Disney Celebrates 40th anniversary of The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT

40 Years of Wonder: Disney’s The Seas Celebrates Four Decades at EPCOT

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 its debut as an engineering marvel to its current status as a global leader in marine conservation, let’s dive in and explore this incredible journey!

Related-Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT Now Closing 2 Hours Early Daily

The Past: How It All Began

Originally opened as The Living Seas on January 15, 1986, the pavilion offered more than just an aquarium—it was an immersive journey into ocean exploration.

A Futuristic Journey

In the early days, guests began their adventure by boarding hydrolators, which created the sensation of traveling deep beneath the waves to Seabase Alpha, a futuristic undersea research center. “With no large aquariums like this at the time, we had to be creative in engaging guests,” says Tom, Animal Policy & Content Director. “It paid off—we were inspired by the vision to create something as beautiful as the ocean.”

Related-New Finding Nemo Bubble Decorations Added to Seas Pavilion

Engineering the Impossible

Creating the pavilion was a massive undertaking that led to several industry breakthroughs:

• A Giant Environment: Upon opening, it featured the largest indoor saltwater environment in North America.

• Innovative Filtration: The team developed a reverse-flow filtration system that recycled 5.7 million gallons of water.
• Sustainability: A pioneering closed-loop water system set a global benchmark for sustainable aquarium practices.

The pavilion evolved over time, welcoming Turtle Talk with Crush in 2004 and officially transforming into The Seas with Nemo & Friends in 2007, blending beloved Disney storytelling with marine education.

The Present: Innovation in Animal Care

Today, the pavilion is home to over 2,000 animals and 90 marine species. A dedicated team of veterinarians, nutritionists, and aquarists works around the clock to provide world-class care.

Leading in Conservation

The Seas plays a critical role in protecting Florida’s most iconic species:

• Manatee Rescue: As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), Disney has successfully rehabilitated and released 30 manatees.

• Sea Turtle Recovery: More than 350 sea turtles have been cared for and returned to the “big blue” by Disney’s team.
• Coral Restoration: Beyond EPCOT, Disney scientists are outplanting coral fragments in The Bahamas to restore fragile reef ecosystems.

The Disney Conservation Fund is also celebrating a milestone—30 years of impact with $132 million invested globally, including $24 million specifically for marine species.

The Future: Inspiring the Next Generation

As EPCOT continues its multi-year transformation, The Seas remains a cornerstone of the park’s mission. By connecting guests with marine life, Disney hopes to spark a lifelong passion for the environment.

“When guests connect with these animals, something amazing happens – they start caring about how to protect them,” says Dr. Geoff, animal operations director. “We’re impacting the next generation, and they’re the ones who will help us save our oceans.”

From the hydrolators of 1986 to the conservation triumphs of 2026, The Seas with Nemo & Friends continues to prove that the spirit of curiosity is the most powerful tool we have for protecting our planet.

Happy 40th Anniversary to The Seas!