The Seas with Nemo & Friends Celebrates 40 Years at EPCOT

The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at EPCOT is marking 40 years since it first opened as The Living Seas on January 15, 1986, with 2,000+ animals and 90 marine species. The pavilion remains a leader in animal care and conservation through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, sea turtle releases and Bahamas coral outplanting, backed by the Disney Conservation Fund's $132 million in grants.

For 40 years, guests at EPCOT have been diving into a world where curiosity runs as deep as the ocean. Today, The Seas with Nemo & Friends celebrates four decades of inspiring explorers to discover the wonders beneath the waves.

From The Living Seas to Nemo's Home at EPCOT

Originally opened as The Living Seas on January 15, 1986, the pavilion offered more than an aquarium. Guests boarded hydrolators that created the sensation of traveling beneath the waves to Seabase Alpha, a futuristic undersea research center filled with interactive exhibits.

"With no large aquariums like this at the time, we had to be creative in engaging guests," said Tom, Animal Policy and Content Director for Disney's Animals, Science and Environment. "It paid off, we were inspired by the vision to create something as beautiful as the ocean."

When it opened, the pavilion featured the largest indoor saltwater environment in North America and pushed innovation across filtration systems, habitat design and even a custom saltwater mix. Its reverse-flow filtration system recycled 5.7 million gallons of water, and curved acrylic windows offered unprecedented views.

In 2004, Turtle Talk with Crush debuted, giving guests an interactive way to connect with the ocean. In 2007 the pavilion transformed into The Seas with Nemo & Friends, weaving Pixar's beloved characters into the experience.

Conservation Leadership in Animal Care and Ocean Rescue

Today the pavilion is home to over 2,000 animals and 90 marine species, cared for by veterinarians, nutritionists, aquarists and divers. The Seas plays a vital role in manatee conservation through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP); Disney has successfully rehabilitated and released 30 manatees.

"All animals at Walt Disney World receive the highest standard of care," said Dee, an animal care manager at The Seas. "Surgical procedures in fish or sharks are uncommon and often require innovative approaches. We are fortunate to have exceptional resources and a highly dedicated team."

More than 350 sea turtles have passed through Walt Disney World on their way back to the ocean. Beyond Florida, Disney scientists are outplanting coral fragments in The Bahamas to restore fragile ecosystems.

The Future of The Seas With Nemo & Friends

"When guests connect with these animals, something amazing happens, they start caring about how to protect them," said Dr. Geoff, animal operations director at The Seas. "We're impacting the next generation, and they're the ones who will help us save our oceans."

What This Means for Disney Fans

As EPCOT continues its ongoing transformation, The Seas with Nemo & Friends remains one of its most enduring experiences, tying together Disney storytelling, animal care and conservation that reaches from Florida to The Bahamas.