Disney parks are in a near-constant state of renewal. Characters and settings that once defined a generation of visitors often give way to newer worlds. For executives, it is less about erasing history than ensuring each resort feels alive, aligned with the stories audiences care about most.
That philosophy has never been clearer than in Hong Kong Disneyland. Disney has spent years cultivating a fresh identity for the park, infusing it with new IP on its rocky road to financial stability.
This has included new additions such as Stark Expo – a Marvel Studios-themed subsection of Tomorrowland – and World of Frozen, Disney’s first (and, for a while, the only) Frozen-inspired theme park land.
Moana Takes the Table at Hong Kong Disneyland
On its 20th anniversary, Hong Kong Disneyland has retired Tahitian Terrace, an opening-day restaurant in Adventureland.
「Wayfinders' Table」一部の内容が公開！
9/12リニューアルオープン⛵️#HKDL_food#HKDL https://t.co/rJeVWTk552 pic.twitter.com/4YXhUFNNEp
— Emporium HKDL情報🏰✨ (@hk_emporium) September 11, 2025
For years, the eatery offered a relaxed tropical setting, echoing the classic Adventureland spirit familiar from parks in California and Florida. Its closure marks the end of an original fixture that endured for two decades.
In its place, guests now find Wayfinders’ Table, a restaurant inspired by Moana (2016). Positioned just steps from Moana: A Homecoming Celebration — the live show that has been running since 2018 — the new dining location doubles down on the Pacific Island princess as the defining presence in Adventureland.
The menu reflects that narrative shift. Roasted chicken legs, prawn curry, and kofta with lentil masala highlight international flavors, while the dessert Explore the Ocean arranges banana coconut fritters on a miniature boat modeled after Moana’s vessel.
The dining experience extends the film’s themes of voyaging and community into a setting where families can share a meal.
Take a closer look at what lies beyond at Wayfinders’ Table, now open at Hong Kong Disneyland! 🍽️🌊
Take a closer look at what lies beyond at Wayfinders’ Table, now open at Hong Kong Disneyland! 🍽️🌊 https://t.co/we4AcLVB4i pic.twitter.com/kHWicgeLAN
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 12, 2025
A Broader Disney Strategy
Wayfinders’ Table does not stand alone. Across Disney parks, Moana has emerged as a central figure in expansion plans. EPCOT in Florida introduced Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, in 2023, turning the film into an interactive walk-through attraction. Seasonal parades in California, Paris, and Tokyo have also spotlighted the heroine, solidifying her as a global franchise character.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s adoption of Moana underscores the resort’s emphasis on aligning with recognizable intellectual property. In recent years, the park has added Marvel-themed attractions, while Frozen is preparing to make its mark. Together, these additions reflect a clear pivot away from generic “adventure” theming toward film-specific experiences.
The timing of the transition is also significant. The resort, which only recently returned to profitability following years of pandemic closures, is using its 20th anniversary as a platform to highlight renewal. Alongside Wayfinders’ Table, Disney has previewed upcoming attractions tied to both Pixar and Marvel Studios — evidence that expansion, not nostalgia, is the cornerstone of its long-term plan.
Have you ever visited Hong Kong Disneyland?
