The Living Seas
[Disney Vacation Planner]
At A Glance |
Short multimedia presentation followed by a ride in a Hydrolator
to the bottom of the Living Seas reef.
Reef provides a great opportunity to view various species
of marine life in their "naturalised" habitat,
many of whom are endangered.
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The Living Seas in Epcot was designed by Disney Imagineers in
cooperation with a group of some of the World's most distinguished
Oceanographers, and at the time of opening was the largest facility
of its kind.
The attraction features a 2 ½ minute multimedia presentation
featuring the history of oceanography, beginning with early ships,
submarines and diving bells. This is followed by a 7 minute film
about how the oceans of the Earth were formed and examining some
of the range of life within the oceans.
From there the visitor is taken on a short 3-minute ride through
a simulated coral reef typical of one that might be found in the
Caribbean. The Caribbean Coral Reef Ride is undertaken
through "Hydrolators" - elevator style devices designed
to simulate travelling to the depths of the ocean in a small capsule.
The Hydrolators aren't real elevators though - while they do
descend, it's only around an inch to give the feeling of stopping
at the end of a descent.
The Coral Reef itself is housed in a large tank holding around
6 million gallons of water, and around 2,000 animals from 60 different
species of marine life, including Sea Turtles, Barracuda, Sharks,
Angelfish, Diamond Rays and Dolphins.
The Caribbean Coral Reef Ride terminates at Sea-Base Alpha where
there are a number of educational interactive exhibits.
Sea Base Alpha is supposed to represent an underwater
oceanographic research facility, spread over two levels, including
a visitor center and six rooms, each of which relates to a specific
area of underwater research.
Two tours allow guests the chance to learn about and experience
some of the animals at the Living Seas close up. Dive
Quest is a daily Tour, giving guests a chance to actually
dive on the Living Seas reef, while the Dolphins
In Depth program gives guests the chance to interact with
real Dolphins in the water.
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