EPCOT guests were met with an unsettling sight on Tuesday when multiple character figures on The Seas With Nemo & Friends attraction suddenly stopped moving, leaving an eerie stillness in the ride’s dark depths. The unexpected malfunction follows a recent fix, raising concerns over the attraction’s reliability and ongoing technical issues.
Changes in The Seas at EPCOT
The Seas Pavilion at EPCOT has undergone several changes in the past year, including the removal of dolphins and a shift in its manatee care program. However, the latest development centers on The Seas With Nemo & Friends, a beloved dark ride featuring characters from Pixar’s Finding Nemo (2003).
Just weeks ago, Disney repaired the Chum animatronic, a large shark in the ride that had been inoperable for months. But on Tuesday, WDWNT reported that two central figures—an anglerfish and Marlin (Nemo’s father)—had suddenly gone immobile.
A Scene Left Frozen in Time
The affected sequence, set in a dark underwater environment, typically features an anglerfish lunging at Marlin and chasing him around. Now, both characters are entirely motionless.
Despite the malfunction, the scene’s normal audio and background music continue to play, making the frozen figures appear even more unnatural. Dory, who is projected on a screen nearby, moves normally.
No Immediate Fix in Sight
Walt Disney World Resort has not provided a repair timeline for the malfunctioning figures. Given the timeframe for Chum’s recent repair, it could be months before the anglerfish and Marlin start swimming again.
Despite the technical issues, The Seas With Nemo & Friends remains operational, with no announced modifications to the attraction beyond the non-functioning figures. Follow Disney Dining for updates on this and other issues at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Have you noticed anything broken on a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort ride? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
