The Disney Traveler

For the first time, Walt Disney World has taken a popular animated film and turned it into a live musical show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I went to the preview of this attraction in late 2006 with an open mind and was thrilled to see Walt Disney succeeded again.

The basic storyline was left intact, and for the most part, the songs are enjoyable. However, in some parts, the songs seem to run long and the plot drags. The visual effects and action do make up for any negatives the music may present to the overall show. The costumes are brilliantly designed with vibrant colors and creative twists on what guests expect to see from the characters. Throughout the show, performers run through the audience with oversized puppets representing different kinds of fish much to the delight of the children watching. The action even takes to the sky at certain points during the show as performers fly through the air on wires to represent swimming.

The new Finding Nemo – The Musical attraction is located in the Theater in the Wild building which underwent extensive renovations to accomodate the anticipated popularity of the new musical. The building, which used to present the Tarzan Rocks show, has been fully enclosed. A new stage and seating were built to expand the theater’s capacity. The new theater is very comfortable and any seat is a good one. As Disney expected, this new attraction is very popular. Even though the theater is large, guests should arrive significantly early to ensure seating is available.

Finding Nemo – The Musical opened almost concurrently with a new ride called The Seas with Nemo and Friends at the Living Seas Pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. Thanks to the new musical and ride, the “Finding Nemo” movie should see a resurgance of popularity. Could a sequel be in the works?

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