Interact with water in a whole new way with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.

Updated Sept. 24, 2026

Ready to see how far you’ll go? At Walt Disney World® Resort, experience the newest attraction at EPCOT®: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. This new, interactive exploration trail gives your whole family the chance to play with magical water while learning about the water cycle and the importance of water conservation. Based on my visit, the experience is a testament to EPCOT’s mission of taking you on adventures that both educate and entertain, and fits perfectly into the park’s World Nature neighborhood alongside The Land and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. See what to expect ahead of your next visit.

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Inside Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

At Destination D23 2023, it was announced that beginning Oct. 16, 2023, Walt Disney World Resort guests visiting EPCOT will be able to voyage into an all-new adventure with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests can explore a beautifully landscaped walking trail with fun and surprises around each turn, as they engage with water in magical ways like Moana did with the ocean. The new walk-through attraction is located in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Amy Smith, Photographer)
Photo by Amy Smith/©Disney

I had the opportunity to attend one of the Annual Passholder Previews held for the attraction and was immediately blown away by how immersed I became in the world of water. It felt like a relaxing and beautiful oasis right in the heart of EPCOT.

Inspired by the blockbuster animated feature Moana, the walkthrough attraction features several sections themed after different parts of the water cycle and various bodies of water such as rain, lakes, and the ocean. Each section features unique ways to interact with water. Some elements allow you to play right with the water, from various fountains and a splash pad to streams of water leaping above you.

Travel tip: If you are traveling with young children who may enjoy running through the splash pad, pack them a change of clothes.

At Destination D23 2023, it was announced that beginning Oct. 16, 2023, Walt Disney World Resort guests visiting EPCOT will be able to voyage into an all-new adventure with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests can explore a beautifully landscaped walking trail with fun and surprises around each turn, as they engage with water in magical ways like Moana did with the ocean. The new walk-through attraction is located in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Amy Smith, Photographer)
Photo by Amy Smith/©Disney

Other features require you to perform an action to get the water to respond. For example, jumping in one marked spot results in a gush of water shooting up into the air. Another element encourages you to wave your hand through several streams of running water to trigger harp sound effects, with each stream of water playing a different note. Symbols and signage throughout the experience guide you to each of the unique interactive elements and instruct you on how to cause the effect. 

One of my favorite aspects of the attraction was how it encouraged you to work together with fellow guests to create even bigger water effects. For one interactive element in particular, the greater number of guests that you had perform the motion, the greater the height of the wave that you all can cause to erupt! 

At Destination D23 2023, it was announced that beginning Oct. 16, 2023, Walt Disney World Resort guests visiting EPCOT will be able to voyage into an all-new adventure with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests can explore a beautifully landscaped walking trail with fun and surprises around each turn, as they engage with water in magical ways like Moana did with the ocean. The new walk-through attraction is located in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Amy Smith, Photographer)
Photo by Amy Smith/©Disney

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana features lovable characters and symbols from the movie etched into the beautiful landscape of the attraction. Throughout your journey, you can search for Moana, Maui, Pua, Hei Hei, and more. And, at 15 feet tall and made with 3,000 pieces of foliage, Te Fiti sits amongst the picturesque scenery. As you travel through the trails, you’ll also hear familiar songs from the popular movie soundtrack.

What I love most about this new attraction is how it combines beloved characters, exciting and interactive learning moments, and Disney magic into a totally unique experience. Unlike some of the other attractions in the park, you can experience Journey of Water at your own pace. Take your time and enjoy all of the incredible details and try out new ways to play with the water around you.

