“The Best Part of EPCOT’s Reimagining” - Tom’s Honest Review of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2023
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This is why I am so happy that Disneyland Anaheim is bringing back the Adventureland Treehouse--not everything has to be an E-ticket attraction; we need more calm and playful spaces.
This was indeed a surprise, but a welcomed one. I do love that a walkthrough attraction can be made and succeed in an era of projections and rollercoasters.
I am so thrilled about it, I don’t understand why so many people have been negative and saying that it doesn’t belong in Epcot. I think it belongs more than the Nemo retheme in the seas. I can’t wait to see it in person!
Palpatine! Get him!!!
I get the argument about how people think this would make more sense in Animal Kingdom however as a Polynesian (specifically Hawaiian) myself I am very happy the experience is in Epcot where culture is celebrated. Moana the movie is not about animals it’s about appreciating the beauty of the Polynesian culture and its connection to nature. The installation teaches about water and gives us all Flower and Garden vibes all year around. Therefore, I believe Epcot is the perfect home for it and I am happy my culture gets to be enjoyed year around in the park that celebrates cultures around the world. I love this new addition and can’t wait to experience it, especially at night.
nothing about moana should be in animal kingdom. polynesian culture as awesome as it is, has very little to do with african and asian themed land. it would be out of place. anything moana should be in HS or Epcot. id love to see a polynesian area in world showcase honestly
You make a great point! I never thought of it that way. To your point, I wish there was a whole Polynesian pavilion area in World Showcase!
I'm so glad to hear your review. I miss the old Epcot. The education part of it has been lost and I'm happy to have part of it back. And I love Figment, too...and the old attraction was the best! Thanks for the review.
I don't have time to watch all the WDWNT videos, but when I see "Tom's Honest Review," I stop and watch!
Love that this in the original EPCOT Spirit. It shows you can use IP in the right way in EPCOT . Maelstrom and Frozen could have been married in a way that could have been educational about Norway.
Happy to see something smaller scale brought into the parks. So often its “whole new themed land” or “major e ticket attraction” or nothing. This is nice to see something small and charming and well thought out help to fill out the parks.
I’m glad it turned out so well, Future World really needed an area with greenery and relaxing atmosphere much more than another massive E-ticket ride that probably would’ve been a more obvious choice for a new addition to the park
For people with sensory issues this is a nice option vs dark rides.
Thanks Tom! Once again, you express a thoughtful critique of a park feature. Those of us who follow your websites share a deep love of Disney and WDW. You are a solid resource to fans and I hope you know we appreciate what you do.!
I think walkthroughs are nice. If you have older family members, this is something they can do with grandkids etc. EPCOT is supposed to be educational and this fits perfectly.
Guardians feels like a mockery of Epcot a parody it makes me feel sad also I visited epcot for the first time in like 7 years and I have to say the blue box is extremely ugly and can easily be spotted almost from anywhere in the park especially the parking lot and world showcase
Wow! My preview was closed for technical issues and weather but looking forward to it now! Thanks Tom!
I’m sad that this walk through gets spun as a positive environmental learning experience as it wastes water. Recirculating? Not with all that water loss. It must be chemically treated to make it healthy. I sincerely hope it is well maintained.
I miss Epcot’s future world focus on science and technology.
WDW News, Tom, It's great that this new area is a home run for EPCOT. My one concern is Disney maintanance of attractions. I'd hate to see in a couple of years time that half the effect's and lights aren't working. This is an attraction that needs to be on it's A (E?) game at all times. Cheers, Chris Perry.
Got to go to a preview last Friday and greatly enjoyed the space. Agree with a lot of what Tom says, it is gorgeous and the IP isn't beaten over your head - just the theme chosen. Personally I think the point of lights on Spaceship Earth are the best part of the overhaul and would rank Guardians above this too as it is that great of a ride. Been going to EPCOT since '84 and never really saw it as edutainment, it is more about inviting discovery and inspiring you to do something new or different and this attraction absolutely does that - even if the look of it is very different and new for that space
I have been going annually for the F&WF for well over a decade. They need to bring back the seminars, special dining events, and celebrity chef events. Now it only about the food booths, that are getting over priced. I miss the days where the seminars where either free or a small cost and has sponsors that gave small gifts. I still use the measuring cups and spoons that I got from one of these seminars.
