Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana officially opens in Epcot on October 16, 2023. Based on the animated film Moana, this attraction allows you to walk along a trail, interact with water, and learn about the global water cycle. The Disney World website describes it as an invitation to “explore the wonders of water along a lush trail that’s fun for all ages.”
We chose to walk through this new Epcot attraction at night, and we were not disappointed in our choice. I do want to walk through during the daytime, however, because the experience will be very different.
The path takes you through the water cycle, and the scenery depicts the sky, land, wetlands, springs, oceans, rain, water trickles, and streams that compose the process. Although it was stunning at night, I want to visit in the daytime to see some details more clearly.
One of the things I liked best about this was the ambiance it provided. It was an excellent way to end the evening after a long day at Epcot. The music, sound of water, and soft but colorful lighting transitioned the hurried day into a calm night. It was a relaxing and romantic opportunity outside the typical park experience but a welcomed one.
Seeing Spaceship Earth sparkle in the background of the attraction was very pretty, and it made for attractive photos. If you are really into photography, you will appreciate the picture opportunities here. There are jumping squirts of water, waterfalls, bodies of water, moving fog, vibrant colors, and visually appealing niches at multiple heights and angles.
There were signs providing information about the water cycle, but I will be honest and admit I did not read them. I was so excited to take pictures and enjoy the visually stunning atmosphere that I could not be expected to stop and read. I also enjoyed watching adults and children interact with the water by activating water fountains with their hands and placing their hands in trickling water. The next time I walk through during the day, I might have the self-control to read the signs; however, it is my vacation time, so I cannot promise learning will take place next time either.
The trail allows you to get your hands wet with water or stay dry, walk through a short section of a wet path, or continue on a dry course.
Is it worth the years of waiting for Disney to complete the project? Probably not. Will it pull crowds away from rides and even out crowd levels throughout the park? Probably not, especially when the newness of this attraction wears off, especially if guests wait until dark to see it lit up. Would most people refer to this as an attraction? Probably not; my husband sums it up accurately by stating it is a decorated walkway. Once most guests have walked this attraction a few times, they might not walk through it again, making it possible that it will not pull crowds away from the other activities in the park to shorten wait times elsewhere.
However, there are some overall positives about the walkway. It was not until the next day, after my sneak peek as an Annual Passholder, that I realized the true beauty of it: it has something for everyone. It is for science lovers learning about the water cycle. It is for people who enjoy conservation topics. It is for shutterbugs. It is for those who enjoy peaceful strolls. It is for kids of all ages who like playing in the water, and those wanting to stay dry. It is for families taking scenic photos of their vacation. It is not a ride that some people in your party will like, while others will complain that they do not want to ride it again. Journey of Water is an attraction for everyone.
Epcot's new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is worth at least one visit. Whether you walk through it to start your day with some water fun, use it as a break during the day, or enjoy it to end your day well, it is an activity everyone in your group can enjoy at their own pace, which is a quality we wish every attraction provided.