The Living Seas opened on January 15, 1986 and was sponsored by United Technologies. This pavilion was planned for the 1982 opening, but did not get completed until a few years later. When it opened it contained the largest saltwater tank in the world, but in 2005 that title was taken by the Georgia Aquarium.
Getting to SeaBase Alpha
The original version of the The Living Seas guests started out by watching a short film about how the oceans were formed, and how our planet went from a volcanic one to one covered in oceans, called The Sea.
After the film guests took a “ride” to the bottom of the ocean in the “Hydrolator.” These Hydrolators could hold about 20 guests for the 30 second “trip” to the ocean’s floor. It really was just a special effect though. The floor would shake and the walls made it appear to move, but the Hydrolators didn’t go anywhere.
After exiting the Hydrolators people were loaded in to “Seacabs” to take a tour around the Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium and to SeaBase Alpha via an omnimover. After exiting guests could visit interactive displays.
SeaBase Alpha
(All vintage Living Seas photos from Disney Avenue)
United Technologies sponsored from 1986 until 1998. After they left the Seacabs stayed until October 2001 and then they were shutdown ((but still visible). For awhile guests could choose to view the movie or just go straight to the hyrdrolators. Attendance dropped considerably during the time from the time the Seacabs were removed until the Finding Nemo parts were added.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
In late 2003 Disney began work to re-theme the Living Seas into The Seas with Nemo and Friends. It began with changes to the exterior. A sculpture of Nemo and other characters was added outside the entrance and all the merchandise switched from Sea Base Alpha to Finding Nemo. In 2004 Turtle Talk with Crush opened in what was formally Module C (Earth Systems Exhibit.) It quickly became very popular and would need a larger area.
In August 2005 The Living Seas was shut down for the refurbishment. When it reopened in November 2005 the exterior had a new look. The mural was changed to add sea creatures from the film.
The Hydrolators that led to the exit were gone. SeaBase Alpha now became a Finding Nemo area. The once scientific displays were now Finding Nemo themed exhibits. SeaBase Alpha had been re-themed to Finding Nemo and the entire original preshow area was in the process of being rebuilt. Decor and signage was replaced and scientific displays were replaced by ones themed to Finding Nemo. Turtle Talk with Crush remained as popular as it was before the transformation. Construction walls hid the “preshow area” where the Seacabs once were, while it was being redone. Those areas that contained the preshow movie, entrance Hydrolators and Seacab queue were removed and re-themed and the new “Clamobile” vehicles were added. Then the new projection technology we see today was added as well as the animatronic seagulls you see outside the entrance.
(photo Undercover Tourist)
In October, 2006, the construction walls were removed from the front entrance and guests could enter through this entrance.
LostEpcot.com posted these comparisons between the Seacabs and the Clamobiles:
- “Both rides use the same track, along with the same Omnimover technology.
- The Seacabs offered a constant view of the coral reef, while the Nemo ride offers only a couple views at the end of the ride.
- Nemo’s ride features many video screens and a few character sculptures, while the Seacabs featured neither.
- The Seacabs were more science oriented, while Nemo’s ride is cartoon oriented.
- The Seacabs faced forward, while Nemo’s Clam-mobiles face sideways.
- The Seacabs were preceded by a shorter queue line, a preshow, a film, and the Hydrolators, while Nemo’s ride is only preceded by a much longer queue line.”
Today the Pavilion has the ride with the projection show via the omnimover based “Clamobiles.” When guests exit this part of the attraction they can look around the central aquarium called SeaBase (no Alpha).
(comparative views of the original SeaBase Alpha from The Living Seas and current SeaBase at the Seas with Nemo and Friends)
You can view SeaBase from upstairs or downstairs. There is an area where you can see the rescued manatees and see them get fed. Also, during certain times guests can go to the cylindrical observation deck area of the Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium and watch divers interact with the 4,000 sea creatures that live there. At 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. you can watch as the divers feed the animals.
Here’s a video of the fish being fed from our last trip.
There is an area called Bruce’s Sub House where you can get some fun photo opportunities.
You can also take a look a all the small aquarium exhibits scattered around the pavilion.
There are diving exhibits in the tube.
Current version
Still a busy exhibit, Turtle Talk with Crush, is there for guests to enjoy. Here Crush interacts with the audience for a family friendly experience.
Shopping
There is a gift shop called the SeaBase.
Restaurant
The Seas with Nemo and Friends has a restaurant called the Coral Reef.
(photo Undercover Tourist)
Here guests can eat while viewing the aquarium through 8 foot high widows.
At 31 Years old, the Living Seas / The Seas With Nemo and Friends, is still a fun pavilion that you need to check out. Try to go during feeding time. It’s neat to watch.
Do you remember The Living Seas? Which do you prefer the Living Seas or The Seas with Nemo and Friends?
Sources: LostEpcot, Wikipedia, DisneyAvenue,
Image Sources: Disney Parks, EverythingMouse, Disney Parks, DisneyAvenue, Undercover Tourist, (Featured Image) Just Off Main Street
