20.000 Millimeters Under the Seas
Are you ready to explore the oceans, brave sailor? Or at least experience a ride that’s fairly unique and lasts almost fifteen minutes from start to finish?
Welcome to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, a dark ride that takes you inside a submarine on an underwater adventure. Along the way, you’ll encounter corals, animatronics of various fish, divers, tiki heads, and more. While the ride’s setting is fairly unique, as you enter what resembles a real submarine, it doesn’t quite live up to the impressive look you get when you first approach the attraction.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is essentially a dark ride where about 40 guests enter a submarine that doesn’t actually go underwater, even though you’re below the water level, looking through portholes. Once seated, you travel along a guided path, much like a traditional dark ride, but with underwater setpieces. This does make the ride feel more unique, but it could benefit from more engaging elements to keep us entertained during the long ride duration.
What we like about Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The best thing about Submarine Voyage is how unique it looks. From afar, the ride appears imposing, with submarines that can hold about 40 guests. These submarines travel alongside a large lagoon, and kids love the idea of boarding one to go exploring. As far as dark rides go, this is one of the most unique at Disneyland, and it really sparks that sense of adventure.
It’s pretty cool to board one of these vehicles and sit in front of a porthole, submerged below sea level. There are also narrators guiding guests throughout the experience, telling us what’s happening as we prepare to explore the seas. This gives the ride the feeling that we’re about to become the "Indiana Jones" of the seas, discovering treasure or uncovering surprises hidden among rocks and coral formations.
In practice, your submarine vehicle never actually goes underwater, and you travel along a pre-defined track. However, it still feels like you’re navigating a vast ocean, as guests are inside the submarine, with portholes being the only way to see what’s happening ahead. Along the way, you'll encounter animatronics of sea creatures like fish, lobsters, and crabs, and some sections feature digital screens with Finding Nemo characters making cameo appearances.
What we don’t like about Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The main problem with Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is that, honestly, there isn’t much to see. You’ll spot plenty of corals and bubble effects simulating the submarine going up and down, but aside from that, the main attractions are a few animatronics of small lobsters and crabs, and that’s about it. This is definitely disappointing, especially considering how long the ride is.
Also this is a ride in a claustrophobic vehicle, and some people might feel stressed about it. I’ve also read reports that this ride is better during the morning, since the water quality is better and the ride vehicle will smell… better. Yes, I’m not kidding. Moving on!
The ride does improve toward the end, with more digital screens featuring Nemo and friends, but it’s just too long overall. Fourteen minutes is a lot of time for a ride where you’re staring through a porthole, and it can be uncomfortable depending on who else is with you. The first few minutes also aren’t very exciting, and there isn’t much happening before Nemo finally makes an appearance.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage FAQ
Where is Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage located?
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is located in Disneyland.
What is the height requirement to ride Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage?
There is no height requirement for this ride.
Is Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage too scary for children?
The ride is only scary if your children are prone to claustrophobia.
Do we recommend Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage?
We recommend this ride for families with toddlers, especially if the wait time is under 30 minutes.
