Auli’i Cravalho—who voices Moana in both the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original 2016 film and its sequel, Moana 2, opening in theaters November 27—recently ventured beyond the reef to Walt Disney World Resort to experience Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.
“I really, really loved getting to experience this, and I especially love that Moana has found a special home at EPCOT,” Cravalho said. “As someone who works in clean oceans and ka wai ola, or living water, I really appreciate that this experience is also about advocacy and stewardship—and I enjoyed that I could [make water move] for a little bit. That was really cool.”
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Located in World Nature at EPCOT, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana invites guests at Walt Disney World Resort to explore the wonders of water along a lush, self-guided path. The beautifully landscaped walking trail is filled with surprises around every turn, so guests can engage with water in magical ways—just like the wayfinder Moana did with the ocean.
Cravalho didn’t know what to expect from Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. “I knew Te Fiti would be around there somewhere,” Cravalho said of the island goddess whose heart was stolen by Maui in the original film. “Seeing her come up around the bend brought some tears to my eyes. To see her in real life and not only in animation—to be able to really see her glisten in the sun—that was a really special experience for me.”
According to Cravalho, getting to control the water like Moana was surreal.
“I voiced Moana; I didn’t play Moana,” she explained. “This felt different. To be able to make music while ‘playing’ harp strings made out of water, to manipulate the water and make it rise? That’s pretty powerful stuff.”
Cravalho—who lists pickles and turkey legs as her favorite Disney Parks snacks—added she is thrilled to see Moana’s story continue in films, theme park attractions, and beyond. “I’m so grateful for the people who have connected with Moana,” she said. “She’s for everyone who wants to grow, who wants to learn, who wants to journey beyond the reef.”