Passageway Now Visible For Disney's First-Ever 'Moana' Attraction

Since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Walt Disney World Resort for four months in 2020, things have looked a little different for the Florida theme park.

Related: EPCOT Attraction Closes to Make Way For Annual Disney Event

Now, however, things are beginning to return to normal in Orlando in regard to the Guest experience. Face mask mandates have been lifted, new rides and attractions are taking shape — including the TRON roller coaster at Magic Kingdom Park — character meet and greets are returning in droves, and summer crowds are back at all of Disney World’s theme parks.

But despite the fact that some construction projects are moving forward at EPCOT, the theme park took the brunt of the hit when Disney changed its spending structure during the pandemic.

Related: Disney World to Remove Iconic Sign, Fans Lament They “Need That Moment”

The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow is undergoing a massive overhaul that includes the addition of new rides and attractions — including Journey of Water and the recently opened Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster — a reimagined entry, and several new “neighborhoods” like World Discovery and World Celebration.

Despite all of the changes that are still happening, though, numerous EPCOT projects were scrapped as COVID-19 ravaged Disney’s budget. The planned Mary Poppins-inspired Cherry Tree Lane addition in the Great Britain World Showcase pavilion and a refurbishment of Spaceship Earth, for example, were both tabled.

Related: Disney Reveals Details on New EPCOT Entrance, Interactive Play Pavilion

One thing that’s still happening, though, is the aforementioned Moana-inspired Journey of Water attraction at EPCOT.

Construction on the site has been steadily progressing ahead of EPCOT’s 40th anniversary on October 1, 2022, and now Twitter account Bioreconstruct has shared a new look:

A passageway in the Journey of Water rock work can be seen from the EPCOT entrance plaza

A passageway in the Journey of Water rock work can be seen from the EPCOT entrance plaza. pic.twitter.com/z0HBKkN37B

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) July 16, 2022

Related: PHOTOS: Jeff Vahle Visits New ‘Moana’ Rooms at Polynesian

The account also shared a second photo of Journey of Water, noting that portions of EPCOT’s original landscaping may be preserved:

A glimpse of Journey of Water from monorail, framed by Spaceship Earth. Arrow at an original 1982 circular garden bed that might be retained.

A glimpse of Journey of Water from monorail, framed by Spaceship Earth. Arrow at an original 1982 circular garden bed that might be retained. pic.twitter.com/wI5vkOATHr

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) July 16, 2022

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Few details about the Moana attraction have been revealed, but Disney Parks Blog previously shared the following information:

Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite you to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and you’ll learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.

Related: Google Earth Provides the Worst View of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World

Journey of Water does not currently have an opening date.

Are you looking forward to Disney Parks’ first Moana-themed attraction?

Visit the official Disney World website to plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district OR the official Disneyland website to plan your trip to Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks — Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — and the Downtown Disney District!