How to Experience Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

At Destination D23 2023, it was announced that beginning Oct. 16, 2023, Walt Disney World Resort guests visiting EPCOT will be able to voyage into an all-new adventure with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests can explore a beautifully landscaped walking trail with fun and surprises around each turn, as they engage with water in magical ways like Moana did with the ocean. The new walk-through attraction is located in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Amy Smith, Photographer)
Photo by Amy Smith/©Disney

With surprises around every turn, each trek through the experience is unique. You can choose whether to take the dry paths or the wet paths, and can spend as much time as you would like in each area. You can also experience the attraction during the day or at night, with colorful lighting adding an extra touch of magic to the water elements after dusk. I highly recommend visiting the attraction during both the day and night, as each experience provides a unique viewpoint of the water elements.

During my experience, I witnessed guests of all ages immersing themselves in the world of water. From toddlers splashing in the puddles, families reading the engaging signage to learn about the water cycle, and teens taking advantage of the photographic backdrops and characters, this attraction adds a whole new element of fun to the park. This attraction is also a perfect way for you to cool down during your next park visit. Next time you are in EPCOT, make sure to check it out!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens at EPCOT on October 16, 2023. Moana will also begin meeting guests at EPCOT on this date, sharing hugs and stories of her journeys.

FAQ: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

What is Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana?
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is an interactive walkthrough attraction at EPCOT®, part of Walt Disney World® Resort, that allows guests to engage with water in creative ways while learning about the water cycle and water conservation. The experience is inspired by Disney’s Moana and combines play, education and storytelling.

Where is Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, located?
The attraction is located in the World Nature neighborhood at EPCOT®, alongside attractions including The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends®.

Is Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a ride?
No. It is a self-guided outdoor exploration trail that guests can experience at their own pace while interacting with water features and themed environments.

What can guests do at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana?
Guests can explore interactive water features, trigger special effects, play in splash areas and discover educational exhibits focused on the movement and importance of water.

Can you get wet at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana?
Yes. Some areas include splash zones and interactive water elements designed for hands-on play. Guests can also choose paths intended to keep them relatively dry.

Should families bring a change of clothes?
If children plan to play in the splash areas, bringing a change of clothes is recommended.

What themes are explored throughout the attraction?
The experience highlights different parts of the water cycle and various bodies of water, including rain, lakes and the ocean, through interactive displays and experiences.

How do the interactive water features work?
Different elements respond to guest actions. Visitors can jump, wave their hands or work together with others to activate unique water effects and experiences throughout the trail.

Does Journey of Water feature characters from Moana?
Yes. Guests can spot references to beloved characters including Moana, Maui, Pua, Hei Hei and Te Fiti throughout the attraction’s landscape and design.

What is Te Fiti’s role in the attraction?
A large Te Fiti figure serves as a centerpiece along the trail. The display stands 15 feet tall and is constructed using thousands of pieces of foliage.

Will guests hear music from Moana?
Yes. Familiar songs from the film’s soundtrack can be heard throughout portions of the experience, helping bring the story’s atmosphere to life.

Is Journey of Water suitable for young children?
Yes. The attraction is designed for guests of all ages, with interactive features, splash areas and educational elements that appeal to children, families and adults alike.

Can guests experience Journey of Water during the day and at night?
Yes. The attraction operates in both daylight and evening hours, with lighting effects creating a different atmosphere after dark.

How long does it take to experience Journey of Water?
There is no set ride duration because the attraction is self-guided. Guests can move through the trail at their own pace and spend as much time as they like exploring the interactive elements.

Does Journey of Water have educational elements?
Yes. Throughout the experience, guests can learn about water, the water cycle and water conservation through interactive signage and exhibits integrated into the attraction.

Why is Journey of Water unique among EPCOT® attractions?
The experience combines hands-on interactivity, educational storytelling, beloved characters and flexible self-paced exploration, creating an attraction that is both entertaining and informative.

Can you meet Moana at EPCOT®?
Yes. The article notes that Moana began meeting guests at EPCOT alongside the attraction’s opening, allowing visitors to share stories and interact with the character during their visit.

FAQs are based on this blog’s content, created in partnership with Microsoft Copilot, and edited by the real humans at Visit Orlando.

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