Credit: DisneyOne part of Disney World’s EPCOT theme park is now closing early on a regular basis.
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The Seas Pavilion is now closing early at EPCOT. The aquatic-themed pavilion features a wide range of activities, including its own dark ride inspired by Pixar’s Finding Nemo. However, the fun is coming to an end early now, with The Seas closing its doors at 7 p.m. daily for all park guests,
The pavilion usually remains open with the rest of EPCOT, with certain attractions and experiences inside closing at different times. However, earlier this week, The Seas started closing early, something that will continue for the foreseeable future.
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EPCOT is home to perhaps the most unique and adventurous collection of rides, attractions, and activities at Walt Disney World, making education just as big a focus as entertainment. Short for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” EPCOT’s goal is to both inform and inspire.
This mission statement can be found throughout the park and on various rides and attractions, such as Living with the Land, which teaches about conservation and nature, and Spaceship Earth, which explains the history of human technology.
The Seas acts as EPCOT’s very own aquarium and is full of aquatic life. At 26 feet deep and over 200 feet in diameter, EPCOT’s main aquarium at the center of The Seas pavilion ranks as the second-largest in the country, sitting behind the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Over 40 different species call this place home, though the pavilion also features some fictional characters, like Nemo, Dory, and Bruce the Shark, who can all be seen in The Seas’ Dark Ride, The Seas with Nemo & Friends. This makes The Seas a fun place to hang out for both adults and younger guests, though visitors will need to plan their day accordingly now that the pavilion closes early.
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Signage now stands in front of The Seas, informing guests that the pavilion closes early. These early closure hours spread through early Spring, indicating that The Seas will operate at a reduced capacity for quite a while.
This development follows recent upgrades and overhauls within The Seas itself, with Disney recently closing the Manatee exhibit.
Both Lil Joe and Inigo have been relocated to two separate marine facilities: the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Mote Marine Laboratory.
Lil Joe was a long-time resident of EPCOT’s The Seas and has been a beloved fixture for years. Inigo is a more recent addition, first joining the park in September of 2024.
It’s unclear why Disney is closing The Seas early now, but it’s possible that work within the pavilion itself is the reason. Regardless, guests should plan on spending less time with Nemo and his friends during their day at EPCOT.
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