While we eagerly await the announcement of a Moana 2 (it’s coming, folks), Disney is releasing new concept art for the Journey of Water area at Epcot. This new area is part walk-through exhibits, part meet and greet, and lots of green space. If you’re expecting a theater or major attraction, you’ll be disappointed. The attraction money was spent on Cosmic Rewind, which may be why they’re essentially turning it into a “pay-to-ride” attraction for the first phase of its opening. Journey of Water, on the other hand, is a small, tranquil opportunity for guests to enjoy shade and water at an otherwise often-hot Epcot theme park.
Again, if you temper your expectations for what this is, I think it will be a fine addition to Epcot. I don’t necessarily think it fits thematically with the rest of Epcot, but it would seem that Disney has tossed a cohesive Epcot vision to the side. Otherwise, why would this not go in World Showcase as an expansion for the Polynesian islands? With that set aside, Moana is one of Disney’s most popular properties (when Encanto dies down, it may be the most very most popular again), so it’s no surprise that they would look for any opportunity to get it into the parks.
Still, I can’t help but with for a Moana boat ride at some point in the future somewhere somehow. It’s almost certain not to happen in Epcot, but if they ever wanted to, there’s an expansion pad between The Seas and The Land to put a show building for such a thing. Can you imagine how a Tamatoa scene with a giant animatronic would look? Sounds pretty great to me.
For all the latest news and rumors that should be fun, keep checking out That Park Place! As always, drop a comment down below if you have some thoughts about Moana in the parks!
Isn’t that pad reserved for a potential hotel?
The hotel location is farther west, across the canal.
Of all the new Disney movies, I feel that Moana is probably the most deserving of a new experience/ride. Loved that movie (and the music). The popularity of Encanto died fairly quickly in this household. My kids loved the Bruno and Surface Pressure song for a few weeks, but no one’s listening to that anymore.