Before Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” opens to all EPCOT guests on October 16, Disney invited students of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, along with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, plus helped Make-a-Wish grant the wish of a “Moana” fan.
Orange County Mayor Joins Boys & Girls Clubs for Attraction Sneak Peek
Students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida had the time of their lives befriending the ocean — from literally creating waves, to making music with strings of water and even discovering how water connects people all over the world. Walt Disney Imagineers spent some time with the young voyagers, providing a peek behind the curtain into how the beautiful, lush landscape and interactive experience was created.
Once a Boys & Girls Clubs member himself, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings joined in the fun, helping students learn all about water conservation and how we can protect our planet together right here in Florida.
“As a former cast member and now Orange County Mayor, I see how invested Disney is [and has been] in making positive impacts for our community,” said Mayor Demings. “What they’re doing at this attraction in teaching the importance of water conservation to the thousands of guests who visit EPCOT each day will translate to awareness for our environments here in Florida and around the world.”
Wishes Come True at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Journeying from farther north, we also hosted a brave warrior from Maine and his family for an extra special wish trip to Walt Disney World. Nine-year-old Carter has been in and out of hospitals since he was 4 months old, and his family has been looking forward to this trip to make some happy new memories together. He wished to meet his favorite Disney hero, Moana. So, who better to be the first guest to meet Moana in her new greeting location at EPCOT than Carter? His eyes lit up when he first saw the strong-willed wayfarer and that smile never left his face as he splashed around inside the attraction joined by two of the Imagineers who dreamed up the new trail.
This was just one part of Carter’s wish trip! In addition to exploring all four theme parks, Give Kids The World Village hosted Carter and his family for a week-long stay. Give Kids The World plays an integral role in wish-granting efforts here at Walt Disney World and provides a space for children facing critical illnesses and their families to laugh, play, and create priceless memories together away from hospital visits and medical procedures.
Earlier this month, Walt Disney World announced they were granting $1.5 million total to local nonprofits. In August, they hosted the “Once Upon A Wish Party” during World Princess Week for Make-A-Wish kids and their families.
During the holidays, Give Kids The World Village will host a holiday soiree and “An Evening of Improv.”
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana”
The new walkthrough attraction is in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT. Guests learn about the water cycle as they interact with various water features. The attraction is full of “Moana” Easter eggs but focuses more on the role of water in nature than the popular IP. Check out Tom’s honest review.
After several weeks of previews, Journey of Water is now operating intermittently for technical rehearsals, using a virtual queue. It will be open during early entry and extended evening hours.
Check out our daytime photo tour and our nighttime tour.
The attraction is opening on October 16, 2023, the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.
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