Disney just loves keeping us on our toes, and this latest surprise is no exception!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

EPCOT’s newest attraction, Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana, has soft-opened ahead of its official opening date and of course, we had to check it out. During previews for Journey of Water, we found out that Disney would be using a Virtual Queue based on demand — so what’s going on now that the attraction is (unofficially) open?

Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana is officially opening on October 16th, but Disney surprised us by opening the attraction EARLY! It will be operating with limited hours and may not always be open until the official date, but for now, it’s time to journey through this new experience. Disney had previously confirmed that a virtual queue would be used based on demand for Moana, but we’ve also caught the new attraction at times when the virtual queue wasn’t needed at all.

Te Fiti in Journey of water

On the first day of the soft opening, October 6th, Disney was using a virtual queue for Journey 0f Water. We spoke with a Cast Member who told us that depending on demand for the attraction as the day goes on, the line may move to standby. When we joined the queue in the morning, our estimated wait was 40 minutes.

©Disney

Like other virtual queues in Disney World, you have an hour to make your way back to the entrance of the attraction once your boarding group has been called. If you’re late or are trying to catch the attraction at night, your best bet is to wait until the line switches to standby. 

Journey of Water at Night

We’ll continue to keep an eye on the virtual queue situation for this attraction, as Disney has shared that it will stick around based on demand. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for the latest news from around Disney World and more!

Check Out Our Experience at the NEW Moana Attraction in EPCOT

Will you be checking out this new attraction? Tell us in the comments.