Queue Area:
As you walk through Adventureland, your path embeds with sand as you start to see colorful seashells embedded in the ground. This trail of shells soon makes a path itself past several palm trees and tropical plants. Guests begin to see signs of an ancient Polynesian village, with overgrown canoes, a deserted tiki hut, and fishing nets. It seems the jungle has reclaimed its old territory. You see a familiar boat - Could this be the place where Moana’s journey began?
When you travel further down this path, the vegetation becomes denser and the sounds of exotic birds and distant drums start to be heard in the area. Afterwards, you finally see signs of water as a small stream trickles next to the shell-paved pathway. As you look at the bottom of the stream, you see the colorful shells that have led you here. Finally realizing where these shells have come from, you follow the stream to an 8 ft. waterfall with rocks that have eroded to reveal ancient symbols glowing with bioluminescence.
As you turn around and wind through various rock formations and bioluminescent plants, you go farther up the mountains to a beautiful green grassy area. From there, you see an old, weathered Polynesian outrigger canoe resting near a cliff edge. Curious, you move to explore the ancient vessel.
Inside the canoe’s shelter, old Polynesian artifacts and maps are displayed, describing the news of Moana and Maui’s legendary journey.
As you enter the second story of the shelter, it seems there is an old storyteller ready to give any guests a tale of the adventures that took place in the realm of monsters.
Pre-Show:
Guests gather in a dimly lit cave, surrounded by glowing Polynesian carvings. A glowing map of Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters, illuminates the cave. A projection of Moana and Maui appears, setting the stage for the adventure.
SCRIPT:
Maui: Alright, everyone gather around. Listen up!
Moana: (Smiling) Kia ora, friends! Welcome to our adventure.
Maui: Today, we're heading into the heart of Lalotai to reclaim my hook from the pesky crab, Tamatoa.
Moana: We'll need all of you to be brave and keep your wits about you. This isn't going to be an easy journey.
Maui: (Grinning) But hey, when have we ever backed down from a challenge?
Tamatoa (voice only): Ah, more little voyagers come to steal my treasures? You’re welcome to try, but no one outshines the great Tamatoa!
Moana: Don’t listen to him. Our hearts are strong, and together, we'll overcome any obstacle in our path.
Maui: That's the spirit, Moana! Let’s go get that hook!
Ride Experience:
Loading Area: Guests board the drop tower ride vehicle, designed to resemble a sturdy raft adorned with Polynesian carvings and enchanted ropes. The vehicle seats guests securely as they prepare for the adventure.
SCRIPT:
Moana: (Calling out) Hold on, everyone! Tamatoa's trying to catch us off guard.
Maui: (Laughing) Nice try, crabby! But you'll have to do better than that to scare us.
Moana: (Encouraging) Stay focused, everyone! We're getting closer to retrieving Maui's hook.
Maui: (Grinning) That's right, Moana. Tamatoa won't know what hit him when we come charging in.
Ascent: The vehicle begins its ascent inside Tamatoa’s glittering lair, surrounded by bioluminescent treasures and coral. Guests hear Tamatoa singing “Shiny,” and see animatronic sea creatures moving around the cavern. Moana and Maui appear through projections, urging guests to stay alert.
SCRIPT:
Moana: (Encouraging) Stay focused, everyone! We're getting closer to retrieving Maui's hook.
Maui: (Grinning) That's right, Moana. Tamatoa won't know what hit him when we come charging in.
Tamatoa (voiceover): (Sneering) You may be brave, but you're no match for the might of Tamatoa! My shiny treasures will be the last thing you ever see!
First Drop: As Tamatoa’s song reaches its crescendo, the vehicle suddenly drops a few stories, simulating a surprise attack by the crab. Special effects like flashing lights and bursts of water enhance the thrill. Guests feel the adrenaline rush as they plummet through the darkness.
SCRIPT:
Maui: (Laughing) Ah, there's nothing like a good drop to get the blood pumping! Don't worry, folks, we've got this under control.
Moana: (Steadying herself) Hold on, everyone! Tamatoa thinks he can scare us, but we’re stronger than he knows.
Mid-Level Scene: The vehicle rises again and pauses in front of a large screen showing Tamatoa in all his sparkling glory, surrounded by piles of treasure. The crab taunts Maui and Moana, boasting about his shiny collection. Maui tries to grab his hook, but Tamatoa's dazzling display distracts him.
SCRIPT:
Tamatoa (voiceover): (Cackling) Enjoying the freefall, are we? Well, it's only the beginning of your descent into my domain!
Maui: (Frustratingly being blinded by the shine of the treasures): Tamatoa!
Moana: (Firmly) Keep your focus, Maui. We’re here for the hook, and nothing will stop us from retrieving it.
Second Drop: As Tamatoa continues his song, the vehicle drops again, faster and longer this time, simulating a fall deeper into the lair. The darkness is illuminated by Tamatoa’s glittering shell, creating a mesmerizing yet eerie atmosphere. Guests hold their breath as they descend further into the depths.
SCRIPT:
Maui: (Mocking) Seriously, Tamatoa? You're still singing that song?
Moana: (Encouraging) Let him sing, Maui. It'll be the last thing he does before we snatch your hook back.
Battle: The vehicle stops in front of another screen where Maui finally retrieves his hook and transforms into a powerful hawk. He swoops down, engaging in a dazzling aerial battle with Tamatoa. Moana uses her quick thinking to create a diversion, allowing Maui to snatch the hook. As Maui flies away triumphantly, Tamatoa is left fuming in the darkness.
