The pros and cons
I got to experience Journey of Water during cast previews while I was doing the DCP (Disney college program).
Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions. In no way is this meant to shape your thoughts on JoW. I just wanted to share my own and see if anyone else feels the same.
I'll start with the pros:
-Since we are in central Florida, the idea of a water interaction walk-through is a pretty solid idea.
-It teaches the importance of water conservation and the water cycle
-It gave you a nice cool down, especially when walking through the "waterfall".
-The waterfall had two sides, one where you can get pretty wet and another side just in case you wanted to stay fairly dry.
-The sculptures like Pua, Baby Moana, and Te Fiti herself are incredibly impressive, detailed, and gorgeous.
-There are a lot of hidden characters sculpted into the rocks, you can make a game out of finding them all.
Cons:
-The hype had me expecting more tbh, I loved the first movie. So I expected Moana to have deserved her own ride but I guess you can't have high expectations considering Rapunzel only has a bathroom section.
-Moana has meet and greets in Animal Kingdom, an exhibit in Hollywood studios, and now a walk-through in Epcot. Why can't they stick the theme in one park so you don't have to worry about park hopping just to experience everything in your favorite movie? (because they want your money)
-Considering the fact that Animal Kingdom's original mission was to educate the public on the natural world and the importance of animal conservation and sustainability, why didn't they add JoW over there? There are plaques throughout the walk-through that teach guests about the water cycle and conservation. That would have fit perfectly with AKs overall mission while adding the Polynesian culture to the park.
--Also AK is objectively the HOTTEST park in Disney World, FL. It would have greatly benefitted from this addition.
-as a very clean person, I worry about all the germs and bacteria in the interactive musical water. Especially since kids love sticking their hands in their mouths.
-you also need a fairly large group of people to get a proper reaction from the last interactive water wave. If there isn't alot of people in your group or in the walk-through, then it's not going to give you much
Overall, I don't hate it at all. I like what it teaches and how it's a nice cool-down section with very detailed art. But I'm very curious to know why they decided on only giving her a walk-through section and why in Epcot.
Thank you for coming to my ted talk
Journey of Water is an innovative water-themed experience at Epcot, designed to educate visitors about water conservation and the water cycle. With its lush themed environments and interactive elements, guests can enjoy a refreshing break from Florida's heat while learning about crucial ecological issues. This attraction showcases several iconic sculptures from Moana, adding depth and wonder to the experience. Water conservation is a pressing global issue, making educational experiences like this vital for encouraging awareness among visitors, especially children. Interactive exhibits help inspire a new generation to understand the significance of sustainable practices. However, not all experiences resonate equally with guests, especially those with high expectations based on beloved Disney films. It raises questions about the placement of themed attractions across parks, asking whether they could enhance the potion of Animal Kingdom, known for its educational missions related to nature and conservation. With its hands-on approach, Journey of Water serves not just as a source of entertainment, but as a reminder of humanity's responsibility to preserve our planet's resources. As visitors explore, they are encouraged to engage with the art, interact with the water features, and share in the joys—and concerns—of communal exploration. In a world that is increasingly digital, such immersive experiences are necessary to foster meaningful connections with nature.
