Hello there, Christina!
This marine biologist is flipping her fins because I’m so delighted to share my whole marine-themed Disney world with you. Like Moana, I’m a girl who loves the sea, which is why EPCOT is one of my favorite Walt Disney World theme parks. In fact, did you know that
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, will open on October 16, 2023? Besides being a gorgeous self-guided outdoor trail where you can play with water, this experience has some wonderful lessons about the watershed and interesting facts about how water connects us all. The water cycle is so important to healthy ecosystems. I hope you’ll find messages about how your students can protect precious natural resources during your upcoming visit.
Christina, the best place to dive right in and learn about manatees and their habitat, can easily be found after you board a “clamobile” on
The Seas with Nemo & Friends in SeaBase. SeaBase is a fin-tastic aquarium offering views of fish feedings and the Manatee Rehabilitation Center. Once you exit The Seas with Nemo & Friends, I recommend visiting the
Manatee Rehabilitation Center when you arrive to see when they have planned feedings and talks. There are usually a couple of times throughout the day when you’ll be able to ask Cast Members in the manatee exhibit about the manatees, but this is subject to availabilities and schedules, so unfortunately, I can't guarantee that this will be available during your visit. In the exhibit, you’ll also find information about manatee nutrition, where manatees are found around the world, and details about the specific manatees you’re viewing.
Besides manatees, SeaBase features wonderful information about coral ecosystems. In fact, Disney aquatic wildlife experts and conservationists are actively trying to save Florida’s
coral reefs from the spread of stormy coral tissue loss disease. Coral reef ecosystems are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and are often called the “rainforests of the sea.” I recommend taking some time to see the
sea turtles chowing down on lettuce,
reef fish “schooling,”
coral reefs creating habitats for fish, and
sand tiger sharks and spotted eagle rays prowling the sea floor around SeaBase. If you don’t get to speak to a Cast Member, you’ll find some wonderful educational information on the aquariums.
I love going on vacation, knowing that the company is simultaneously inspiring all of us to treasure and protect the magic of nature and investing in nature-based solutions to help keep our sea creature friends healthy.
May the magic be with you!Melanie