Is a Moana Boat Ride Coming to Disney World?

Ever wished you could ride the waves with Moana and Maui? Well, hold on to your coconut drinks because Disney just might be making that dream come true!

Disney World’s been buzzing with updates and whispers lately. From the re-imagining of DinoLand U.S.A in Animal Kingdom to the mysterious plans Beyond Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom, there’s a lot on the horizon. But, a little birdie (or maybe a clever sea turtle?) has brought us some intriguing news about a potential Moana ride!

Concept art depicting a Moana-themed area in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The scene features lush, green hills with cascading waterfalls, a boat with a large sail marked by Moana's symbol in the center of a serene body of water, and guests enjoying the immersive environment. Pathways wind through the vibrant landscape, showcasing the detailed and tropical setting.

In 2022, Disney filed a patent for something called a “Boat Motion Simulator.” Now, before your eyes glaze over with technical jargon, let me break it down. This patent described a fancy system designed to give a passenger boat the real-deal feel of oceanic motions like rolling, swaying, and pitching—kind of like your personal boat party!

Patent diagram of a ride concept involving a dome screen for show projection. The illustration shows a passenger floating in a boat within a water-filled environment under a dome. The dome is designed to project scenes, creating an immersive visual experience for the passengers. Technical details and labels indicate the components of the ride system, including the projection mechanism and the boat's design. — *From the 2022 Patent – Indicating a simulator element of the attraction*

So, already, we were dreaming of voyaging past Te Fiti, witnessing breathtaking animations, and maybe even hearing a live chicken screech from Heihei.

Fast forward to today, Disney‘s filed another patent that’s making us even more giddy! This one’s titled, “Guided Boat with External Discrete Yaw Control.” Fancy words, sure, but what you need to know is this tech could let boats change direction independently.

Patent diagram showing a side view of a boat design, likely for a Moana-themed ride. The illustration includes various technical components such as the boat's hull, sail, and floating mechanisms. Labels and arrows indicate specific parts of the design, including elements below the waterline that contribute to the boat's movement and stability.

Using an underwater track or guide, each boat on this ride can be pointed in different directions to catch all the mesmerizing scenes Disney Imagineers are likely dreaming up! Cue the Moana soundtrack, because my excitement is doing flips right now!

Now, where-oh-where could this boat ride be anchored? During the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney teased a Moana-centric area might dock in DinoLand U.S.A. However, we’ve since heard that this expansion’s more likely to be themed around the “Tropical Americas.” So, will Moana wave hello from a different park altogether? Only time (and maybe a few more sneaky patents) will tell.

Stay tuned, Disney fans! The next big parks panel at D23—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—is on the horizon and you bet we’ll have our spy glasses ready for fresh announcements.

Patent diagram depicting a back view of the same boat design, highlighting the structural elements and mechanical components. This view provides a different perspective on the boat's construction, showing details of the sail and the underlying support structures that help maintain the boat's balance and functionality in water. — *Does this not look like it came straight from the Moana Movie?*

We’re always on the lookout for the latest clues and tidbits to make your Disney dreams even dreamier, so keep your ears perked and eyes peeled by subscribing to our newsletter! And hey, why not join the conversation? Would you ride a Moana-themed boat attraction? Let us know in the comments!

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What’s your take on this potential new attraction? Would you say “You’re Welcome!” to a Moana boat ride? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!