The Living Seas

[Disney Vacation Planner]

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.