Today a new Disney rumor was put up on the internet from WDWNT stating that internal documents have let them to believe that The Land and The Seas with Nemo and Friends would be closed between 2024 and 2026 and they would be demolished afterwards.

“What exactly will replace them in Future World is unknown at this time. All that we know is that the removal of both is already tentatively scheduled.”- WDWNT

Now, I’m not entirely sure I think this Disney Rumor is 100% believable.

For one thing, both pavilions appear on the concept art for the Epcot overhaul.

It would be possible that they could do refurbishments and overhauls on the buildings like they are doing with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in the Chinese Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But, I find it unlikely they would take on the expense of complete demolition and rebuilding. Not when they have so many other projects going on in the next several years.

Both Buildings are home to third party research groups

As people have pointed out over at the WDWMagic forums (you should definitely check them out. They have many insiders over there and they are a great resource!)

Both The Seas with Nemo and Friends and The Land work with outside scientific research centers.
The Seas have scientists that work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other conservation groups like the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership.

The Land works with the USDA on research involving crop development and integrated pest management.

I don’t think they would close 2 Pavilions at once

At least they wouldn’t close them at once. Epcot is set to have the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction as well as the Ratatouille attraction coming soon. Those would pull crowds to the other side of Future World and into the World Showcase, but two pavilions down would still cause issues. Disney rarely closes down two large attractions at once. They often finish up one before moving onto another so they can better control the crowds and lines. Two down at once, plus the rumored refurbishment on Spaceship Earth, which supposedly got pushed back more, it would seem that a lot would be down at once.

I know they did take The Great Movie Ride down at the same time they were working on Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge, but it was only for a short time as Toy Story Land opened a few months later. Till then most people considered it a “1/2 day park” and the crowds did seem a bit heavier in the other areas.

Plus, both pavilions have busy restaurants. Taking them down would take two table service (and one character restaurant) and one large quick service restaurant down. Epcot has a lot of places to eat compared to the other parks, but this would still cause issues.

At the end of the day it’s just a rumor and their argument and my arguments mean nothing without any formal announcements. Maybe they are right. If they are I hope they would find a way to relocate the fish and sea creatures from The Seas to another facility on property. I would very much miss The Land pavilion and The Living Seas. My family looks forward to that ride and the aquarium.

Plans can change. This rumor could be true right now. We just have to wait and see as time will tell.

What do you think? Do you think this Disney rumor holds water? Comment and let us know!

Source: WDWNT, The WDWMagic Forums

Image Sources: Wikipedia,