Original Submarine Voyage

From 1959-1998 the kitschy yet classic Submarine Voyage ran at Disneyland. The subs often leaked, and the seating was slightly claustrophobic, but where else could you ride in a submarine to the depths of the ocean and see a giant squid!? Or mermaids? Not only that, the attraction boasted the 8th largest submarine fleet in the world (a fact of which Walt was very proud).

After it closed, it was reported that it would reopen in 2003 themed after Atlantis: The Lost Empire (a box office flop). Finally in 2007 the ride reopened as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, with an entirely rebuilt lagoon and show scenes, which feature a combination of practical scenes and underwater projection to create the world of the Pixar film. There are several lines from the new script which pay homage to the original, as well as hidden tributes to the mermaids and sea serpent. (Look for suspiciously arranged rock formations when the captain mentions the mythical creatures.)

While most were sad to see the old attraction go, and some do not enjoy Nemo, at least the Disneyland attraction was treated better than it’s Florida counterpart 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.