There’s a reason so many visitors find themselves lingering inside The Seas pavilion at EPCOT. Whether you need to cool off after a morning of attractions, escape an afternoon downpour, or simply want a quieter corner of the park, it’s one of the easiest places to slow your pace for a little while.
It turns out there’s some science behind that feeling, too. Studies have found that watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. Ever notice how many dental offices have fish tanks in their waiting rooms? Or remember those old aquarium desktop computer screensavers? Studies spanning environmental psychology and human-animal interaction show that watching fish in an aquarium reduces stress. In fact, research reveals that just five minutes of observation can significantly slow down heart rates, ease muscle tension, and lower blood pressure. Feeling stressed? EPCOT’s The Seas can cure all that ails you with plenty to look at!
The Seas debuted with EPCOT on October 1, 1982, originally as The Living Seas, before being reimagined into The Seas with Nemo & Friends in 2007. The aquarium – now known as Seabase Aquarium – remains one of the largest in the United States, holding approximately 5.7 million gallons of water.
The Seas participates in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, providing temporary care for rescued manatees before they’re eventually released back into the wild whenever possible. Here you can currently find rescued orphan manatees Cider and Tani.
During feeding time, it’s hard not to stop for a while and watch as they happily munch through heads of lettuce, slowly floating from the bottom of the habitat back to the surface with their lunch in tow.
The nursery is another area that’s worth stopping by… A new sea dragon exhibit was installed earlier this year, while smaller countertop tanks are filled with tiny fish, sea urchins, and other marine life.
Some sea urchins are given Mickey ear hats or seasonal festival accessories, adding a literal touch of Disney personality!
The massive Caribbean Coral Reef aquarium remains the centerpiece of the pavilion. As you make your way around the viewing windows, you’ll spot stingrays gliding at eye-level, sea turtles cruising through the water, schools of tropical fish, tarpon, and several species of sharks, including hammerheads.
Be sure to stop and stare at the moody jellyfish tanks on display within the Turtle Talk with Crush waiting area!
The pavilion is also home to The Seas with Nemo & Friends attraction, which transports guests into the aquarium from the entrance as they ride along. That said, if you’re anything like me, it’s perfectly acceptable to wander through the exit gift shop and head straight into the aquarium without riding at all. No shame here! In fact, this ride has my vote for a future attraction upgrade, as I feel some of those scenes could use some TLC!
TIP: Visit early in the day for more happenings! On a recent morning visit, I noticed much more activity throughout the pavilion. The manatees were noticeably more active than they typically are later in the day, and a scuba demonstration was taking place in the lock chamber at the center of the aquarium. (Even with more guests stopping to watch the exhibits, the pavilion never felt overwhelming.)
The Seas offers something that’s becoming increasingly rare at the parks: a chance to simply slow down. On a busy park day, that might be just what you need!
