While on a recent visit to EPCOT, we spotted more effects testing in Journey of Water Inspired by Moana as Cast Member previews begin.
Looking over the new attraction from the Monorail, you can see the dancing water effects and some fog or mist going off in the lower left of this photo.
The effects are not constant, but occasional. In this photo, you can see the dancing water effects going off in some areas, while the fog is stronger in others.
While walking by, we could also hear music playing on and off. We noticed the musical effects had just been activated earlier this week.
We did not see any Cast Members walking around the new attraction, but cast previews were scheduled to begin today. They are set to run through August 19.
There is still no official opening date for Journey of Water Inspired by Moana, though Walt Disney World maintains that it will open in “fall 2023.”
Moving over to the water treatment facility for the attraction, it appears that new rockwork is taking shape to blend the attraction and the facility together around the walkway that splits them.
It also looks like more landscaping is being installed. Patches of grass have been added to dirt mounds that surround the water treatment area.
This treatment facility will most likely be unseen by guests, and could be blocked visually by a berm or trees.
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana
The official Disney description for the upcoming attraction reads, “Stroll along a self-guided outdoor trail where you can play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality—just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.”
In our most recent construction updates, it has looked like Journey of Water is near complete, with only testing remaining. In April, Disney shared a video of water flowing through the attraction. The walkthrough attraction may include some MagicBand+ interaction.
Journey of Water concept art shows flowing waterfalls as well as water jumping over pathways. Next to a body of water is a giant statue of Te Fiti. It’s in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT.
“Along with Moana as a steward of water conservation, Te Fiti is a symbol of how we should protect and nurture water wherever we find it,” Reid Ekman, Lead Concept Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, wrote on Disney Parks Blog.
This is an important theme in Journey of Water, where guests will learn more about how water travels from our skies to the ocean, and back again. This story will unfold along a lush trail inspired by the environments and art style of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
At Journey of Water, guests will “engage with water in a variety of ways as they learn about water’s amazing ‘journey’ around our natural world, including ways to better conserve our natural resources and protect water.” Imagineers “hope everyone feels inspired to connect with water as a friend, just like Moana did in the film!”
According to CEO Bob Iger, Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” is the last step in the years-long EPCOT reimagining. It’s expected to open later this year, along with Dreamers Point, CommuniCore Hall, and CommuniCore Plaza.
Check out our list of every new attraction coming to Disney Parks in 2023, which includes Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana.”
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.