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While the mega-popularity of Frozen prompted Disney to immediately integrate its chilly characters into every side of the business, love for 2016’s Moana was a slower burn, making it a lower priority. That changes in 2021, when Disney Parks will unveil a completely reimagined Epcot, complete with a Moana-themed attraction.
According to a news release out of the D23 convention, Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is undergoing a “historic transformation, bringing the next generation of immersive storytelling to life through a plethora of new attractions and experiences.” The new Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that take guests to “new destinations where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility.” It is expected to open in 2021, timed to the 50th anniversary of Epcot.
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The first reveal of the overhaul is Journey of Water, inspired by Moana. As described by Disney Parks, the attraction promises a “lush exploration trail” that will “invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water.” Disney is expected to provide additional details on the Epcot reimagining on Sunday at a D23 panel.
Journey of Water is the first Disney Parks attraction themed to Moana. The Disney Animation film was released on Nov. 23, 2016, and earned over $643 million worldwide.
As for what else is behind the Epcot curtain, reports indicate that Disney is hard at work building a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster on the plot that originally held the Universe of Energy attraction, and planning to port Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, an attraction from Disneyland Paris, over to the States.
