UPDATED July 23, 2024

Journey of Water is an attraction — the first ever inspired by Moana — in EPCOT’s World Nature! This experience officially opened on October 16th, 2023.

Journey of Water is one element that joined several others that all ultimately came together to make up the historical transformation of the park.

STEP INSIDE the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana HERE! And join us on a FULL WALK-THROUGH of the attraction HERE!

Journey of Water — The Attraction

What is Journey of Water?

Guests can explore what Disney has described as a “lush exploration trail” that allows explorers to “play with magical, living water” through an immersive, self-guided walk-through attraction.

In addition to the trail and interactive living water experiences, guests also learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.

As you walk through the attraction, you’ll see signage describing the natural water cycle. Each of the sections — Rain, Stream, Wetland, Spring, Land, Lake, River, Ocean, and Sky — has a way for you to interact with the water.

Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley explained that these signs and experiences “guide guests through the cycle of water in fun and engaging ways to tell our story of the vital link we share with water across our planet, and inspire the important role we all share in preserving this life-giving and life-sustaining precious resource.”

The Walt Disney Imagineering team tasked themselves with capturing the beauty of the natural water cycle for the attraction. Disney says they were also inspired by Moana’s fierce determination to protect her environment and her bond with water.

If you’re a fan of the movie Moana, you should be able to recognize some familiar characters and shapes that are carved into the rocks and waterways.

There are about a dozen hidden characters throughout the attraction (both on land and in the water) throughout Journey of Water.

As you explore, you’ll find signage that will help you know how to interact and PLAY with the water!

Throughout the attraction, there are parts where you may simply play with certain water features and other sections where you’ll need to perform actions to get the water to respond.

For example, in the “Rain” section of the trail, Disney teaches us how water falls from the clouds to the earth and tumbles down the mountains, renewing everything it touches.

To celebrate that, guests can play with strings of water that play musical notes as they touch them.

An Imagineer Comments on Journey of Water

Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley shared the following with Gizmodo.com: “For Journey of Water, the idea is really celebrating the cycle. You actually get a chance to meet water the same way Moana meets her friend water in the film, and we have some really fun experiences as you move through this trail that are totally unique, invented for this. But the underlying subject is really the importance of preserving water, like the cycle of water, the fact that all water is essentially finite, and it’s important for us to understand its role and to preserve it as a resource, so we’re able to use elements from Moana’s story. But the Epcot story is about water and its conservation; that idea is rooted in real ideas, real things that inspire us but then actually take you into that experience. That’s what we think the unique space of Epcot can bring to life.”

We’re uncovering the SECRETS of Journey of Water HERE!

Will I Get Wet Exploring Journey of Water?

Disney has specified Journey of Water is a “self-guided outdoor trail” where you’ll learn about water being a friend, water connecting us all, and the need to protect water.

In the Land section, for example, you can walk through a waterfall, and it’s up to you how wet you get! Walk slowly and the water will split around you, but walk quickly and you can get soaked!

But there are portions of what Disney calls a “dry path” so if you want to learn about water without being covered in it, be on the lookout for those.

Essentially, these are parts where the path splits in two and you can observe from a drier place without getting into all the wet features.

So if getting wet is NOT your thing, don’t be concerned — you’ll be able to avoid playing too much with the water here, if that’s your preference.

Journey of Water — Location

Journey of Water is located in the World Nature neighborhood in EPCOT.

World Nature also encompasses The Land and The Seas pavilions.

Journey of Water — Attraction Access

Journey of Water is available through Standby access as a walk-though attraction.

Journey of Water — Characters

As mentioned above, there are about a dozen hidden characters from Moana throughout the attraction (both on land and in the water).

One character in particular, though, is not hidden whatsoever.

In fact, at 15 feet tall and comprised of over 3,000 pieces of foliage, this stunning sculpture of Te Fiti is a true highlight of Journey of Water!

Additionally, Moana is now meeting guests in EPCOT’s World Nature, right near the entrance to Journey of Water!

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for appearance times, as this Meet-and-Greet is bound to remain incredibly popular for some time.

Journey of Water — Good to Know

Here’s a tip for you: Wearing a pair of waterproof shoes — or even packing a simple pair of sandals for this occasion — can really make this experience more enjoyable! This way, you can experience the interactive water features in a more comfortable manner.

Now, you really don’t have to get too wet to experience any of these water features — most of them are similar to walking through a mister that you’ll find in other areas of the parks. But, it can get hot in the Florida sun, and if you have the appropriate clothes, you might really appreciate taking advantage of these water zones at their fullest effect.

You might also want to bring a poncho. Most of the water interactions are mild, but it doesn’t hurt to pack a lightweight poncho in your bag just in case.

Should you or anyone in your group need to use restrooms, this attraction does have its own dedicated bathroom space.

Additional Specifications for Journey of Water

Restrictions: Some aspects of Journey of Water — or perhaps even the entire attraction — may close during inclement weather; Wheelchair access is available only the dry path; Disney shares that “Service animals are permitted with caution in some areas; service animals must remain on the dry path.”

Height Requirement: Any height

Ages: All

News and Details About Journey of Water

Disney Reveals NEW Song From ‘Moana 2’ and Fans Are Freaking Out!

BREAKING: We FINALLY Know Who’s Going To Play The Live-Action Moana!

The REAL Moana Visited EPCOT and Had Tons of Fun Playing with Water!

NEWS: Following Abrupt Closure, the Moana Attraction Finale Has REOPENED in EPCOT

NEWS: Disney Suddenly CLOSES Part of Journey of Water in EPCOT

We’ve Gotta Share Some GOOD NEWS About Characters in Disney World

Here’s the Bad News About EPCOT’s New Moana Attraction

There’s a NEW Park Map in EPCOT — See All the Changes Here!

ALERT! A NEW EPCOT Attraction Officially Opens Today!

25 Dates to Consider When Planning Your 2024 Disney World Vacation