Finding Nemo Musical at WDW
A new show based on the popular Disney movie debuts.
Walt Disney World has developed two new attractions based on its popular animated film Finding Nemo and in this article, I'm reviewing "Finding Nemo - The Musical."
The new attractions were developed in the theme park's bid to add more value to the cost of an admission ticket. The second of the two new attractions to open is actually a show, not a ride.
"Finding Nemo - The Musical" has taken up residence at Disney's Animal Kingdom, in the building that used to house the show production "Tarzan Rocks!" It is literally within screaming distance of the park's new hit coaster, Expedition Everest.
Wait, "Finding Nemo" isn't a musical. No, it isn't. But where there is a will, Disney always finds a way. And they always bring in the brightest talent, in this case, Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q" co-composer-creator Robert Lopez and a cappella musical "Along the Way" co-creator Kristen Anderson-Lopez, The duo crafted almost 40 minutes of new original music to tell the tale of the underwater adventures of Nemo, his father and various friends they meet along the way.
To tell the tale visually, the production uses a combination of costumed actors/singers with puppets (much like "Avenue Q") along with larger than life sets that replicate the various underwater locations of the story. The result is a stageshow that honestly rivals top-notch Broadway productions. Only instead of paying $60 or more on a ticket, the show is included in the park ticket price.
"Finding Nemo - The Musical" is definitely worth the price of a Walt Disney World park admission and combined with the thrills of Expedition Everest, show that Disney is on the right track of giving guests value for the price paid.
What I liked: The production is first rate and the songs sound like they should have been in the story all along. The mixture of actors and puppets is so skillfully put together that it's like they are one and the same. I also liked how the production utilizes the whole building, with some of the action coming out into the audience.
What I didn't like: The only thing I really didn't like was the theater's exit strategy. Only one of the five or six doors marked exit are actually used when the show is over. This results in several hundred people having to funnel down all the various aisles into one huge stream of people seeking to leave the building. All the while, cast members (Disney-speak for employees) are vigorously urging you to leave. Not so fun when you have to fight with strollers and throngs of people for space in the main thoroughfare out of the building.
Have you seen "Finding Nemo - The Musical" at WDW? I welcome your comments and questions.
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