Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

[lisamarch]

I was really looking forward to this ride and found it to be a big disappointment. Everything in the water is fake. That wasn't what we'd expected. The passengers before us had someone get sick so we waited until two gloved puke cleaning CM came and washed it down. Not something I'll go on again.

 

[summerw]

I was really looking forward to this ride and found it to be a big disappointment. Everything in the water is fake. That wasn't what we'd expected. The passengers before us had someone get sick so we waited until two gloved puke cleaning CM came and washed it down. Not something I'll go on again.

I can't imagine what that smelled like.

I have two beefs with the submarines. About half the time they smell at least faintly like my high school's weight room. Granted having a kid made me into a hound dog scent-wise, but other people have commented on it to me as well. I'm not claustrophobic, but that can get to me sometimes. Did anyone see that Seinfeld episode with the car that smells?

And I really like the subs but they make me more sick sometimes than other rides because you are sitting sideways, but unlike something like the jungle cruise, you've got your head in the porthole and aren't turning your head straight ahead in the direction you are traveling much if you want to see everything. It's like reading in the car to me. Fortunately I don't puke on rides, but I can understand why someone did.

I've never been in the alternate room. Maybe I'll have to check that out on a crowded day. It sounds better when you all describe it.

 

[DisneyMarvelStarWars]

I just do some calming pep talk before, like I remind myself that if I put my head in the porthole and look up, I can see the surface of the water and that we aren't going into the depths of the sea. I also remind myself that the ship's captain is there and can help in an emergency. Disney wants to take extra precaution in everything they do, and should a situation arise, they would take care of us.

 

[Priory]

I feel sad that most people dislike this ride. I love it. I like Nemo a lot. It's 20+ minutes so you get your 'money's' worth. It's completely immersive. And where else are you going to experience anything close to being in a submarine? The wait is awful though. I'll only ever ride it at the end of an early entry or on the rare night it has no wait.

 

[pricklecushion]

I grew up in Anaheim and went on the original submarine countless times and loved it. I remember seeing mermaids swimming around with real fish and a lot of other really cool characters. I would ask my parents "is that real?" over and over and get so excited.
I hadn't gone on the newer Nemo ride until my last trip last month and WOW what a change IMO for the worst! I had a very long stretch away from Disneyland, but now have two toddlers so am getting back in the game. I wish I had read more about this ride before I went again. The seats were super close together and you stare at a concrete wall for a REALLY long time. I am not claustrophobic and have no trouble in smaller spaces, on airplanes, elevators etc, but had a mini panic attack on this ride. My heart was beating so fast and all I could think was "Get me out of here"!! I have no idea how they could have stopped the ride to let me out so I just kept trying not to be the crazy screaming lady. I ended up meditating to stop thinking about it and that was very hard with a 2 and 4 year old next to you. Thank goodness for my friend who was with us who helped make everyone calm because my 4 year old freaked out due to the darkness and the shark that comes at you in between explosions!!! I could go on and on about how this ride is one to stay away from . Never again hahaha.

 

[Geemo]

I was never claustrophobic until I had to have several MRI's... That did it for me!

When we went last week, I asked a CM for an extra seat, for space.
It is close in there and can get tight. But with the extra seat for space it helps me. I also agree with being last to load. These two things make the ride possible for me.

Good luck

Geemo

 

[Disney Dreams]

I just wanted to add that if someone has trouble with stairs (which are required to get down into the sub), the Marine Observation Outpost (the alternate experience) is a great option for them as well.

- Dreams

 

[DisneytheKid]

As others have said, it depends on the severity of the claustrophobia. For me, I'm not a huge fan of small spaces but the viewing Window makes me feel better.

Good luck

 

[SMD]

The concrete wall has been there for at least 30 years. I used to love looking for the impressions of starfish when I was a kid. And I don't think the seats have gotten any closer together, but I know I've gotten bigger.

Yes, the seating is tight, especially for larger people. Usually the CMs leave an empty seat to give extra space. You can always ask them if they'll let you have 2 seats. And I know some people don't like the actual story part of the ride. Personally, there are parts of the Nemo ride I like better, and there are parts of the original I miss. But the actual subs, lagoon and ride track are pretty much the same as they've always been.

 

[pricklecushion]

Yeah, I probably was distracted as a kid regarding the wall, but this video of the original ride from Youtube seems to show people with a lot more room back then.

I will post the link at 10 posts lol!

The kids are standing up. I'm sure as a kid it seemed a lot bigger to me though. I just had a completely different memory of it. I think I needed to write a post on it as therapy though hahaha. I'm even getting a little anxiety as I think about it again! Some rides are just not for some people. Still love the Disney magic and a lot of the other rides.

 

[MadMim]

I always wondered what would happen if someone freaked out on that ride. It doesnt seem like they could just end the ride & let the passenger off. How did they handle that situation? And I never knew there was an alt viewing area! I will check that out next time.

My husband is claustrophobic. He barely made it through his first ride several years ago, but was able to ride it last week. Its pretty tight. I wouldnt risk it. If you do risk it, and find yourself uncomfortable, put your face into the porthole. Somehow, this feels less constricting, plus theres a light breeze blowing there. Good luck!