With Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” still going through Cast Member previews, we were recently able to visit the attraction at night.
The walkthrough experience was initially announced in 2019 as part of a larger EPCOT refresh and includes characters, imagery, and themes from the 2016 film “Moana.” The attraction is set to open to all guests on October 16.
Journey of Water at Night
Upon entering Journey of Water, guests are greeted by a nighttime lighting package filled with deep blue tones, greens, and the occasional red shade.
Each of the water displays is draped in this nighttime lighting package, giving the area a calm, almost mystical feel.
In certain areas along the walking paths, you’re treated to beautiful views of Spaceship Earth, framed by the plants and rockwork of the attraction.
Bodies of water in the attraction are also lit with lighter blue and green tones.
All of the signs in the attraction are legible and brightly lit; Te Fiti herself even has a spotlight.
Thanks to the lanterns in the image above, guests can clearly see the walking paths around them and won’t have to worry about getting lost or taking a wrong turn in the dark.
At night, the big fountain effect is illuminated with that same rich blue, giving more life to the guest-activated fountains.
The blue lights also carry over to the various smaller water fountains throughout the attraction, as well. Here you can see how the lighting in the trees, fountains, and small pools come together to create a visually stimulating combination that is beautiful to see.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will have its grand opening at EPCOT on October 16, 2023. In the meantime, Cast Member previews are scheduled to take place through September 22, with previews for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members happening from September 24-29 and October 1-4.
Once open, Journey of Water will be available during Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, starting on its opening day.
As for regular daily operations, most new attractions these days utilize virtual queue and Lightning Lane with Genie+, but no standby line. It’s possible Journey of Water will be the same, but seeing as it is a very different kind of attraction than something like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, there could be a different system.
You can watch our full video tour of Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” at night below. You can also see our full daytime tour of the attraction here.
Check out our other Journey of Water updates:
- “The Best Part of EPCOT’s Reimagining” – Tom’s Honest Review of Journey of Water Inspired by ‘Moana’ at EPCOT
- BREAKING: Moana Meet and Greet Coming to EPCOT Near Journey of Water
- Journey of Water Inspired by Moana to be Available During Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours at EPCOT
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