Walt Disney World has announced changes coming to The Seas Pavilion at EPCOT, starting tomorrow, September 11th. Planned infrastructure changes will lead to the relocation of three dolphins and the end of the Dolphins in Depth tour. Additionally, statewide manatee moves recommended by the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS) will mean that Lou, a fan-favorite manatee, will be relocated to another Florida-based rehabilitation center. Here’s are some more details:
Manatee Swap, Lou Leaving EPCOT
Disney says that Lou, one of the fan-favorite manatees in The Seas Pavilion, will be relocated as part of statewide manatee changes recommended by the MRP and USFWS. The MRP and USFWS are the agencies in charge of managing the rehabilitation and conservation of manatees throughout Florida, and broad changes are in the works throughout the state. Today is Lou’s last day at EPCOT.
Disney says that they will greatly miss Lou and that they will welcome a new manatee shortly as a companion to Lil Joe – the remaining manatee in EPCOT. Disney says that they look forward to welcoming the new manatee, which will allow Disney to continue to play a critical role in the manatee crisis in Florida. Manatee numbers have been on the decline the past few years, and conservation efforts like those underway at Walt Disney World will be increasingly important.
Dolphins Departing
Infrastructure changes at The Seas Pavilion will necessitate the relocation of three male dolphins and the end of the Dolphins in Depth tour at EPCOT. Disney says that the departure of the dolphins came after a comprehensive valuation as to what is best for these dolphins as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas.
The three dolphins will be permanently relocated to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Florida which is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainer’s Association. The move will happen in late October.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is actually led by a marine mammal expert who previously cared for the dolphins for years at EPCOT. This close partnership will allow Disney to continue to be a resource for the three male dolphins even after they depart EPCOT.
Tours Suspended at The Seas Pavilion
Disney says that reservations will be honored through October 19, 2024, for guests with previously booked reservations for Dolphins in Depth and DiveQuest experiences. DiveQuest will return in 2025, but the Dolphins in Depth tour will not return.
While there are changes on the horizon for The Seas Pavilion at EPCOT, the animals will continue to be the focus of the team. Disney says that Cast Members affected by the marine mammals and other sea life will continue to do important work at The Seas.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!