The exterior paint at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion has been refreshed amid EPCOT’s construction. Parts of the project are still incomplete; the seagulls that were removed from The Seas with Nemo and Friend’s attraction entrance sign have not yet returned.

The Seas Pavilion Painting Updates

As EPCOT continues to wrap some long-term construction projects at the front of the park, the exterior of attractions that have otherwise not changed are being updated with new paint to match the new vision. Some of the changes, like the ones at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion, are subtle; let’s compare to older photos to spot the differences.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion’s wave building made it through the EPCOT reimagining.

As we approached The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion, we noticed right away that there is a section of khaki primer that hasn’t been painted on the top portion of the ocean-themed exterior.

The attraction sign still has the water turned off, and the seagulls are still missing.

We noticed that the rock features have now been scrubbed down of much of their surface algae.

For comparison, we took this photo at The Seas with Nemo & Friends just a few days ago when the seagull animatronics were removed from the rocks. You can see the buildup from the fountain’s water on the rocks.

Are you excited for the transformation of this area of the park to World Nature to be completed? Who is your favorite creature to visit at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion? Let us know in the comments.

World Nature’s Transformation: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Next to The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion stands Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, which opens on October 16, 2023.

We were finally able to experience Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT during recent Cast Member previews. The new attraction takes over the spot that once held Innoventions West, which was knocked down years ago. We shared news about what we only knew to be a water maze back in April 2019 and it was confirmed later that year. Disney originally indicated the attraction would open in 2021, but that was quickly redacted. Now in August 2023, we’re finally nearing a grand opening.

The attraction is a self-guided tour and you can technically spend as much time inside as you want, although Cast Members are encouraged to move people along as necessary.

The new World Nature Cast Member costumes are environmentally friendly. They’re blue and the shirt sleeves can be rolled up to show off a wave pattern when Cast Members are working at Journey of Water. The sleeves are rolled down when they are working at The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

At the start of the attraction, guests are greeted with a rock structure covered in moss and vines, with the heart of Te Fiti symbol carved into the top.

Mist rises throughout the attraction, which is interactive to teach people about the water cycle.

In fact, the first sign in Journey of Water is about the water cycle:

Water Connects Us

All of the water in the world constantly circles the planet, from the sky to the seas and back again.

It brings life to each of us in turn. This global cycle of water connects us all.

This is the only water we will ever have! If we can conserve it, wherever we find it, everyone will have the water they need to live.

If you don’t want to get wet, don’t worry. There is a dry path you can take instead, and if you take the wet path, we promise, you will get wet. We were soaked by the end of our tour.

The cycle begins with rain. Each sign has basic information, as well as conversation-starters to help kids learn. The rain sign says:

Does water call to you? What parts of the water cycle can you enjoy in your community? Dance in the rain, visit the ocean, or tell your family about a local lake or stream.

Next, guests can touch “strings” of water to trigger musical sounds.

Lanterns hang throughout the attraction to keep it lit at night. There is some shade for hot summer days, though Journey of Water is not completely covered.

Next in the cycle is the stream.

Here, guests can stand on a water drop symbol and wave at the stream to trigger an effect.

There are hidden icons and characters on rocks throughout Journey of Water. Here, you may be able to spot Maui’s fish hook.

The wetland section is all about building community.

There are a few opportunities to enter the dry path if you change your mind after getting a taste of Journey of Water.

The water is everywhere, even on the ground.

As guests move under some decorative shades, they arrive at a spring.

Unfortunately, the “water is not feeling playful or responsive” in this area. As we visited during previews, malfunctioning or turned off effects are to be expected.

As we continued, we noticed a character in the rocks: Pua!

Moving from the spring, we learn about how the land is “shaped by water.”

Here, guests pass through cavernous structures.

If you move slowly, a waterfall might open for you — just don’t run.

In this rock wall, we found the sail of Moana’s boat.

There are restrooms off a path in the middle of the attraction.

Guests then approach a small lake with a large figure of Te Fiti leaning over it.

Te Fiti is the nature goddess made up of vines, leaves, and flowers.

A waterfall pours into the lake.

Te Fiti sits on moss-covered rocks also wrapped in vines and flowers, with small waterfalls in front of her.

After Te Fiti and the lake is the river.

Here, there are jumping fountains crossing over the thin river that runs next to the path.

We also found a baby Moana rock.

Along with Tamatoa.

There’s a shaded area with jumping water to walk through — in case you aren’t wet enough by now.

This area also has the Kakamora carvings.

Before the biggest interactive water features are reminders about various rules.

Now, it’s time to enter the ocean.

Here, guests need to jump on the water drop symbols to “send water back to the sky” to complete the water cycle.

More jumping fountains send water into the air.

And as we circle back to the front of the attraction, water fills the air again.

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