1/2 Day in AK - Finding Nemo - The Musical - Is it worth seeing?

[Mary7116]

We saw Nemo once and didn't care for it. We were way in the back so maybe we would have a different experience up front. But we're not in a hurry to test that theory . I wouldn't rush around to try to fit it in. FOTLK is my favorite on the other hand!

Totally agree. I still don't understand why people rave about Nemo. FOTLK is far superior a show. Instead of Nemo I'd rather spend my time riding Expedition Everest.

 

[nuzmom]

My family really enjoys the Nemo show and often see it more than once. It's hard to explain why - but it definitely has something to do with the artistry and the talent it takes to not doing the acting, but also work the puppets (eyes, tails, mouth, etc).

I love that the actors are usually very expressive. I find that I enjoy watching them more than the puppets. For that reason, we like sitting in the middle. Not too close and not in the very back. When I'm too far back, I can't see the actor's faces and I don't enjoy the show very much.

We are also not an "AK is a 1/2 day park" family - it's the perfect park to slow down and really enjoy. We've had fabulous interactions at Rafiki's animal planet.

But, if your family is really looking forward to leaving at 1:00pm to chill out by the pool or something, then do it. Downtime and non-park time can be time very well spent!

 

[ebtbmom]

Hard to say as this is a really subjective question. None of us liked the Nemo show but we love FOTLK. DH literally fell asleep and I had to keep nudging him so he wouldn't snore and disturb people!

 

[kandb]

We like almost all at Disney but did not like this musical at all. All I remember is people running around the stage holding pictures of animals on a stick in front of their faces. Would never go back.

 

[MSSANDRA]

It looks like it is pretty evenly divided between lovers and not lovers. We love the show. It is very well done. So different than FOTLK but just as well done. I would certainly give it a try. AK is a full day park for us. We rarely do kali as we almost always go when it it cold and we have gotten truly soaked every.single.time. I would for sure do that one last. What do you have your FP for?

 

[KateDrake]

I'm the complete opposite of many here! I LOVE Nemo, but I'm just "meh" on FOTLK.

Yes, Nemo is puppetry, but it's similar to something like War Horse or The Lion King on Broadway. So yes you can see the performers, but they aren't what you are focused on, if that makes sense.

If I could only pick one it would be Nemo, hands down. Makes me cry every time! Even when kids in our party get picked to participate in FOTLK, it still feels kind of like a waste of time to me.

But to each their own! Maybe watch clips of the two shows on YouTube and then decide?

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Firstly, I do want to say that Animal Kingdom is not a half day park. There is much more to explore than attractions.

For Nemo the Musical, in my opinion, it is the best stage show in Disney and not to be missed. The talent each of the actors possess is amazing. It is awesome to watch them sing, move about the stage, say their lines and control their puppet without skipping a beat.

 

[JoshuaShaw]

While the puppets are impressive, I ultimately find the show overly-long and dull and would not recommend it. That said, if you have small children with you, it may be worthwhile.

 

[jon18uk]

Currently my plan is to do the safari, then the Festival of the Lion King, then meet Mickey and Minnie, eat at Tusker House at 10:45am, walk around Tree of Life, Kali River, and DH will go on EE and we will leave.

Thoughts?

I would recommend walking around the trail in Africa or Asia instead of the Tree of Life.

 

[puffkin]

I love musical theater and enjoyed the design elements and production value of Nemo (definitely Broadway caliber). But the actual story is just soooooo boring. Add to that the cool, dark theater and it turns into nap time for most of us. I can't explain it really, but we all just lose it in there despite our best efforts. It is very low on our list for AK.

We do see the FOTLK almost every trip and love that. We also love a lot of the other stage productions in the parks, but Nemo is just bleh to us.

 

[jco_direwolf]

But the actual story is just soooooo boring. Add to that the cool, dark theater and it turns into nap time for most of us. I can't explain it really, but we all just lose it in there despite our best efforts.

