The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Go under the sea (without getting wet) on this ride based on Disney and Pixar's Finding Nemo which finds Nemo lost again.
Updated: 2026-01-16
Composite Review (4.6 / 5)
Based on reviews for The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot (Walt Disney World), here is a composite review that aggregates the common sentiments, praises, and complaints from riders.
Verdict
A charming, low-stress dark ride that is perfect for toddlers and families needing a break from the heat. While it lacks technological marvels, the real magic happens after the ride in the massive aquarium.
The Experience: “Finding Nemo… Again”
Riders board “Clamobiles” for a slow-moving journey through the story of Finding Nemo. The ride uses projection technology to superimpose animated characters (Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce) against physical sets and, in the finale, against a real saltwater tank, making it look like the cartoons are swimming with real fish.
- The Queue: Often praised as one of the coolest (temperature-wise) and most detailed queues in Epcot. It simulates a transition from a beach to underwater, with wreckage and lighting effects that set the mood perfectly.
- The Ride: It is a standard “Omnimover” dark ride. It’s very gentle, dark, and features the song “In the Big Blue World.” The highlight is the ending, where the characters sing in the actual aquarium.
The Good: What People Love
- “Perfect for Little Kids”: This is a go-to attraction for families with toddlers. There is no height requirement, it’s not scary (save for a brief encounter with the Anglerfish), and the characters are beloved.
- Zero Wait Time: Reviewers consistently note that this ride rarely has a long line. It’s almost always a “walk-on,” making it an excellent filler attraction or a way to kill time before a Lightning Lane reservation.
- The Aquarium Finale: The ride deposits guests directly into SeaBase Alpha, a massive 5.7-million-gallon aquarium. Reviewers agree that exploring the tanks—seeing manatees, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles—is often better than the ride itself.
- Air Conditioning: It is frequently cited as the best place in Epcot to escape the Florida sun for 20–30 minutes (ride + aquarium time).
The Bad: Common Complaints
- “Boring” & “Lazy”: Many adults and thrill-seekers find the ride itself underwhelming. The reliance on screens (some of which look dated or “murky”) instead of animatronics draws criticism. Some feel it is a “book report” ride that just retells the movie without adding anything new.
- The Song: While some find “In the Big Blue World” catchy, others find it repetitive or annoying by the end of the loop.
- Broken Effects: Frequent riders note that the “Anglerfish” puppet or the projection effects in the finale sometimes malfunction, leaving empty dark spaces.
- Long Walk: The queue is famously long (distance-wise), meaning even with no line, you have a significant hike through the winding corridors to get to the loading dock.
Top Tips from Reviewers
- Don’t Use Lightning Lane: It is almost never necessary. Save your Lightning Lane selections for Frozen, Remy, or Guardians.
- Check out Turtle Talk with Crush: Located in the same pavilion after the ride, this interactive show is often rated higher than the ride itself for its humor and improv.
- Visit the Manatees: Don’t rush out! Head upstairs to see the manatee rehabilitation area; it’s a highlight for animal lovers.
Summary
“Come for the A/C, stay for the fish.” While the Nemo ride isn’t a headliner, it serves as a cute, relaxing gateway to one of Epcot’s hidden gems: the aquarium. It’s a must-do for families with small children, but skippable for adults on a tight schedule unless you love marine life.
Reference
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/seas-with-nemo-and-friends/