Add another gold medal to the great sources I have when it comes to all things Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, this time the medal is not so much fun to earn, just because it’s in regards to bad news. Almost a month ago, I wrote an article about how Disney is using the pandemic to get rid of much of its live action performances for cost-cutting purposes. Now, our biggest confirmation yet that this is truly a long-term strategy as I had stated: WDWNT is reporting that Finding Nemo: The Musical is closed permanently.
The show is housed in a very large, stadium-seating facility in Animal Kingdom, sandwiched between Expedition Everest and Dinoland USA. A huge crowd-pleaser, the attraction was also one of the only (and therefore best) places to escape weather at the park. Rave reviews for the show probably mean the closure is not related to guest reception, but rather money.
If you think you hear someone BLASTING #FindingNemoTheMusical while hysterically sobbing, pay no mind. This is how I cope. pic.twitter.com/B0smKKnHDH
— Lydia Cornejo (@lydorlydia) September 14, 2021
While some Disney World staples are safe, like the Dapper Dans or face characters, there’s a huge loss of most live action performances taking place. For the most part, it happened while average fans weren’t watching… because most people have been preoccupied — for good reason — with the pandemic and world events for the past 18 months. But with rumors that even more live performances are gone for good, it does begin to beg the question: what is the value of your Disney ticket pre-pandemic versus now?
We’ve made comparisons in the past between the Halloween events. In 2019, a huge puppeteering feat was carried out in front of the castle using many live action performers. A multi-story Jack Skellington was the focal point that awed those in attendance. This year, in contrast, a single generic float travels through Magic Kingdom with three costumed characters standing on it. Worse, it is obviously a rushed job as the characters don’t really have anything to do while on the float, resulting in bizarre choreography to song from the movie’s soundtrack.
Image Courtesy: WDWNT.com
The only way this is going to improve once guests catch on. So far, that doesn’t seem to be happening. And thus we’re left with subpar entertainment options in the parks, for much higher costs. And in the case of Finding Nemo, we’ve lost a chance to escape the heat or the rain to see a fantastic work of art.
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Update 12:21 PM EST
WDWMagic is reporting a new version of the Finding Nemo Musical attraction will be debuting in 2022. Based on my sources who say some live performers have been notified they are permanently terminated from the show, it is believed the 2022 revamp is most likely a downsizing of live action personnel. Sources also report that quite a few props and set pieces have been destroyed. Based on the items, it would seem to indicate movement towards a more “automated” show experience. As soon as possible, TPP will report on these behind-the-scenes actions.
