There are quite a few things coming to EPCOT before the end of 2023.
By the end of the year, construction will be complete on the massive park transformation, and we can’t wait to walk through the middle of World Celebration again! Further down the road, we’ll be getting CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, but first, we’ve got some new Moana-themed offerings. And now we’re heading to check one of them out!
Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana was originally set to open on October 16th, but Disney announced that it would start a soft opening phase beginning October 6th. Now, something else has SURPRISE opened with the attraction!
That’s right, it’s the new Moana meet and greet! On the morning of October 6th, we spotted signs noting that Moana would be meeting guests, so we went ahead and got in line to check it out. This meet and greet area is across from the entrance to Journey of Water, near Coral Reef Restaurant. To enter the meet and greet queue, you’ll need to hop in line near Spaceship Earth.
Moana will come out multiple times throughout the day, and on the first day, her opening meet and greet set began at 9AM. On October 6th, you can also meet her at 10:15, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:45.
We had a great interaction with her and a fun chat! She was wearing her iconic outfit from her movie. We know this meet and greet is going to be a great addition for many Moana fans.
Currently, you can also meet Moana on Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom. Her meet and greet there has been very popular since it premiered a few months ago.
Moana is officially in EPCOT! 🌺 pic.twitter.com/IvclFn4rvn
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 6, 2023
We’ll keep you in the loop with any more surprises from EPCOT today, so stay tuned to DFB! We’ve got the latest news.
Click Here to See Our Full Journey of Water Walkthrough!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you met Moana in Disney World before? Tell us in the comments!






Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
It's official! These are the 26 Disney Loungefly bags that will be everywhere in 2026.
We have a Disney World transportation HACK that may save your vacation!
Magic Kingdom is closing early on this day in January.
You need to check out these Disney items available at a great price on Amazon!
These are the best $5 Disney finds you can get on Amazon today!
Bring Disney World home with these 8 Amazon finds.
We're getting closer and closer to saying goodbye FOREVER to the Monsters, Inc. dark ride.
You need to check out this list of ALDI finds!
Here's when 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' should arrive on Disney+.
Guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels this summer will have access to a some...
An underrated Disney World hotel restaurant got a new menu, and we are taking you...
Lunar New Year is not just about the food booths! We tried new items ALL...
Raglan Road is having a special event TOMORROW that fans of Irish Coffee cannot miss!
Fans in their 50s don't go to Disney World without these essentials!
We just ate and drank EVERYTHING on the menu at The Beak and Barrel.
A new permit has been filed for Hollywood Studios.
This spot goes unnoticed SO many times in Disney Springs, but it's a great spot...
Looking for some retro Disney shirts for your next vacation? Check out these four shirts!
This EPCOT festival is over just as quick as it began!
We're sharing the biggest takeaways from our dozens of restaurant reviews in 2025!