Let’s take a dive into the big blue world with Nemo and Friends at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! soft-opened to guests on Saturday, June 11th, and officially premieres on Monday, June 13th. This newly reimagined show replaces Finding Nemo – The Musical, which has been dark for over two years.
Located in the Theater in the Wild, nestled between Expedition Everest and DinoLand U.S.A., you can catch up with some fish friends from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in Finding Nemo, who have made their way across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute.
While this underwater adventure takes place during the timeline of Finding Dory, this new show is very similar to its predecessor. The tank gang is retelling Nemo’s story in an updated show incorporating live performers and puppets.
The reimagined production features many of the beloved songs from the previous show -some performed in full and with others condensed- including favorites “In the Big Blue World” and “Go With the Flow”. There are no new songs in this production.
In an effort to appeal to younger visitors and families, the new show is 25 minutes, trimmed down from the original’s 40-minute run time. There is very little dialogue between songs, and the scenes move along swiftly. This also means fewer performers are involved, and we noticed some of the unique characters are missing, including the large pelican puppet, jellyfish puppets, and aerialist performers.
In addition to an updated script, Finding Nemo – The Big Blue…and Beyond! features new scenic set pieces and a vibrant LED stage wall designed to enhance each scene that plays out. A few new large set pieces are included, featuring a 32-foot-long sunken submarine and a fish tank volcano.
The new LED screen paired with projections really makes each scene pop. While there may not be as many performers as before, the show moves at a nice pace and the current puppeteers/singers are just incredible. We’re so glad this piece of Animal Kingdom Entertainment has returned! (And we’re extra thankful for a 25-minute A/C break!)
TIP: Lightning Lane guests receive priority seating at Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! If you’d like a front-row view (or near it), be sure to choose this show as one of your Genie+ selections!
Video teaser of the show:
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Has Nemo been found? Let’s Hear From You
While the show has nearly been cut in half, and many theater lovers may miss the dialogue, we have a feeling that this change is going to be very popular with parents. It can be hard for kids to maintain attention in a theater, and this show does a pretty good job of keeping things snappy and entertaining with the slower (and some boring) bits removed. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I do miss some of the characters that have yet to return.
Are you a Nemo fan? Did you catch a preview of the new version of the show? Let us know in the comments below!
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