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Credit: DisneyThere is a place in between DinoLand, U.S.A.–or what is left of it–and the Forbidden Mountain of Expedition Everest where Walt Disney World Guests are able to go on a musical adventure in the Big Blue World. At least there was before the pandemic, and several fans–including we at Inside the Magic–are beginning to ask when it could return.
Since Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the rest of Disney World’s theme parks reopened, stage shows like Finding Nemo: The Musical were still shuttered and many still remain so. But when can we expect to see the show return and what would that look like?
Well, while we do not know when we can expect the show to return to Animal Kingdom, there is growing hope that it will be back soon. It is only a question of what will it look like.
Disney’s Agreement with Equity
For a majority of the early days of reopening, one of the more significant situations keeping shows closed was the continued disagreement between Walt Disney World and the union which represents Disney’s stage performers, Actors’ Equity Association.
Due to concerns surrounding Disney’s measures to protect its Cast Members from the pandemic, it appeared that Disney was going to restructure its shows to replace Equity Cast Members, and several of those Equity Cast Members also spoke out against how the union was handling the situation. That disagreement has since come to an end, and Equity Cast Members are now able to return to work which also allows for those shows to reopen.
Related: Disney On Ice Resumes – Can Disney World Also Bring Back Shows?
Frozen Sing-Along Returns, What That Looks Like
One popular stage show that has made its triumphant return is the Frozen sing-along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In our initial coverage of the return, we shared some information about how Guests were being seated. According to Cast Members and Guests, only 35% of the theater was being filled with three seats separating groups of guests limited to four and entire rows were left empty to maintain the social distancing.
Such social distancing parameters could very easily be implemented and enforced in Finding Nemo’s theater.
Unfortunately, Finding Nemo: The Musical remains an unavailable entertainment option at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Along with its sister shows Festival of the Lion King, and Up! A Great Bird Adventure. Only time will tell when we can get any of these shows back in any capacity.
Do you think Disney will bring back Finding Nemo: The Musical anytime soon? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!