Return to this dazzling attraction at night for a completely different experience . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER
Debbie Mola Mickler , an Area Manager with Walt Disney World Nursery and part of the horticulture team , noted for WDW Magazine that the attraction contains unique flora and fauna you won ’ t find elsewhere at EPCOT , including a floss silk tree , ginger , and a variety of tropical shrubs . These plants normally thrive in a more tropical environment , yet Disney has managed to make them work in Central Florida .
Wandering through the attraction is a peaceful experience . The sounds of running and splashing water , the natural shade , the way the rockwork largely obscures the rest of the park from view — it all takes you out of EPCOT and transports you to the islands of Polynesia . But you ’ re not simply on island time in this relaxing attraction ; true to EPCOT , Journey of Water is also an educational experience .
“ We ’ re teaching guests in a way that is fun ,” explained Mohamad . “ They don ’ t know that they ’ re really learning about the water cycle . They just happen to be playing in this experience and learning at the same time . And that ’ s a huge payout .”
FIND HAPPINESS RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE If you have time , visit Journey of Water both during the day and again after sunset . On a sunny day , the lush greenery pops vibrantly against the faded tones of the rockwork , and the water looks crisp and cool . At night , the light casts beautiful reflections in the pools and dancing fountains , and the rockwork takes on a warm , inviting color .
ITS OWN WATER CYCLE While Journey of Water might feel like a simple walkthrough attraction to the unsuspecting guest , it ’ s actually complex and vast . In fact , Journey of Water not only has hidden pumps and special effects equipment to power the attraction , but it also has its own dedicated water treatment and filtration system happening out of sight .
“ We have the water treated and cared for so that it ’ s accessible for guests to touch and play with ,” Mohamad explained . “ All that water gets recirculated so you ’ re never touching the same water twice .”
The way that Imagineers have combined the technical with the creative and encouraged learning is truly tremendous , but at the end of the day , Journey of Water is simply good fun . It is joyful , it is playful , it is curious , and it is inviting in a way that draws you to explore deeper . Look around , and you ’ ll see not only children squealing in joy but park guests of all ages smiling with intrigue as they interact with the water around them . That ’ s the magic of EPCOT — and the very magic that Walt hoped for from his parks .