Just wait when the water features start breaking down and then Disney does not repair them
It’s the most alive part of the park in a long time. When I see the water jumping outside the area it will draw people too it. I think the energy that Super Nintendo Land brought to Universal is part of the inspiration. It would be fantastic to see things like this in every park.
I would never expect anything less than an honest review from you.
At first it appeared it would’ve gone well in Animal Kingdom with Avatar, but you put it in a a different perspective and taught us about the future of water and beauty …What the earth is possible of…thanks for a great review, and keep the Imagineers working hard for beauty and learning.
This is Epcot. Absolutely thrilled with this - relaxing, educational, absolutely gorgeous. Bravo, Disney.
I’m so glad to hear you say this. The first walkthrough I watched (on this channel) I just kind of sat back and sighed, “oh this, *this* feels like Disney and Epcot”. So glad you felt great same.
Epcot...the place where you get drunk and buy expensive treats
Thank you for covering this attraction! I've been really excited for it, but very few youtubers have posted anything about it. It looks really interesting and different- I can't wait to check it out in person someday.
I already said it and I’ll say it again: Tom, you’re by far the best Disney blogger in the biz! Thanks for this original honest review I really enjoyed it and I will think of it dearly when I’ll visit this walkthrough next time 🥳
Yay, i always look forward to Tom’s review. Also, I enjoy when he brings in some of the history of the park and how it changed and how this fits or doesn’t fit.
Tom! You are never lugubrious, not at all, but Journey of Water lit a fire under you, so to speak! It is a total joy to see you gush so honestly about what is a well needed positive! Thanks Tom and company! Delightful!
Whoever edited the zoom for “the one and only, the original” at the end deserves a raise. I was not prepared for that.
Your review has made me excited about my visit there this October. Thank goodness they got it right.
Tom, this is a GREAT vlog. I agree 100 %. The first time i walked though Pandora and Batuu I was totally in awe. Didn't need to do any rides. The imagineering was awesome.
Tom, I think what you're saying is that you want to feel. All other Amusement parks may give you a thrill or a surprise. Disney, somehow, has always found a way to touch our hearts and make us feel. I hope they continue to do that.
If it offers “Edu-tainment,” then yes, it is more EPCOT than just inserting a new ride. It will be nice to have walls gone, a place for crowds to spread out, and I hope it offers some needed shady areas .
I feel the same way about the Pirate treasure hunt in Magic Kingdom. Any time you can interact and "live" the adventure is a win. I can't wait to go back and finish the other maps.
The Jumping Fountains are a childhood core memory. Looking forward to this experience.
It brings a tear to my eye when Tom loves a new attraction.
How wonderful to see Tom “Between Two Ferns” with such a fantastic review. Can’t wait to experience it!
From the moment this was revealed, I was excited about the prospect of having a beautiful green space to explore near Spaceship Earth, and I've been hoping it would turn out well ever since. Glad to hear it really is as pleasant as I hoped!
This is a most EXCELLENT review!
Can’t wait to see this new area.
Spot On! Many thanks for all you do!!
Thank you for your honest review. I can’t wait to preview this attraction this week. The calmness of water is welcome addition to the frenzy of the parks.
Wow! A space like this- green and organic in Epcot, was desperately needed! Cant wait for it to open to the masses.
Tom, Your a true throw back to Golden Epcot Years.. I remember going to Epcot after Navy Submarine Tour & father had already gone. I was 4 when going to NY Worlds Fair so , not many memories. World of Motion, Horizons, Universe of Energy, Living Seas, Original Figment, ...will never be duplicated. I will be at Disney for 3 days next week ( Summerfield, FL- Pirate Pass Holders) Happy this checks all the boxes....now fix Figment...lol Honestly is the Best Policy. Keep Up the good Honest Original Work
I went to the preview on the first day, and I loved it enough to go around twice. It felt like a nice representation of Pacific Island culture, being from New Zealand myself, which ties it into the world showcase. It teaches about a natural phenomenon which ties it into the rest of World Nature. I especially liked the tidal wave area towards the end of the attraction, because to activate it you need to get many people and time it right, which is a great way to start a conversation between guests and to have that sense of community that Epcot was built from. I appreciate that there is now a place to cool off, as many guests gather around the tiny splash pad in World Discovery, which is not the greatest looking place or functioning thing in that area. I am very excited for it to open to the public so I can send people out to the other side of the project tomorrow and have the little kids excited to do something other than Nemo.
