For months, fans of EPCOT’s The Seas Pavilion have been wondering what’s going on behind those construction walls. Was something big coming? A new exhibit? Maybe a fresh story element to tie into Disney’s evolving vision for EPCOT?
Well, the walls are down. The doors are open. And the truth? The rumors were right—just not in the way many were hoping.
Disney has officially completed the refurbishment of The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and the pavilion is once again fully open to guests. Escalators are functioning, exhibits are accessible, and the tanks look spotless. From a surface level, everything feels fresh. But dig just a little deeper, and it’s clear that this was more of a tune-up than a transformation.
No New Additions, and One Big Subtraction
Fans returning to the pavilion will quickly notice what’s not there anymore: the dolphins. Once a signature part of the SeaBase aquarium experience, they’ve quietly been removed—without fanfare and without a replacement.
There’s no new attraction, no additional characters, and no modern technology upgrades to fill the void. Aside from a few minor signage updates and the welcome return of DiveQuest, the pavilion is, for all intents and purposes, the same. And depending on what you were hoping for, that might be a bit of a letdown.
It’s not that the experience is bad—it’s just that it feels like a missed opportunity.
What Guests Should Expect
If you’re planning a visit and want to include The Seas with Nemo & Friends in your day, you’ll find it easier to do so now. The early closures are gone, and the pavilion is once again operating until park close. It’s a solid spot to enjoy some cool air conditioning, take a peaceful stroll past sea turtles and manatees, and maybe hop on the Nemo ride.
But if you’re hoping for something that matches the creative energy being poured into other parts of EPCOT, this update isn’t it. It feels more like Disney checked a box—polish the space, fix what’s broken, and move on.
Looking Ahead at EPCOT
While The Seas may have stayed mostly the same, EPCOT itself is finally coming back to life. Construction walls are falling, new areas are opening, and there’s a sense that the long, slow transformation of the park is nearing the finish line.
CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza are now open, adding much-needed energy to the park’s central spine. And there’s a buzz building around Test Track, with fans spotting signs of activity behind the walls. A reopening announcement feels close—possibly just weeks away.
So yes, it’s a little disappointing that The Seas didn’t get the splashy update some were hoping for. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s just one piece of EPCOT’s larger puzzle. The magic’s still happening… even if this particular pavilion is taking more of a supporting role for now.
