The Living Seas Opens

Try to Imagine, Just for a moment a pavilion that endeavors to comprehensively cover a subject that encompasses 71% of Earth’s surface.

Original model of Tony Baxter’s Posedon hosted version of The Seas

This was the challenge that WED Enterprises faced when it selected an oceanographic theme for EPCOT Center in 1977. So it should come as no surprise that it experienced the longest continuous development of any Future World pavilion. First developed by Tony Baxter with an elaborate exposition on the history of ocean exploration hosted by the Greek god of water, Poseidon, who would lead guests to an omnimover attraction through various dry-for-wet scenes of ocean life before entering a large salt-water tank filled with several species of exotic fish and sea mammals that would culminate in a visit to a futuristic research facility on the ocean floor, this approach proved far too costly to realize.

Development of the pavilion then shifted to Tim Delaney. Already known as “Mr. Tomorrowland”, Tim shifted the pared-down pavilion to one that focused almost exclusively on the future with a highly realistic journey to “Seabase Alpha”. This final form of “The Living Seas” would begin with a (sea) serpentine queue featuring a subtle history of ocean exploration using artifacts from the earliest diving bells to props from Walt Disney’s film of Jules Verne’s classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”.

What followed was a highly unique slideshow depicting various underwater vessels and explorers before sequing into the wonders of United Technologies, after which guests were treated to “The Sea” a remarkable film directed by Paul Gerber showcasing the entire history of our water planet, the dynamic relationship we have with it and the mysteries of the deep.

In its impressive finale, “The Sea” depicts a computer wireframe model of a speculative undersea center that dramatically transforms into the real “hydrolator” gateway to “Seabase Alpha” where the future of ocean exploration becomes the present, in what was perhaps the most authentic experience in all of EPCOT Center.

Select scenes from from the elaborate Grand Opening of the Living Seas.

The popular “Diver Lockout Chamber” show that is the fascinating focal point of Seabase Alpha.

Now that you’re in the mood for a little “water music”, experience the pavilion with its Future World Soundtrack Series edition or listen to the aquatic atmosphere of The Living Seas!