Odd Stuff at Disney World That Put a Smile on Our Face: Sea Urchins Wearing Holiday Hats, and also Holiday decorations inside the tanks upstairs.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends housed the largest aquarium in the US until Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005. Teeming with vibrant life, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, an Epcot pavilion known as SeaBase Alpha, is an underwater research facility.
The Seas is an immersive experience where you can climb aboard a clamshell-shaped “clamobile” and follow Marlin’s frantic search for his son. Where Nemo’s friends flit through brightly colored coral reefs and gently swaying anemones. Dodge stinging jellyfish, underwater mines, a toothy anglerfish, and an even toothier Bruce the shark. Dive deep into a sunken shipwreck, its rusty hull teeming with curious fish seeking shelter.
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The pavilion has 2 floors of marine life, with a coral nursery that nurtures tiny polyps, the building blocks of vibrant reefs upstairs. One of the things that makes us smile is visiting the spot and seeing the Sea Urchins who wear Mickey ears, or hats, or during this time of year, they are wearing a Santa hat and moose antler Mickey Ears.
The Beginning:
In 2021, during Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebrations, aquarists at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at EPCOT cleverly placed 3D-printed Mickey ears in the sea urchin tanks. These spiky little fashionistas, in their natural instinct to find and wear protective objects, readily adopted the Mickey ears as their new headwear.
The Trend Continues:
The Mickey-eared urchins became a beloved sight, and the aquarists have continued the tradition, introducing new hat styles on occasion. From sparkly Minnie ears to holiday-themed hats, these sea urchins have become unexpected fashion icons.
Beyond the Cuteness:
The Mickey hats serve a practical purpose, protecting the urchins from predators and providing them with a safe haven. The trend also highlights the creativity and care that Disney puts into its animal exhibits, adding a unique element of fun and engagement for visitors.
That is not the only holiday-inspired decorations going on at The Seas, a new Cuttlefish Gingerbread houses are looking like a Christmas village. Next tank over you will see ornaments, a Manorah, and a chimney stack with Santa’s feet sticking out the top.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Go under the sea—without getting wet—on this gentle ride based on Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which finds Nemo lost again.
A Fin-tastic Adventure
Board a “clamobile” and descend slowly below the waves, where Nemo’s friends flit through brightly colored coral reefs and gently swaying anemones. Dodge stinging jellyfish, underwater mines, a toothy anglerfish and an even toothier Bruce the shark.
Catch a ride on the righteous East Australian Current with Crush the sea turtle and his little dude, Squirt. But where’s Nemo?
Just keep swimming til you find him!
Explore the Aquarium
Once your underwater adventure ends, encounter an ocean of fun in The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion. Get close up with clown fish, sharks and more in the massive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium they call home.
Fun “fins-on” activities teach your guppies about marine biology, sharks and more.
A Complimentary Scavenger Hunt
Help Dory find her friends during a self-guided scavenger hunt through the aquarium! Solve clues and collect stickers to complete this fishy mission—and learn fun facts along the way.
Pick up your complimentary scavenger hunt booklet near the exit to The Seas with Nemo & Friends attraction.
