PHOTOS: ‘Journey of Water’ Structures Take Shape at EPCOT
It’s a big day for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) as the theme park celebrates its 40th anniversary. In honor of the milestone, the park began an extensive redesign a few years ago, and construction appears to be steadily moving along on “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.”
With “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” officially opened in World Discovery (and in the former location of the Universe of Energy pavillion), the bulk of the work now focuses on the center of the area formerly-known-as-Future-World and the incredible new attraction coming to that space.
There in World Nature, the enormous structures that will bring Moana’s island paradise to life appear to grow more detailed with each trip around the park on the monorail. Luckily, the area appears to have weathered the impacts of Hurricane Ivan quite well too.
When it opens, “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana” will became the centerpiece of EPCOT’s re-imagining with an interactive, walk-through experience. The attraction takes up the entire space from behind Spaceship Earth through to the main bridge to World Showcase.
At its most breathtaking moment, the walk-through will feature an 18-foot tall model of Te Fiti, whose heart provides Moana’s home of Motunui its lush landscape. It’s fair to say that might be what the grey structure on the right will eventually become.
As with all things Walt Disney Imagineering, the amount of detail work that will go into “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana” really is profound. Walt Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley recently took time to share his awe at the rock work currently taking place in the area, which he shared on Instagram.
World Celebration Work Redefines Walkways
During the monorail trip around EPCOT, we also spotted construction work continuing on the walkways to the left of Spaceship Earth when entering through the main gates. This appears to be more cosmetic than anything else.
The work borders the EPCOT Guest Relations building, which recently reopened with an updated design. Previously, a walkway stretched through this space to guide guests from the park’s entrance into World Discovery, home to a trio of thrill rides: “Guarians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind,” “Mission: Space,” and “Test Track.”
Happy anniversary, EPCOT! With a year’s worth of construction left to go, we continue to await your finished look, especially “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.”
