Living Seas

[Billybob7]

I will be in Disney from 1/9 - 1/15.

will Living Seas be open?

Thanks

 

[safetymom]

Yes it is open. You enter now through what was the exit doors.

 

[luv2nascar]

so what were the big changes to living seas??

 

[unbroken chain]

It has been rethemed as "Finding Nemo". The pre-show and "elevators" are not there (as stated above, you enter through the gift shop). There is a "turtle talk" featuring a Finding Nemo character, which had long lines, so we skipped it. My son (13) was disappointed and like the "Seabase Alpha" theme much better. Several of the hands-on type exhibits have been rethemed. Definitely themed to a younger crowd than it was before, IMO.

 

[safetymom]

Turtle Talk was there before the refurbishment and there were many Nemo exhibits also. They are still working on the building so it won't be done until Spring. It hasn't been announced exactly what all the changes will be.

 

[byoung]

You got to see Crush at Turtle Talk Dude.

 

[lizanne]

WE were there early this month and yes there were long lines for Turtle Talk with Crush, but when the line moved, a lot of people entered the theater and it really wasn't a long wait.

My husband and I enjoyed this very much and we're 58 years old. If you have kids I would definitely wait in line.

 

[conwaym98]

Other than entering through the gift shop, I didn't notice too many changes. I think the Turtle Talk with Crush has been expanded, but most of the tanks and exhibits looks the same to me. They are still working on what used to be the main enterance with the hydrolators, so maybe that's where the major changes will be. I must admit the I miss the old entrance, even if the hydrolator only really moved 2 inches.

 

[TXMommy]

OK, OK - I'm the dummy that had been to the Living Seas 2 or 3 times before I knew the hydrolators didn't really move......but even after I knew that I STILL didn't like them because I am extremely phobic when it comes to elevators. I always ask a nice CM to take me around the other way - last time I did this my cousin was amazed at how I was there when they got out of the hydrolators and I told her "I took the stairs." She believed me!

 

[ajwolfe]

Okay, I'm confused, I got an email from Disney saying they were sorry but this attraction was going to be closed during our trip (1/16 - 1/21).

 

[rayelias]

You got to see Crush at Turtle Talk Dude.

Ya! It is so totally awesome!

When my DF and I first saw it, the ONLY reason we stayed in that HUGE line was because the CM at the entrance was a very memorable character we met the last time we visited Living Seas. I don't remember his name, but he was this 6'2" big, hulking, muscular black guy who was in his 70's but easily looked 25 years younger. He had such an amazing attitude and outlook - very charasmatic, positive, uplifting! Anyhow, like I said, the only reason we decided to stay in line was because we got to chat with him for 20-30 minutes.

We were extremely anxious, because of all the very small kids. We don't have kids. I don't like kids. I don't like being around kids. I avoid Fansasyland like the plague. I fully expected this to be a horrible experience.

So, we get inside, surrounded by a bunch of very whiny, small children who have also been waiting in line for 20-30 minutes, which to them probably felt like hours. To call them cranky is an understatement. As soon as they saw the huge, wall-sized "aquarium" and Crush swimming out to interact with them - 180 degree change. Their faces lit up! Without a doubt, I have never seen such a reaction from children from any other attraction in WDW.

For a brief while, watching the awe and wonder on their faces, not just talking to, but interacting with this talking cartoon turtle, it made me stop disliking children so much. Almost.

It is SO worth the wait. If you have small kids, I guarantee you this will be a memory you will cherish forever.

 

[safetymom]

I haven't seen where Living Seas was going to be closed in Jan. I know they have another closing planned for Spring.