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Disney Gets Rid of Beloved Animal Residents and Experiences

in Syndication, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

Posted on by Eva Miller 1 Comment
A vibrant outdoor scene at a Disney theme park, featuring a colorful mural with aquatic imagery on the curved exterior of a building. A lighted walkway leads towards a large geodesic sphere in the background, surrounded by lush greenery and animal residents under a twilight sky.

Credit: Disney

Disney has announced significant changes to its marine life attractions at EPCOT, affecting both its manatees and dolphins. This news comes as many theme parks are pushing away from animal entertainment due to changing public opinions on the practices.

Related: Dolphin Jumps Out of Tank Into Stands Mid-Performance; Theme Park Guests Horrified

Credit: Disney

Disney Accepts Rehabilitation Project

In a recent statement, Disney revealed that Lou, a rescued manatee weighing 1,800 pounds, will be permanently relocated to a dedicated manatee rehabilitation center in Florida. This move is part of Disney’s commitment to ensuring the best possible care for the animals in their care. Lou’s new home will provide specialized attention and resources to support his well-being and recovery.

In related news, another manatee will soon arrive at EPCOT and join Lil Joe, the current inhabitant. This addition aims to enhance the existing manatee experience at the park, which has been a popular attraction for guests.

A young girl and a man watch with excitement and amazement as a large sea turtle swims gracefully in an aquarium. The girl is wearing a Minnie Mouse t-shirt and has curly hair. The man is smiling, both appearing captivated by the underwater scene.
Credit: Disney

Dolphin Show to Experience Close at Disney

However, the changes extend beyond the manatees. Disney is also making adjustments to its dolphin exhibits. Three dolphins will be permanently relocated to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, an organization known for its dedication to marine life care and conservation.

As a result of these relocations, Disney will be making adjustments to its marine life programs. The popular Dolphins in Depth backstage tour will close permanently next month. This experience, called EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth, was a unique opportunity for guests to encounter dolphins. The $209 experience is described as:

Make reservations now for this fascinating and intimate 2-hour dolphin encounter limited to a group of no more than 8 Guests per day.

Additionally, the DiveQuest experience, which offers guests the opportunity to dive with marine life, will be temporarily suspended. Reservations for DiveQuest through October 19, 2024, will still be honored. Disney has confirmed that DiveQuest will return in 2025, allowing guests to once again enjoy this immersive underwater adventure.

A group of six scuba divers swim underwater in formation, surrounded by various coral formations and sea life. Bubbles rise as they navigate the clear blue water, filled with vibrant marine vegetation and sandy ocean floor. The background shows parts of an underwater structure of DiveQuest at Disney
Credit: Disney

Disney fan and journalist Scott Gustin reported the full news, saying:

Disney says the 1,800-pound rescued manatee, Lou, is being permanently relocated to a manatee rehabilitation center in Florida. Another manatee will soon join Lil Joe at EPCOT. Disney is also permanently relocating three dolphins to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

As a result, the Dolphins in Depth backstage tour will permanently close next month and Disney will temporarily suspend the DiveQuest experience. Reservations through Oct. 19 are still valid. Disney says DiveQuest will return in 2025.

A New Path Foreward

Disney’s decision reflects its ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of its marine animals while also making adjustments to its guest experiences. The company assures visitors that these changes are made with the utmost consideration for the animals and the quality of the guest experience.

The changes also highlight the fact that guests are becoming less interested in attractions revolving around captive marine animals. With documentaries like Blackfish painting a dark picture of the animal entertainment industry, Disney may be trying to avoid potential backlash surrounding these types of encounters. What do you think?

This post originally appeared on Disney Dining. 

in Syndication, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

Tagged:Disney NewsEpcot

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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