Discovering Easter Eggs in Disney’s Moana: A Hidden Treasure Trove of References

Moana, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the same geniuses behind The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, is filled with hidden references that Māui, the titular character, wouldn’t even notice. If you’re a fan of Disney movies, you’ve probably already picked up on some of these Easter eggs, but there are many more that even the most eagle-eyed of fans might miss. Let’s dive into some of the most fascinating Easter eggs in the Moana film.

Director References in Moana

One of the most obvious and entertaining Easter eggs in Moana is a hidden nod to the directors themselves. Throughout the film, you can spot visual references to Ron Clements and John Musker’s work. For instance, in the song 'Where You’re At,' there’s a scene where Moana is running outside, and you can see drawings resembling the directors on a rug. This may seem subtle, but it’s one of the cornerstone Easter eggs that make Moana a must-watch for any Disney fan.

Frozen Character Easter Eggs

The Frozen franchise is a prolific contributor to Disney’s treasure of references. In Moana, you can spot several Easter eggs from the Frozen series. Sven, the lovable reindeer, makes an appearance when Maui, the demigod, changes his form to catch the magic coconut. Additionally, in the scene where Moana and Pua are initially terrified of the Kakamoras (the monsters introduced in Moana), you can spot Marshmallow, the yetis’ poor excuse for a Snowman, peeking out in one of the drawings.

Little Mermaid References

Flounder, the lovable fish sidekick, makes a subtle appearance at the end of the song, 'You’re Welcome,' in the form of another animated figure. This small detail is a nod to the long-standing tradition of seamless transitions from the Little Mermaid to other Disney classics.

Bigger Picture and Beyond

While the above references are well-known, there are a plethora of other visually clever Easter eggs that you might have overlooked during your watch. For instance, Baymax, the friendly Hiro robot from Big Hero 6, makes a cameo in one of the drawings of the Kakamoras, simply staring at Moana. This reference is unexpected and adds an extra layer of depth to the film.

Flash, the fast-talking fox from Zootopia, makes a less obvious appearance in the scene where Moana approaches the Lalotai, the realm of monsters. While you might not notice Flash’s face, his distinctively fast-moving claws are a dead giveaway for those with a keen eye.

For Disney fans who are especially in the know, there are a few other Easter eggs that are worth noting. In the song 'How Far I’ll Go,' the rug Moana steps on has a design that closely resembles Aladdin’s magic carpet. This subtle detail adds a layer of nostalgia and continuity to the film.

The Unexplained References

Beyond these clearly intentional Easter eggs, there are some glimpses that might add to the intrigue. For example, a short dialogue in Moana mirrors a line from Avengers: Age of Ultron, where Quicksilver says, “Didnt see that coming.” In Moana, the same line is used when Moana gets into the canoe with the help of the ocean: “Did not see that coming.” This similarity adds a sense of universality to the characters and their roles in the wider Disney ecosystem.

Lastly, a famous line from Rocket, the lovable rodent from Guardians of Galaxy, serves as an Easter egg. When Moana asks the ocean for help and her boat wrecks, she shouts: "Not helping!!!". Similar to Rocket’s frustrated dialogue in Guardians of Galaxy when Drax doesn’t assist him, when Moana is upset about the ocean providing no immediate help, she says, “Not helping!!!”

These Easter eggs are not just fun for Disney fans but also serve as a testament to the creators’ love for their characters and the world they’ve built. From the subtle to the blatant, these references add an extra layer of enjoyment for viewers who are always on the lookout for something hidden in plain sight.

So, the next time you watch Moana, take a closer look. You might spot more than you bargained for in this charming adventure.