SCRIPT:
Tamatoa (voiceover): (Chuckling) You think you can outshine me? Ha! I'm the shiniest creature in all the ocean!
Rapid Ascent: Maui, now reunited with his hook, uses its power to lift the vehicle rapidly, simulating a dramatic escape from Tamatoa’s clutches. The vehicle ascends at high speed, accompanied by triumphant music and bursts of light.
SCRIPT:
Maui: (Smirking) We'll see about that, Tamatoa. Let's give him a taste of our own shine, Moana.
Final Battle: As the vehicle ascends, the excitement builds. Suddenly, it comes to an abrupt stop, and guests find themselves face-to-face with an enormous animatronic Tamatoa. The giant crab, gleaming with bioluminescent shells and treasures, snarls menacingly. The tension is palpable as Tamatoa prepares to lunge at the vehicle.
SCRIPT:
Tamatoa: (Roaring) Thought you could escape with my treasures, did you? You’re not going anywhere!
Tamatoa lunges at the vehicle, his massive claws snapping dangerously close. Just then, Maui, in his powerful hawk form, swoops down from above, brandishing his magical hook. He dives toward Tamatoa with incredible speed and strikes the crab with a powerful blow, causing the entire lair to shake violently.
Maui: (In hawk form, triumphantly) Take that, Tamatoa! You messed with the wrong demigod!
Tamatoa reels from the impact, momentarily stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Moana steps forward, her eyes filled with determination. She quickly reaches for her necklace, which begins to glow with a brilliant, magical light.
Moana: (Confidently) It’s time to end this! Everyone, hold on tight!
Moana raises her necklace, and a burst of magical light erupts, illuminating the cavern with a dazzling brilliance. The light blinds Tamatoa, causing him to stagger and lose his grip on the treasures he so fiercely guards.
Tamatoa: (Panicking) No! What is this light? I can’t see!
Maui: (Encouragingly) Now’s our chance! Moana, keep it up!
As Tamatoa struggles, Maui lands back on the ground and transforms back into his human form. With a determined look, he charges at the crab, ready to strike the final blow.
Moana: (Directing the guests) Stay strong, everyone! We’re almost there!
Final Drop: In the climactic moment, as Maui and Moana prepare to deliver the final blow to Tamatoa, the anticipation builds. The vehicle pauses briefly at the peak height of the tower, offering guests a breathtaking view of the sparkling sea below. The scene is set for a dramatic conclusion, with Tamatoa’s lair glowing ominously in the background.
SCRIPT:
Tamatoa: (Roaring) You think you can defeat me? I am the king of the ocean’s depths!
Maui: (Confidently) It's over, Tamatoa! Time for you to crawl back into your shell!
Moana: (Resolutely) This ends now! Together, we’re unstoppable!
Maui brandishes his hook, and with a powerful swing, he strikes at Tamatoa. Simultaneously, Moana raises her oar, which glows with a magical light, creating a blinding flash. The combination of their efforts causes Tamatoa to recoil in pain and retreat into the depths, his glowing shell fading into the darkness.
Tamatoa: (Fading) No! This isn’t the end...!
Maui: (Triumphantly) That’s right, scuttle away! You’re no match for us!
Moana: (Encouragingly) Hold tight, everyone! We did it!
As Tamatoa disappears, the vehicle begins its dramatic plummet from the peak height of the tower. The rush of wind and the sudden drop create an exhilarating sensation. Guests experience a breathtaking view of the vast, sparkling sea below before they plummet back down, feeling the thrill and excitement of the final descent.
SCRIPT:
Maui: (Shouting over the wind) Woo-hoo! Feel that rush! Nothing beats the thrill of victory!
Moana: (Laughing) What an adventure! You all were amazing! Now, let's head back home.
Conclusion:
As the vehicle gently returns to the loading area, the atmosphere transitions from the thrilling darkness of Lalotai to the warm, welcoming glow of a Polynesian sunset. Soft, melodic music begins to play, signaling the end of the adventure. Guests feel a sense of accomplishment and relief as the vehicle slows to a stop. The voices of Moana and Maui fill the air, providing a comforting and inspiring conclusion to the journey.
SCRIPT:
Moana: (Warmly) You did it, everyone! We made it back safely. Thank you for your bravery and for standing by our side.
Maui: (Proudly) Yeah, you were awesome out there! Tamatoa didn’t stand a chance with all of us working together.
Moana: (Encouragingly) Remember, the ocean is wide and full of mysteries. There are always more adventures waiting for those who are willing to explore.
Maui: (Grinning) And hey, you never know when we might need your help again. So, keep that adventurous spirit alive!
Moana: (Sincerely) Keep following your heart and finding your own way. The journey never truly ends—it just changes course.
Maui: (With a wink) Until next time, stay shiny and stay brave!
Moana: (Smiling) Kia ora, friends. Farewell, and may your own adventures be just as grand.
As guests disembark, they are left with a sense of wonder and inspiration, ready to take on their next adventure, whether in the park or in their own lives. The ride exit leads them back into the vibrant world of Adventureland, where the spirit of exploration and discovery continues.
Exit: Guests exit through a themed gift shop selling Moana and Maui merchandise, including glowing replicas of Maui’s hook, plush toys, and Polynesian-inspired jewelry. The exit path is lined with more bioluminescent plants and carvings, leading guests back into Adventureland, where their next adventure awaits.