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EPCOT’s new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana in Walt Disney World is quite possibly one of the most important things EPCOT has done for children in the past decade. In fact, it may be one of the most important things it has done for us all lately.
Journey of Water
If you follow Disney news, no doubt you have heard that EPCOT has a new attraction called Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. While it has not opened to the general public yet, several groups of people have gotten to experience previews, including Cast Members and now Annual Pass Holders and DVC members.
Disney describes the attraction as a place to explore the wonders of water along a lush trail that’s fun for all ages—based on the Disney animated film Moana. But it is so much more than just a walk-through.
It is true that some visitors, especially those who crave more E-ticket attractions, have left feeling largely unimpressed. Perhaps it is an unpopular opinion, but I (Katie) absolutely loved the attraction. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it and found myself so very pleasantly surprised. In fact, I’d venture to say Journey of Water is one of the best and the most important things EPCOT has offered for families with children in quite some time.
There has been much buzz about “Disney adults” in recent years. And, Disney has certainly leaned into the Disney-adult phenomenon by catering more and more to adults. For example, limitations on alcohol sales have all but vanished within the parks. Festivals offering food and libations are a year-round occurrence at EPCOT these days. And, many ride offerings in the park have adult appeal and height restrictions.
It is true that Walt Disney World is certainly meant for Dreamers of All Ages; however, lately, it seems as if sometimes our littlest dreamers are the last to be considered in recent and upcoming developments. Don’t get me wrong, I am clearly a Disney adult myself. However, I am also raising Disney kids. And Journey of Water is a welcome addition not just for children, but for the kid in all of us.
The Core of EPCOT
One of the reasons that Journey of Water is so important to EPCOT and to children is that it gives us something that connects with the core idea that EPCOT is always in a state of becoming. What better to exemplify a thing that is always in a state of becoming than water, for water itself is constantly changing.
The water cycle is one of the central ideas permeating the Journey of Water. Water, after all, is perpetually shifting shape and becoming something new. But, it is so much more than just a clever idea and a neat analogy. And it certainly has something amazing to offer dreamers.
A Sense of Wonder
One of the most important things that Journey of Water does for EPCOT is restore some of the sense of wonder to the park. I suppose it would be fair to argue that ANYTHING is better than a vast expanse of construction walls.
However, it is also fair to argue that the Journey of Water attraction is beautiful. It certainly has a wow factor. The watery garden transforms the space for dreamers and lets imagination take over. It brings a sense of beauty somewhat akin to what you will find in Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Seeing children (and even adults) marvel over it is nothing short of delightful.
In fact, during our preview, I heard a child in another party remark, “This is a dream come true!” as he traversed the paths. And, could it be that this is what children really crave? Fun outside of mobile devices and other screens? Fun that involves innovation, nature, and play?
Hands-on Learning
For another thing, Journey of Water provides a hands-on experience for children to learn about water and its properties. There is signage throughout to guide Guests through the various parts of the water cycle and various forms of water.
But, the thing that sets this attraction apart from some museum exhibits is that invites interaction through touch, and there is very little that is off limits. It is so different from typical educational experiences where observers are asked to look, read, and observe but not touch, interact, and experience.
Truly, Guests can experience an entirely different modality of learning through hands-on experiences throughout the attraction. In fact, reading the signs might just be the least important part.
Interactive Play
Better yet, most of that hands-on learning comes through interactive play. Countless studies show that play is the most important thing we can provide children in the early stages of learning. Moreover, it is one of the things that can prevent vacation meltdowns. And the entirety of Journey of Water invites that type of play!
Children can read instructions throughout the attraction and act on them. But, they can also skip that bit and figure out what the attraction does through exploration.
Obviously, water does not typically yield to our command. But here, visitors will find instances where the water interacts with their whims in the most delightful of ways. How amazing it is for a little one to discover that the water in the attraction is also an instrument! How cool is it to happen upon a curtain of rain that opens to let you step through?
And, for those who really want a splashing good time, there is an opportunity to frolic in a splash zone. It is shaded so that Guests can enjoy it for longer without the glaring sun.
A word of caution: You might want to be sure to bring a change of clothes and footwear for your little ones because they might just get soaked enjoying themselves. For that matter, you might want extra clothes for yourself.
Pirate Tip: You might prefer to bring a change of footwear and clothes or time your visit to coincide with a trip back to your room.
Cooperation
Not only is there plenty of opportunity for play, but Journey of Water also encourages cooperation. There are some interactions with the attraction that are meant for multiple Guests to navigate together.
One such portion of the attraction is the “Ocean” segment. One Guest can interact with it. However, Guests will find the interaction gets better and better when families, groups of friends, or even perfect strangers work together. The attraction provides a wonderful lesson for children (and adults for that matter) in cooperation that doesn’t feel like a lecture.
Imagination
Finally, the element of Imagination gives it just the right amount of whimsy. Imagination blooms here. Our visit had one of my little ones dreaming of how he’d design new landscaping for our yard and the other dreaming of being a Wayfinder.
If you are from a certain generation, it might even remind you of being a child yourself and experiencing EPCOT for the first time with all its playthings: the glowing walkways, the interactive foundations, ImagineWorks, Innovations, and all the things that made your brain giggle.
Most importantly, this attraction is something that separates a theme park from a typical amusement park where you stand in line after line for rides before walking across the concrete to do it all again. Rides are wonderful, but I do hope we continue to see more elements of exploration, imagination, and play emerge as EPCOT continues to evolve.
Overall, Journey of Water certainly joins the ranks of Disney’s best playplaces. I cannot wait for everyone to get to enjoy this one. For more on the opening timeline head over HERE.
Have you had a chance to experience Journey of Water inspired by Moana? Are you excited to try it? Let us know in the comments. And, as always, feel free to pass the story along to others.
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