How Disney parks are celebrating the release of Moana 2
Walt Disney Animation Studios' Moana 2 hits theaters this weekend, marking a long-awaited return for the titular hero. It's been eight years since we last set sail with Moana and her crew, so naturally, there's incredible excitement for the sequel's release. The excitement has carried into Disney's parks where you can find all sorts of celebrations, from character meet-and-greets, to snacks and nighttime shows.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Moana underwent a wardrobe update in the parks. If you visit the Moana meet and greets at Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park or Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT, you can meet her and check out her new wardrobe inspired by her appearance in the sequel.
At Walt Disney World, you can find a specia Moana 2 themed tree at the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. For those unfamiliar, this is a completely free experience located at Disney Springs featuring dozens of beautifuly decorated Christmas trees. Each of the trees has a special theme, usually something inspired by a Disney movie.
For those who appreciate the hard work that goes into animation, you can learn to draw some of the characters from the film! For a limited time at the Animation Academy at the Disney California Adventure Park, you can learn to draw five characters from the film: Moana, Maui, Heihei, Pua, and Kotu — all with the guidance of a Disney artist.
Over in Disney's Animal Kingdom, The Animation Experience at Conservation Station also has a Disney animator giving instructions on how to bring Disney characters to life.
Finally, keeping it stateside, the "World of Color - Season of Light" at Disney California Adventure Park features a new water short, titled "Boat Snack," inspired by Moana 2.
"In “Boat Snack,” guests can observe the humor and friendship of Moana and Maui, set to the song “We’re Back” from the film," the description reads. The show features animated projections, dancing water, dazzling lasers, and sparkling lighting effects.
Also at the parks, you'll find dozens of Maoan 2-themed snacks. In Disneyland Resort, there's the Coconut-Macademia, Pancakes; hamburger steak & Eggs with spiced ham, fried rice, eggs, and mushrooms gravy; Grilled Shrimp Skewer with sausage and pineapple topped with coconut vinaigrette, and more. Walt Disney World is offering a Moana 2 Cake Bar (Passion fruit chiffon, pineapple jam, and caramel crispy pearls coated in white chocolate); Moana Milk Shake (Orange Cream milk shake with whipped cream, seashells, pearls, and a chocolate coin), Kakamora Chocolate Pinata (Milk chocolate shell filled with coconut ganache treats) and more.
And, of course, there's a wide assortment of Moana 2 merchandise, including a Moana Ear Headband, Moana Singing Doll, and Moana 2 Doll set featuring Moana, her sister Simea, and Pua and Heihei.