Disney Announces THREE New ‘Moana’ Projects

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney movies hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide, captivating young and old alike with their enchanting storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless themes.

Since its humble beginnings with the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, Walt Disney Animation Studios has been at the forefront of cinematic innovation, pushing the boundaries of animation and creating beloved classics that have stood the test of time.

snow white holding the poison apple

One of the defining features of Disney movies is their ability to transport viewers to fantastical worlds filled with wonder, imagination, and magic.

Whether it’s the whimsical fairy-tale kingdom of Cinderella (1950), the lush jungles of The Lion King (1994), or the futuristic metropolis of Zootopia (2016), each Disney film invites audiences to embark on a thrilling adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

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At the heart of every Disney movie lies a timeless message or moral lesson that resonates with viewers on a profound level. From the importance of friendship and family in Toy Story (1995) to the power of love in Beauty and the Beast (1991), Disney movies offer valuable insights into the human experience.

A newer Disney film that has captured the hearts of viewers is Moana (2016), which features a Disney princess.

moana rowing in "How far I'll go"

Moana tells the story of a spirited young chief-in-training who embarks on a daring quest to save her people. Fueled by her deep connection to the ocean and her longing for adventure beyond the confines of her island home, Moana sets sail across treacherous waters to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti, a mystical stone that holds the power of creation.

Given the success of Moana, Disney is releasing three new projects centered around the beloved character. The most anticipated of these projects is Moana 2

Scheduled for release on November 27, the sequel promises a thrilling adventure as Moana responds to a mysterious call from her wayfinding ancestors, leading her into perilous, uncharted waters.

Moana 2

Dwayne Johnson made an announcement about this massive Moana project. Moana’s live-action film is set to be released on June 27, 2025.

This movie will feature Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui the demigod. Meanwhile, Auli’i Cravalho has decided she will not return as Moana.

Another interesting Moana project is set for guests boarding the newest Disney Cruise Line ship called Disney Treasure.

First Look at New Disney Treasure ‘Moana’ Show

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

We’re excited to share more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” which will debut exclusively at the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Treasure in December 2024. With set design and music bursting with elements of Pacific Island cultures which inspire the classic coming-of-age tale, this innovative production will immerse audiences in a transformational adventure across land and sea.

Read on for more details and a sneak peek of how “Disney The Tale of Moana” will come to life in the first stage adaptation inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

Towering Puppets Take Stage

To create puppetry that soars to mythical heights, Disney Live Entertainment Creative Director of puppetry and articulation, Jeff Conover, teamed up with master puppet designer Michael Curry, whose creations are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Lion King” on Broadway. Te Kā, the massive, fiery villain guarding Te Fiti, will be a puppet of a scale Disney Cruise Line has never before produced. When Moana meets Te Kā and restores the heart of Te Fiti, the giant Te Kā puppet will shed its fiery shell and become the gentle island goddess, Te Fiti herself.

Practice Your “Warrior Face”

The stage show will also include a brand new song, “Warrior Face,” performed by Moana and Maui when the demigod teaches Moana how to face her fears before entering the Realm of the Monsters to face Tamatoa. “Warrior Face” will join classic favorites from the Grammy-Award winning soundtrack in the stage show, including “You’re Welcome,” “We Know The Way” and “How Far I’ll Go.”

Setting the Scene in “Innocent Warrior”

“Disney The Tale of Moana” will begin in modern day on the fictional island of Motunui, in a set design filled with hints of brilliant Pacific Island cultures that will appear throughout the show. The spirit of Gramma Tala, our narrator, will introduce her granddaughter, while through vibrant dance and songs in a mix of languages including Tuvaluan, Tokelauan and Samoan, we will learn how the ocean chooses young Moana for an incredible journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti.

Transforming The Walt Disney Theatre in “How Far I’ll Go”

In this iconic scene, The Walt Disney Theatre will transform from the island of Motunui into the open ocean as Moana’s journey moves from her home to the great voyage that she’s longed for her entire life. Twinkling stars will swirl overhead and a giant, glowing manta ray will emerge and soar above the audience as a newfound sense of courage fills Moana. The manta ray is the spirit of Gramma Tala, lighting up the sea to accompany Moana on her journey to save her people.

