I was recently at Epcot and there are a couple new additions that are worth discussing. While I always love to see new additions and changes at Walt Disney World, these newby attractions are not necessarily going to draw people to the parks all on their own. However, they are a nice change for season pass holders or people who frequent the parks. A little something different to show that the parks are ever changing and to not allow the experience to get "stale." I have found that for us, who go to the parks around 2 times a year, there has always been a little something new or different for each visit, on top of the beloved favorites that remain.
1) Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana
The biggest new addition to Epcot is Journey of Water. This attraction officially opened 3 days before our trip to Epcot, and I was very excited that we would be able to experience it. For those that have visited Epcot in the past 2 1/2 years, this is the area that has been walled off for construction in the World Nature area. Imagineers have been working on Journey of Water since June of 2021 and it officially opened on October 16, 2023.
The first couple of days that it was open, Disney was utilizing a virtual queue. There is not a "line" for this attraction, so the virtual queue was meant to limit the amount of people gathering on the walkway in front of Journey of Water. When any new attraction opens in Disney, it is of course extremely popular as everyone wants to experience the latest innovation taken by Imagineers. However, the virtual queue did not stick around for long, and by the time we visited Epcot a couple of days later there was no wait at all to enter Journey of Water.
Journey of Water is simply a walk-through attraction. There is no ride element. However, it was obvious that the Imagineers were hard at work for the 2 1/2 year construction period. This attraction fits in really well with the imagination theme of Epcot and is both enjoyable and educational about the "life" of water.
Journey of Water is not necessarily about Moana but incorporates aspects of the movie into the attraction. Water is such an important element in the movie Moana and in the character's journey, so it is a fitting choice to use this film to educate people of the wonders of water. For example, when you first walk in, you see the symbol of Te Fiti, a Goddess of life who plays a major role in Moana.
The walk-through attraction was actually larger than I thought it would be. There is a path that winds in and out of detailed, interactive water displays. As you make your way through, there are multiple ways to "experience" water, incorporating the special Imagineer touch.
First, you come across water "guitars." You can run your hand through the streams of water, which play different notes as you do so. It is fun to play with the water and feel like a kid again.
Next, you come across an area where if you wave to the water, it will "wave" back at you. The sensors in this display must be very advanced, because the water really does react to your movement.
The coolest area, in my opinion, is a spot where you can literally control the water yourself. Raising and lowering your hand to raise and lower the water level. This was fun.
There is a splash area, which I avoided because it looked like you could get entirely soaked if you walked through it. We took the self-titled "Dry Path." In the splash zone, the water reacted to people's movements, splashing, jumping, and flying. This is a fun spot for kids and even adults on a very hot day.
As you continue walking through the experience, there were lots of little stopping points where you could manipulate the water with hand and body movements. It was very much like how the water bended to Moana in the movie.
Finally, towards the end of the attraction, there is a giant statue of Te Fiti, that looks extremely life like. She is creating life and appreciating the beauty of the Journey of Water. A Photo pass photographer is located in the walk-through experience at this point as well.
This is a very neat experience. While not a thrill ride, there is so much to see and experience within the attraction. The theming and details are amazing and I think there would be new experiences every time you visit this attraction. It is definitely something you should check out next time you are in Epcot. I am sure we will be going in the attraction every visit to Epcot, since it is very much not a one-and-done kind of thing.
Also, for Moana fans, there is a meet and greet with Moana right by the entrance of the attraction!
2) Soarin' Over California
The second big change at Epcot was the return of Soarin' Over California. This is the version of Soarin' as it first opened in Disney World back in 2005. It changed over to Soarin' Around the World in 2016. For lovers of Soarin' Around the World, don't be too upset. This is not a permanent change, but instead Soarin' Over California was brought back temporarily as part of the 100 Years of Disney celebration. It is predicted to switch back to Soarin' Around the World in early 2024, so fans of the original version will only have a few months to experience it. It also gives kids a chance to experience the original version, since some may not have even been born yet when it switched over to Around the World.
I am happy I got to re-experience Soarin' Over California again, as I had not been on it since I was a young child. Who knows the next time it will be brought back to Epcot, so it was great that the timing of our trip lined up with its return! However, I have to say that I personally prefer Soarin' Around the World.
On Soarin' Over California you fly over iconic California sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, San Diego and downtown Los Angeles. It ends with an arrival at the Disneyland Castle. I thought the images were kind old and could really use some updating. I also thought the sights are more impressive and distinct when you travel Around the World versus just Over California. Additionally, the transitions between the scenes are smoother and less noticeable on Around the World. I will admit the orange and pine scents on Soarin' Over California are iconic, and it felt like a return to my childhood to smell those again. No scents on Soarin' Around the World compare.
All in all, Disney made the right move to progress to Soarin' Around the World. But I appreciate the return to its Soarin' roots in celebration of 100 years of Disney!
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