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

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

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

Below, the path continues.

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.

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

We then run into the Spring, which moves underground.

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.

Next, we learn how land is shaped by water.

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.

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.

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.

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

Various water sources continuously refill lakes.

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.

We’ve now reached the river.

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

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. But I’ve yet to find the hidden Hei Hei and Pua.

Our last prominent interactive water feature is at the ocean.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sky is where water knows the way.

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.

The Resorts Gal 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 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 kind of 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 is going to be upset if you show up looking like you just hopped out of the pool!

We hope you enjoy this attraction walk-through. For more Epcot planning, 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

What Do You Think?

Have you experienced this attraction yet? Will you allow your children to interact in the various splash areas? Leave us a comment with any questions or comments about this attraction. We enjoy hearing from you and will answer anything based on our experience.