Great review Tom! Love your honest reviews! If I could make a suggestion: Perhaps you should explicitly add a section to your reviews considering how children of different ages would experience the attraction. Too many TH-camrs only seem to consider things through the eyes of adult thrill seekers...everything MUST be a super E-ticket. But Disney has always been about pulling families together - Walt on the bench at the carousel. So when you knock Remy's, I wonder if you would take a different perspective if you were, say, a grandparent taking a 5 year old grandchild to Epcot, or a 9 year old, a teen, etc.
My biggest concern is maintenance and upkeep. It looks great now. How is it going to look in 6 months? A year? 3 years?
The problem with Journey of Water is that it doesn’t belong in either Epcot or Animal Kingdom - it should have been an attraction at the Polynesian Hotel.
I don’t think this belongs at a hotel, it’s not a pool
It belongs in a museum!@@WDWNT :P
Does it need to be though? What’s wrong with smaller, simpler attractions based at hotels, ala World Showcase? Could also work as 1. A way of getting people out of the parks, and 2. Advertising/ incentive for people to stay at the hotel.
The hotels for me are their own little parks anyway. I just think Epcot is about technology, innovation, optimism for the future. JoW doesn’t belong in Epcot, IMO.
Would of been cooler at the Polynesian resort with a grand pool included in it
OG Disney = everything mattered…you nailed it.
Kudos for the Jib Jab reference! Wow! ("Look it up, kids")
Yep see other ‘honest review’ titles - I just wait to hear from the original and best with Tom! You have made me keen to visit this attraction having previously not been at all interested 😊
Hi Tom - another good job in reporting on and analysis of a WDW story.
BTW, Your delivery and sscripting of reporting is excellent. As a former broadcaster, today's "News Organizations" could take a tip from you!
RE: Epcot
When I was still going to WDW, Epcot was my favorite (I always stayed at the Dolphin Hotel).
What makes WDW so unique is it had one park that was designed to be both entertaining and informational. If families found it boring, they had 3 other parks to go to.
Then, WDW started hiring new "imagineers" and the unraveling began.
Examples:
1. Norway - While the old boat ride was mainly fun, the nice video at the end provided information about Norway. Then, they replaced it with Frozen, which belongs in Hollywood Studios, and has little to do with information on Norway.
2. France - In their effort to further degrade the Epcot uniqueness, they moved the wonderful movie "Impressions de France" to nighttime only, and added a day-long sing along. Terrible idea, but consistent with the wrong path they were heading down.
3. Ratatouille - I've seen a few complete ride-through videos of this, and don't see how it too belongs in Epcot, or anywhere for that matter.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy - Absolutely mis-placed.
5. Harmonious - a destruction of the natural beauty of Epcot (thankful someone saw that too).
With the money they wasted on #3,4,5, they could have used that (and probably less) to update the countries that have no "attraction". For example - add the boat ride (Rhine River) to Germany as originally planned.
Add to this, Disney's unnecessary public expressions for controversial social and political subjects, and their removal of the most enjoyable Magic Kingdom ride, they've successfully alienated many of their long-term and loyal customers. Very sad...
I welcome other's thoughts.
God Bless!
This worked because they left the creatives alone and didn’t have too many cooks in the kitchen. It wasn’t an E attraction so it wasn’t on people’s radar
A man brother. Something that could of been SO SIMPLE, they plussed it to true Disney level.
Tom. I enjoy your reviews. This is a breath of fresh air.
Thank you. I cannot wait to see it next year. Something good came out of this project. It’s nice to see that Disney still has some sort of potential. ❤ there seems to still be some hope.
If Disney continues with this quality the park will be better then ever
You have nailed it.
