As someone who grew up loving EPCOT’s original spirit—centered on innovation, culture, and iconic landmarks—I can’t help but feel a disconnect with the new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Here’s my take on why this Moana-themed walk-through feels like a forced fit, and how it compares to what was lost.
📜 A Bit of History
- Fountain of Nations — EPCOT’s opening day spectacle on October 24, 1982, involved representatives from 29 different countries pouring water from major rivers and seas worldwide into this grand fountain. It symbolized global unity and was a central meeting spot for park guests.
- In 1993, the fountain was upgraded to include over 250 synchronized jets timed to a musical show that ran every 15-minutes.
- Journey of Water — This Moana-inspired exhibit was first announced by Disney at D23 in August 2019 as part of EPCOT’s massive overhaul. It officially soft‑opened in early October 2023 and debuted to the public on October 16, 2023. It was originally set to open in 2021 as a part of Walt Disney World‘s 50th Anniversary celebration. However, the attraction was delayed to October 16, 2023, as part of The Walt Disney Company‘s centennial celebration, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it was announced that a new outdoor meet-and-greets location called Character Greeting, located next to the attraction, would open on the same date, which became part of Journey of Water Pavilion
From CommuniCore & Innoventions to Polynesian IP?
EPCOT was always meant to be the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow—an exhibition space showcasing futuristic tech and global culture. In the early 2000s, trademark edutainment exhibits began disappearing (Innoventions, CommuniCore, Fountain of Nations). Then, in 2016, Disney decided to pivot—injecting familiar IP like Guardians of the Galaxy and Moana into Future World for “timeless” and “family-friendly” appeal.
This shift felt like a major philosophical redirection: from a celebration of technology and culture to an immersive IP showcase.
🤨 Was Moana Actually Needed?
Attendance context: EPCOT attendance peaked around 2018 at ~12.4 million guests, dipped during the transformation announcement years, but recovered to ~12 million by 2023. So, attendance didn’t collapse—but Disney may have perceived a waning “freshness” in the brand.
Early reviews: Critics praised the attraction’s visual beauty, cultural authenticity, and educational tone . However, long-time fans lament the absence of CommuniCore and the Fountain of Nations.
🎭 IP vs. Innovation: Forced or Fitting?
Inserting recognizable characters into EPCOT feels at odds with the park’s original identity. Better-executed attractions, like the new Guardians coaster, still feel at home. But Moana’s walk-through—a maze of water fountains—feels like putting cartoon branding on a science park. It’s more “Disney Tales” than EPCOT ideals. The removal of the Fountain of Nations—a central, deeply symbolic structure—intensifies that break.
🧭 Final Verdict
Is it working? The journey is beautiful and well-built—but for traditional EPCOT fans, it lacks gravitas. One can’t help but recall the deep meaning behind innovations like CommuniCore or the Fountain’s communal symbolism.
Will it grow on me? Possibly. It’s educational, visually immersive, and delivers a peaceful stroll against the backdrop of Spaceship Earth. And yes, Moana herself is meeting guests there! .
Bottom line: It’s not an upgrade—it’s a replace. And not all of us wanted that. EPCOT fans who crave innovation and unity will find this less compelling than the fountain they lost.