This show looks stunning, and we know our guests cannot wait to see Moana’s incredible story unfold in a new way on the Disney Treasure! “Disney The Tale of Moana” will join a dazzling lineup of fan-favorite shows like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure” in the Walt Disney Theatre. Stay tuned for more details about the Disney Treasure as we count down the days until it sets sail in December 2024.

New EPCOT Map Debuts Featuring Journey of Water Inspired by Moana for Attraction’s Grand Opening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Today, October 16, 2023, is the grand opening of Journey of Water Inspired of Moana, and a new EPCOT map has debuted featuring the latest attraction.

It was added to the My Disney Experience app yesterday evening.

EPCOT Map Featuring Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

Te Fiti is featured on the cover.

The map describes Journey of Water Inspired by Moana with “Stroll along an interactive outdoor trail and explore the wonders of water.”

Art representing the attraction has also been added. A Mickey head, representing a character greeting, has also been added for the Moana meet and greet.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

The walkthrough serves as an educational experience in addition to acting as an immersive and entertaining adventure, in some ways ringing true to EPCOT Center’s original goal of offering attractions that both inform and entertain.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana 09012023 6

Guests learn more about the intricacies of the water cycle as it’s illustrated on the initial sign throughout the rest of the attraction. Each part of the water cycle — rain, stream, wetland, spring, land, lake, river, ocean, and sky — serves as a themed section of the attraction, each part containing descriptive signage that explains that aspect’s importance.

Beloved Disney Princess Meet-and-Greet Coming to Disney World’s EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

The Walt Disney Company just announced some exciting Disney Princess news during the Destination D23 event: a new princess meet-and-greet is coming to EPCOT for the first time ever!

When you think of meeting a beloved Disney Princess, you probably think of the classic Magic Kingdom character interactions.

After all, Magic Kingdom has everything from Cinderella’s Royal Table (a character dining experience where guests can meet various princesses) to Princess Fairytale Hall.

disney world disney princess official disney princesses cinderella snow white sleeping beauty princess anna princess ariel lose job fat old disney movie performer

Guests can also meet Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989) at her Grotto in Fantasyland and Jasmine from Aladdin (1992) in Adventureland.

But, technically, EPCOT may be the Disney Park with the most opportunities for meeting princesses.

Guests visiting Walt Disney World’s EPCOT can meet Jasmine in the Morocco pavilion, Mulan in the China pavilion, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Belle from Beauty and the Beast (1991) in the France pavilion, and Snow White in the Germany pavilion.

Now, a new princess is being added to the lineup as EPCOT prepares to add a Moana meet-and-greet opportunity to its impressive arsenal.

Currently, Moana can be met in Animal Kingdom. But beginning on October 16, guests can also meet the adventurous voyager in EPCOT’s World Nature area.

This coincides with the opening of Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana, which opens on the same day. Be sure to experience both of these offerings the next time you visit Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park!

New Walt Disney World Attraction Coming VERY Soon

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Some very exciting news was announced during this year’s Walt Disney Company’s annual shareholder meeting.

A brand new attraction coming to the Parks this year is ahead of schedule and is reportedly nearly completed. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced this news during the meeting.

This year marks the end of the massive revamp of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort. This Park has seen some incredible renovations and exciting new attractions this year. One of the main new additions the Park is receiving is an exciting new Moana-themed attraction called “Journey of Water.” This incredible new area allows Guests too,

“Explore the wonders of water along an interactive trail that’s fun for all ages—based on the Disney animated film Moana.“

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

The new area will capitalize on the massive success of the movie Moana. Moana follows the story of a young Hawaiian girl who sets sail on a journey to save her people. Along the way, she meets Maui, a demigod who has fallen from his previous status. The unlikely duo goes on a wild adventure to save their people and fulfill an ancient quest.

A major theme in the movie is Moana’s relationship with water. In the film, Moana has a special relationship with water and values it heavily. In our world, water is also an incredibly valued source. The new Journey of Water attraction is meant to help Guests understand the important role that water plays in our lives and in our world.

The attraction is planning to open in late 2023; however, that might change. During the shareholder meeting, Mr. Iger revealed that the Journey of Water is nearly completed. A walk-through of the land showed that the progress was coming along very well and the land looked ready to open. With the announcement that a live-action Moana is happening, this land is more timely than ever.

This news is very exciting, and with any luck, this attraction will be open in EPCOT very soon!