PHOTOS, VIDEO: Moana Meet and Greet Soft Opens Outside Journey of Water at EPCOT

Shannen Ace

Moana standing in her meet and greet area at EPCOT, standing in front of a tan, rocky half-wall and bright green plants.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Moana Meet and Greet Soft Opens Outside Journey of Water at EPCOT

The Moana meet and greet has soft opened outside Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” in EPCOT. Disney announced at Destination D23 that Moana would begin meeting guests at the new attraction on October 16, 2023 — the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company and the official opening date of Journey of Water. Following Cast Member, Annual Passholder, and Disney Vacation Club member previews, the attraction is going through a soft opening period beginning on Friday, October 6. This means the attraction will be open to guests for select hours and days through October 15. The Moana meet and greet also soft opened on Friday morning.

Moana Meet and Greet

epcot moana meet and greet 3923

A sign states Moana will be “appearing intermittently” but also lists the following times: 9:00, 10:15, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:45. Because this is a soft opening, Moana may not consistently meet at these times or even meet every day until October 16.

epcot moana meet and greet 3926

The meet and greet is between Journey of Water and The Seas Pavilion, within a rocky space beneath a shade. PhotoPass photographers are available.

epcot moana meet and greet 3947
epcot moana meet and greet 3952
epcot moana meet and greet 3953

Watch our video of the Moana meet and greet at EPCOT:

Moana is still meeting guests at Character Landing in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, at least through the end of October. Hours are posted for the Animal Kingdom meet and greet through October 31, but not for any dates in November.

Journey of Water

Journey of Water Nighttime EPCOT 6

Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” is a new walkthrough attraction in the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT. It has interactive water features and dry paths for guests who don’t want to get soaked.

During previews and the soft opening, it is using a virtual queue — we do not know if a virtual queue will be used after the grand opening. The attraction will be available during early entry and extended evening hours.

Check out our photo and video tours of the attraction during the day and at night, as well as Tom’s honest review:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.