It seems there is some sleeping magic in that theater. I literally start yawning as soon as I get the threshold.

 

[MrInfinity]

Is the Finding Nemo show a must-do for you?

No, but we've done it. If you haven't, then like most things it's something you should try and see.

We will already be seeing the Festival of the Lion King.

Two shows in a 1/2 day seems like a lot.

Should I move things around? It seems like it would be hard to go to from Tusker House to Nemo to Kali River and then for my husband to ride Expedition Everest.

I think this is cramming too much into a 1/2 day. 2 stage productions, all three E-Ticket rides, table-service meal, Character Greets and walking the trails? All between 9am and 1pm?

4 hours to accomplish all that including an hour at the Tusker House... Even if this is an 8am day I don't think that's realistic. AK is such a relaxing park to us... a place where you need to budget an hour or more for each trail unless you just want to run thru it. I would give it a whole day... but if you want to power it in a 1/2 day then I would leave out Nemo. It's a show you can see on a trip when you'll have more time.

Figure an hour for each show (2 hours) and meal (1 hour) and 1/2 hour for each ride / character greet (2 hours) plus the trails (1 hour) I think you come up short on time. That's not allowing for time to stop and look around or get snacks, or worse a rain break. 3 of those activities are scheduled... the dining and the two shows, so fitting in everything else around those will be tough.

 

[mcconnellfam96]

Finding Nemo is definitely worth seeing - especially if you have never seen it. It is a great story, visually interesting and provides a wonderful, cool rest during your day in AK.

 

[LetsDoDisney!]

OP if you haven't been to AK before you should make time for the Flights of Wonder bird show at least once. It's a must do on every trip for us, but we spend usually a full day and part of another day at DAK.

My husband was prepared with a $1 bill last time so he could volunteer. Great photo op! Corny jokes but very entertaining, especially the first time you see it if you get a good "tour group leader".

We are part of the group that have seen Nemo, enjoyed it, but don't need to see it again. FOTLK we see every trip.

Don't forget to seek out Devine (or maybe it's Divine?)

 

[jiminykrikkit]

We're doing AK in the same 9-1pm schedule. It works for us because we already know what we like and what we'd rather do instead. We are usually only able to travel to WDW for 5 nights, so we really have to prioritize. Should we ever stay for a week or more, we'll definitely spend more time at AK, it really is a beautiful park. But we just don't have that luxury right now. So our current view that AK is a "half day park FOR US" is not an insult. Seems like so many people get offended by this.

As far as shows, we all really like It's Tough to be a Bug more than the live on stage stuff. So that's what we do. One day when my kid is older, he might be willing to sit through a Nemo or FOTLK and we'll try again.

If you travel to WDW often, or think you'll come back again, don't worry about fitting in all the stuff you're not sure about. It'll leave more NEW things to do on your next trip. I've been to WDW so many times and still find new rides and shows to do each time. We get to ride TSMM for the first time this year (thank you FP+)!

 

[Acedink]

We didn't care for the show, so it's an easy skip. One time was enough for us

Festival of lion king is a lot better.

The singing was good and such, but the fact that people are controlling the puppets and you can see them took away from the show for the family and myself. Once was enough, so would not see it again. FOTLK was closed when we were there or we would have done that.

 

[CassieF]

I did most everything in about 4 hours, but FOTLK was closed and I used EMH to do KS, EE, PW, and Dino. I did both African and Asia trails, but not Kali or the Tree of Life trail, of ITTBAB as DL has that, and I hate spiders! I enjoyed the Flights of Wonder show and Finding Nemo. Yes, it's the same story as the movie but the music was great and the singing was fantastic.

 

[lustergirl]

I enjoy the show. So colorful and you can get some great pics

 

[DaisyNY]

Never saw this...we have adult children...19, 25 and 27 traveling with us...would they be interested???

 

[blackmamba10000]

My family and I love Memo the musical. Its almost like seeing a Broadway musical. It's a must for us every time!!