ANAHEIM, Calif. — With Disney’s D23 Expo underway, Disney fans are being treated to announcements and reveals from the company’s various divisions—studios and theme parks, to name a few—over the three-day event.
What You Need To Know
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is an upcoming attraction under construction at EPCOT
- The attraction will feature a 16-foot-tall figure of Te Fiti from "Moana"
- Disney revealed a smaller model of the figure at its D23 Expo
- PREVIOUS: Disney shares more details about upcoming EPCOT attraction
Although the major parks news is being held for Sunday, Disney is giving D23 Expo attendees a glimpse at its plans for upcoming attractions ahead of the presentation.
The Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion features models and concept art of several attractions, including Journey of Water, Inspired by Water. The walkthrough attraction is coming to EPCOT at part of the park’s massive transformation.
The display for Journey of Water includes a large model of Te Fiti, the character from 2016’s animated film “Moana.” The figure, which will be prominently featured in the attraction, depicts Te Fiti leaning over a steam of water. Imagineers used “Moana” and sketches as referencing to come up with a way the figure could “embody the idea of protecting water,” according to captions on the display.
The model on display at D23 Expo is small in comparison to the 16-foot-tall figure that will eventually end up at EPCOT.
Journey of Water will be the first Disney World attraction based on the film. Under construction in EPCOT’s World Nature neighborhood, the attraction will feature lush environments and interactive water elements that represent the cycle of water.
Disney has not yet announced when Journey of Water will open, although that could change on Sunday, when parks chairman Josh D’Amaro delivers his presentation detailing what’s next for the company’s theme parks.