Can’t wait to see it in person later this fall! It looks amazing 😍
This looks great. Hopefully it can handle even a semi crowded day as it seems great for an individual going through. I still have memories of exiting rides to large spaces of single person activity stations but the only stations ever open were broken.
So glad to hear your review, Tom, thanks!!
My big worry about the Moana space is how it is going to look in five years. Are they really going to keep it working or is it going to slowly lose function aver the next few years?
I saw a nighttime video of this experience and it was amazing. I had really hoped to see it on my upcoming trip but it won’t open until I have left. But hopefully by the time I make it back agai most of the walls will have come down and I will get to see the finished product. ❤ Thanks for this honest review. The fact that you liked it says a lot!!
I really didn't know what to expect with this, but it looks like it's going to be a beautiful green space to retreat to during a very busy day! The edu-tainment aspect of it feels like vintage Epcot, the likes of which I haven't seen (much) in recent years. I like that it doesn't hit you over the head with the IP, much as I love Moana. Can't wait to see it in person!
I miss Horizons and the Body pavilion (not the body ride - once was enough for me, but the pavilion was very interesting) and I loved Universe of Energy.
Glad you enjoyed it, I also wasn't expecting much. I now am looking forward to it in Oct. Also, I'm pretty sure the path where the old covered breezeway was will still basically exist. When done, we should still be able to leave The Land and go straight through the middle all the way to Mission Space without turning.
The description reads like an old Epcot attraction. Glad to hear you feel this way about it. Hopefully they’ll maintain it well. I’ll have to make sure I see it in the next few months just in case.
That is funny I did notice others doing “honest” reviews. 😂
Thanks for the overview of this attraction. My only concern is the upkeep. Large numbers of people going through, how long will it stay "beautiful"?
Love that shirt!!!
So glad it is being well received! Can’t wait to experience this!
Guardians "Thematically incoherent" is absolute truth!! I think it would feel more coherent in Universal Studios, but that's me
100 % agree Tom! I have been going to EPCOT since it opened in 82 and this , finally, is an added attraction that inspires to learn more. It was also entertaining and beautiful even if you did not go through to learn. But if you did the signage were the cookies to investigate more. Great Job Disney!
this is so cool! you can feel the water!
Oh dear, there are suddenly alot of people who are doing a 180 on this attraction now that your review is out lol.
I'm glad you liked it though! When I saw it the other day on instagram, playing with the water reminded me of using "the force" to open automatic doors(i'm a dork who still does that) and i'm looking forward to seeing it next year!
Agreed! I think this is pretty solid and a perfect example of how IP should be included in the parks. My daughter will love this too and it helps with families visiting the park that are not there just to drink and snack.
Yes, I never went to Epcot when I was really young -- first time I went was in my mid twenties and I still remember those shooting fountains. I was like a kid again putting my hand into the flow of water. My husband took many pictures of me "playing in the water" and I took pictures of him. We were smiling and having a great time. Even though I will only be seeing this on TH-cam this gave me that old thrill of the early Epcot when it was fundamentally an edutainment venue. It brings back the old sense of wonder.
Great review Tom, can't wait to see it when I visit next April, looks much better then I had expected. Hopefully everything still works in the spring- do you think something like this is built durable enough to last for a good period of time with all the guests going through?
I've never been to Disney world or even Florida but do hope to go in the coming year or 2. I just simply like hearing Tom's voice and his critiques!
I wish Epcot was Disneys version of a science museum. Not only could they play up new technology but also dive back to ancient technology from DaVinci or Archimedes to Tesla or Bell. Etc
One bathroom only - after hearing water pouring constantly and families with kids. Could be a problem when having to wait.
There’s one just outside too, a much bigger one
If you want to hear water pouring, just go to EPCOT's church of Imagination😂 Figment has had lots of flowing water (plus leaping fountains) for 40 years now. Plus, you can use some of the cleanest bathrooms in the park, and listen to Magic Journeys at the same time😁 For the ones that aren't familiar, the Imagination bathrooms still play the outside area music from 1982 from when the place opened.
