The live-action adaptation of Moana has encountered a challenging summer debut as it tries to navigate its way into theaters. With projections that started off lukewarm, the film has faced several hurdles, including critical reviews that have not favored it and a wave of skepticism from fans that has, unfortunately, become a hallmark of Disney’s recent live-action reimaginings. This situation puts it in a somewhat uncomfortable position, drawing comparisons to last year’s underwhelming release of Snow White, which struggled to connect with audiences. In terms of box office performance, it seems like the sails of this film are barely catching any favorable winds.Despite these rocky waters, Disney appears determined to stand firmly behind Moana. If anything, the company seems to be doubling down on its investment in the film. An intriguing and somewhat surprising piece of evidence reflecting this commitment comes from a serene stretch of Atlantic coastline, located just a couple of hours away from the bustling grounds of Walt Disney World.This particular shoreline is home to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, which can be described as one of the hidden treasures within Disney’s extensive portfolio. Perched along Florida’s east coast, this Disney Vacation Club property embodies the essence of a well-kept secret. Unlike the more extravagant Disney locations adorned with castles, dazzling fireworks, and early park entries, Vero Beach offers a refreshing alternative, featuring soothing ocean breezes and a relaxed, old Florida ambiance. It represents an escape from the typical theme park frenzy, providing a tranquil space for families and Disney fans alike.One of the most charming and unique summer traditions hosted by this resort is the Tour de Turtles, an annual event that captivates visitors with its focus on sea turtle conservation. This year, in a delightful twist, the tradition will be infused with a Moana-themed makeover. Embracing the adventurous spirit captured in the song that made Moana famous, the event will showcase the importance of ocean conservation while celebrating the character’s message of exploration and connection to nature. Fans of the film are about to experience something truly special, underscoring Disney’s commitment not just to its films but also to the environment and community engagement. Through this initiative, we are set to witness how far they truly go.Credit: Disney Parks BlogMoana Takes Over the Tour de Turtles This SummerIn an Instagram video posted July 13, Animals at Disney and Disney Conservation announced that Disney will once again participate in the Tour de Turtles, and this year’s involvement will be Moana-themed. Helping make the announcement was Catherine Laga’aia herself, the star of the live-action Moana, which makes the tie-in unmistakable. The film may be fighting for its box office life, but Disney is weaving it into everything from streaming perks to sea turtle conservation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Animals at Disney (@animalsatdisney)The event takes place at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, where guests can watch staff carry out real turtle conservation work. The signature moment involves fitting satellite trackers onto the backs of sea turtles, allowing scientists to follow their migrations after the turtles return to the ocean. Hence the name: it is a literal tour, and the data helps researchers better understand how to protect these endangered animals.Disney has not yet announced an exact date, saying only that the event arrives later this summer, and it is not yet listed on the official Tour de Turtles events page. Consider this the early heads-up worth planning around.How the Turtle Race WorksThe Tour de Turtles is run by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, and it is essentially a marathon for sea turtles. Multiple organizations sponsor participating turtles, each fitted with a satellite tag, and over a roughly three-month span the turtles compete to see which swims the farthest. Anyone can follow the race online, which is a big part of the charm.Each turtle also swims for a cause. This year’s announced participants include Jennifer Slowpez raising awareness for commercial longline fisheries, Isla and Missy Shelliott for plastic debris, Marina for water quality, JULina and Fin Diesel for adult harvest for consumption, Scarlett for oil spills, Luna for light pollution, ID&Sea for climate change, Milagro for boat strikes, Krysta for beach erosion, and Girl Power for marine debris and entanglement. The Disney Conservation Fund’s still-unnamed turtle will swim for light pollution awareness, while Disney Cruise Line’s turtle will represent coastal erosion.Disney has history in this race. Last year’s event, the 18th annual, tracked two female turtles named after ocean-loving princesses, a green sea turtle named Ariel and a loggerhead named Moana, after they nested on the Vero Beach shoreline. And Disney-sponsored turtles have collectively traveled around 55,000 miles wearing satellite tags over the years. A loggerhead named Ebb even took home a recent crown, swimming more than 1,100 miles to become the first Disney-sponsored turtle to win the whole thing.Credit: Disney Parks BlogWhy Vero Beach Is Worth the DetourThe Tour de Turtles is also the perfect excuse to discover the resort itself. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort sits on a stretch of coastline that doubles as a critical nesting ground, and Disney’s conservation team has documented more than 1.8 million sea turtle hatchlings from over 24,000 nests near the resort since 2007. Newer satellite tag technology now tracks water temperature and dive patterns, deepening what each turtle teaches researchers.For families, it is a rare kind of Disney magic: real animals, real science, and a real difference kids can see up close, no park ticket required. Simple guest habits help too, like keeping beaches clean, turning off lights near the shore at night, avoiding marked nests, and flattening sandcastles before leaving.The movie’s box office story is still being written. But at Vero Beach later this summer, Moana’s name will be attached to something with guaranteed staying power. The turtles, at least, always deliver a happy ending.The post Disney’s Hidden Resort Is Bringing Back Its Coolest Summer Tradition appeared first on Inside the Magic.