The Pixar Film, Finding Nemo, was released on May 30, 2003. Since that time, Nemo and friends have become favorite characters for many families! If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, there are several places in the Disney Parks and Resorts where you can ‘find’ Nemo!
The Art of Animation Resort
The Art of Animation Resort is the perfect place to stay for a Finding Nemo fan! A whole section of this resort has family suites themed to the Finding Nemo film, plus the Big Blue Pool and splash area are Nemo themed.
Pool use is for guests at the Art of Animation resort, but even if you do not stay here you can still visit the resort for some photo opportunities. We have not gone swimming in the Big Blue Pool yet, but I’ve read that underwater you can hear recordings of the characters talking! How awesome is that?! Here are some more photos from the Big Blue Pool area.
The lobby area of the resort is a fascinating place to visit because it displays artwork from rough sketches to full color along the wall. Challenge your kids to see how many Nemos they can find in the lobby sketches!
The Seas with Nemo and Friends in Epcot
Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends is a must visit location for all Finding Nemo fans! On the way to the Pavilion, there are some statues of Nemo and Friends that provide perfect picture taking opportunities. This is one of those locations that every time we go past it I must stop and take a photo or five!
Shortly beyond the whimsical statues is one of my favorite features of the entrance area. Waves crash against rocks, and seagulls declare, “Mine! Mine! Mine!”
The queue area to The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction has a nautical theme, and the ride vehicles are “Clam-Mobiles!” The ride is slow moving (a “dark ride” in Disney terms) and along the way Marlin is trying to find Nemo. Of course, in the end, Nemo is found and all is well! The ride progresses to and ends with a view of the aquarium. Peach, the starfish from Finding Nemo, will have a few words to say before the Clam-Moble exit.
Take time to explore the rest of the Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion. The 5.7 million gallon water aquarium itself is awe inspiring, and there are other Nemo touches throughout the building. One of the small fish aquariums has clownfish, so you can see a “real” Nemo!
There is an area where you can learn about sea life with Mr. Ray through an interactive quiz, and also an area where Bruce is happy to have you pose for a photo!
One more attraction in The Seas with Nemo and Friends is Turtle Talk with Crush. In this attraction, Crush will talk to the dudes and dudettes in the room, personalizing the conversation to each participant. It’s totally awesome, and it’s a place for your little ones to come out of their shells to have some Nemo fun!
Finding Nemo: The Musical at Animal Kingdom
In Theatre in the Wild at Animal Kingdom, do not miss the spectacular production, Finding Nemo: the Musical! The movie itself is not a musical, but this live show musical adaptation of the story is absolutely spot on with creating a show all ages will enjoy. The performers, the puppets, the music, and the special effects come together to make this Broadway worthy!
Every time we see this show, it takes our breath away! The performance extends into the audience at times, and we like to sit in the top half of the viewing area so we can be fully immersed in the show.
The music is so catchy that you’ll find yourself singing, “Just keep swimming……” as you leave the theatre.
So that’s it! If you’re looking for Nemo, you’re officially equipped to find him!
Are you a Finding Nemo Fan? Where is your favorite place to find Nemo at Walt Disney World?