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The Seas with Nemo and Friends - A Disney Feature
by Cheryl Pendry

Perhaps one of the things I love most about visiting Walt Disney World is that every time you go, there's something new to experience. Just like the real world, this one is also constantly evolving and changing and adding new attractions to enjoy -- and our most recent visit a couple of weeks ago was no exception! It was back in 1987 that I first visited Epcot and the attraction I fell in love with immediately was what was then called the Living Seas. I just found it to be enchanting and very relaxing and enjoyed visiting it every time we headed to Walt Disney World. That was, until the dark days of 2002.

At first you couldn't tell anything was wrong. You still wound your way in through the twists and turns of the waiting area and then waited for the hydrolators to take you down to Sea Base Alpha, but the base itself was lacking something -- the wonderful ride through the aquarium. We were told that the ride was down for a "rehab" as Disney call them, but usually Disney rehabs don't last this long and by the time we got to our next visit in spring 2004, I was smelling a rat. Was this ride ever going to re-open?

Just as I was giving up all hope, some new -- and familiar -- faces from the Disney Pixar movie Finding Nemo began to appear in this pavilion. The Nemo and friends area, showcasing the real life versions of the cartoon creations, was the first sign of change. Suddenly a range of different generations were yelling "Nemo" when they saw clownfish and suddenly seeing stingrays and starfish in a whole new light.

From there, the changes accelerated with the arrival of Bruce's Sub House, with its centerpiece attraction of an open shark's mouth that makes for a fun photo opportunity and plenty of other things for kids to enjoy. And kids of all ages could enjoy the other new attraction that arrived here -- Turtle Talk with Crush. While those of a younger age marveled at being able to talk to Crush, the laid back turtle dude, and ask him questions, everyone else just marveled at this attraction, all no doubt thinking the same thing -- "how do they do that?"

And in October, the transformation of this pavilion was complete, as its ride finally emerged from "rehab" and it was re-christened The Seas with Nemo and Friends. The first thing you notice about this new pavilion is how much more colorful and fun the outside is now. Yes, the waves still crash about as they always did, but now three seagulls watch what it does, their heads moving from side to side and with the occasional cry of "mine, mine, mine". They don't do it all the time, but it's worth waiting to see it -- it's guaranteed to raise a smile!

As you walk into the pavilion, you'll see all of the stars from Finding Nemo in colorful silhouette form along the pavilion wall. We heard plenty of kids pointing out Nemo, Bruce and Crush to their parents as they walked in!

That twisting, turning line is still there -- fortunately with no wait at all when we were there -- but now you feel as if you're walking through a beach area, complete with long grass and a lifeguard station. Turn a corner and suddenly you're underwater. Look up and around you at all the superb theming.

Now you're in Nemo's world and it's time to board your "clam-mobile" for your trip through this underwater delight. The storyline is simple and what you'd expect. That adventuresome Nemo can't stay still for long and has gone wandering off again from Mr. Ray's class and you'll follow his journey, through jellyfish and then past Bruce, peeking out from behind shipwrecks. This part of the ride is particularly dark and does have the potential to scare youngsters, although Bruce is his usual friendly self when it comes to fish!

Perhaps the most unusual part is the journey with Crush and Squirt down the East Australian Current and then it's time for Nemo and his friends to meet their real-life counterparts, as you enter the main aquarium area. At first, I was sceptical about this part. Surely it would look stupid? But it doesn't, it's been beautifully done and on our first ride through, I was so enchanted by the characters that I didn't even notice the fish. Be sure to try and take in all your surroundings at the end, otherwise -- like me -- you'll have to head back for a second go to see everything!

I've read mixed reviews of this latest addition to the Disney line-up of attractions in Epcot, but for my money, I loved it. As you might expect, its effects are much more sophisticated than rides such as Snow White and Peter Pan and there's lots here for both adults and children to enjoy. A word of warning though -- this ride is dark in places and does have the potential to frighten young children who don't like the dark.

As someone who first discovered this pavilion as a teenager, it's fascinating to see how it's come full circle over the last 20 years. Once again, it's a place where everyone can explore the wonder of the world under the sea. Now I wonder how it will look in another 20 years' time?

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Added to PassPorter's Article Collection on 11-05-2009 03:09 PM

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