I finally saw a walk through video at night and it looks beautiful! I agree with the education of the water cycle and takes me back to old Epcot…and I love it. To this day, I implement things like cutting up the 6 pack can plastic things (whatever their called) that was in the Lion King environmental movie in The Land so they don’t get stuck around the necks of waterfowl. My only worry is maintaining the interactive features 😧
That's what I'm concerned with, too. A large section didn't work on the opening preview. What is going to happen when you've got hundreds of people all trying to get the features to work at the same time? And how comfortable is the walk through going to be on a regular over-crowded day?
This is a very nice presentation of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana. Thanks for your wonderful review!
Great review. First time I’m looking forward to visiting something at Disney in a few years. Listening to the review I’m thinking it would be great to add a spaceship earth style people mover towards back of park explaining Epcot.
Excellent review Tom. I am interested in visiting based on your comments.
This made me really excited to see it when I come in early 2024. Thanks Tom!
I think I saw you, Tom as you came out the exit but wasn’t 100% sure it was you. Didn’t want to ask and it not be you. I was very jealous of you all. The area looks beautiful and I was so hoping they would let some riff raff in as a sneak peak. 😂😂😂
I was really saddened by several tours and reviews where the comments mostly consisted of "Underwhelming" or "Boring." Look, the technology does not exist to shoot you into the sky in a giant water droplet, have you plummet back to earth as rain, shape the Grand Canyon, then run to the sea. Sorry. I really like this, and it'll be a nice area to cool off at EPCOT. Unlike so much of what I've seen lately, it looks like some real thought and effort went into this beautiful attraction. The first time in a long time education mixed well with the fun of this great park.
Thanks for your honest review Tom. If you like it, then it must worth another visit to EPCOT.
Agree, Tom, Guardians the ride is AWESOME!!
Rode it for the first time last month, it exceeded expectations.
That said, it does not belong in Epcot as an IP, it wasn’t necessary to IP the ride - tell an original ride story - the Big Bang idea was better but Disney has become obsessed with IP in EVERYTHING!!
Guardians is just thematically incoherent as the Target cafeteria and this Moana walk-thru right in the middle of Epcot.
And that is Epcot today, an incoherent mess, a hodgepodge of a bunch of things that don’t go together in any way.
And now their about to do the same thing to Animal Kingdom.
And we all know it’s coming at this point….
Mission Space to be re-themed to:
Moana’s Mission to Mars
or
Encanto’s Outer Space Adventure
Tom, thank you for the review. I do have a question: are the walkways wide enough that people like myself on scooters can make it through along with people walking??
I’m looking forward to seeing Journey of Water on my next trip !
They’re quite wide and the dry paths are options too if you’re worried about getting the ECV wet
@@WDWNT thanks for the info!!
Great content as always, traveling from the UK on Sunday for 2weeks is this attraction now open ?
I AM shocked! TOM MAKES me want to come down sooner. (You like my dfb capitalization? Just for you. I agree with the Epcot thing. And hope we get back to more learning fun. Thank you for all you guys do Go wigs.
It took less time to build all of epcot than this water play area.
The Green space was needed…..
The entrance looks so much better.
I have a poster showing the cool high rise festival building. What is the almost mushroom looking lights area just behind JOW?
Look forward to experiencing it with my kids
Will be in wdw at end of September and hopefully will experience it...thanks for your review. I still dont think it belongs at this location it was not what epcot was about....but it is what it is...i miss the creativity that once was...thanks again
We’ve been looking at the area tonight, it looks amazing all lit up in the dark with spaceship earth behind it 😊
Feels like a bit of a missed opportunity that they didn’t do an edutainment spoof with the Guardians ride. It would have been a nod to EPCOT’s history of edutainment rides and fit well with GotG’s trademark snark and fondness for nostalgia.
I’m going for the first time in March of 2024 for my 50th birthday. I am looking forward to going to all 4 parks, I’m especially looking forward to Animal Kingdom & EPCOT!
Totally agree on Cosmic Rewind.
I agree with this honest review and I honestly feel this is great! As Epcot is meant to be educational, Journey of Water is educational, teaching the importance of the water cycle while incorporating some lovable characters into this interactive experience. This is what Disney does best at!