Celebrate World Oceans Day at Epcot on June 8, 2014

Every day, Walt Disney World Resort Guests marvel at the wonders of the oceans and all the living creatures that populate those immense spaces when they visit The Seas with Nemo & Friends, an inspiring pavilion located in Future World West at Epcot. During the World Oceans Day celebration on June 8, 2014, there will be even more for Guests to see and do with a variety of special activities. Continue reading to learn more about this special event:

• From endangered Florida manatees to bottlenose dolphins, Guests will discover the important role marine mammals play in the ocean ecosystem. Guests can find out how the actions they take, such as recycling plastics and used fishing line, can protect these majestic mammals.
• Baby sea turtles face great obstacles in order to reach adulthood, which is why all species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened. Guests can experience an interactive model of a turtle excluder device, used on fishing boats to assist in preventing sea turtles from getting caught in nets. Guests also will find out how they can do their part to protect sea turtles, and how they can adopt the nest of one of the sea turtles that lays her eggs this year at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
• Coral reefs often are described as the rainforests of the oceans due to the abundance and diversity of life they help to sustain. Just like the rainforests, coral reefs face many challenges. These include overfishing and damage caused by pollution. Guests will have the opportunity to talk with Disney scientists, who are helping to restore coral reefs in The Bahamas.
• Sharks and stingrays play a vital role in marine ecosystems and, without them, many fish species would be in trouble. Guests can find out what a shark’s tooth feels like and learn about the role sharks and stingrays play in the oceans’ food web. Guests also will learn about the impact of marine debris and how disposing of trash properly and recycling can keep the oceans clean.
• Everyone can make a difference by becoming wildlife-friendly shoppers. For example, many products that are dumped down the drain can end up in our waters, rivers and oceans. And many chemicals that are used to get rid of what humans consider “pests” are not always good for the environment. In addition, some items that we use in our homes or eat every day can affect wildlife by how they are made, or how they are thrown away. Guests can participate in a “green shopping spree” and discover how environmentally friendly products help to save the environment, including our oceans, and wildlife.

Fun facts about our oceans:

• About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans—the largest ocean on Earth, the Pacific Ocean, covers about 30% of the Earth’s surface.
• The blue whale, the largest animal that ever lived on our planet (it’s bigger than the biggest dinosaurs) lives in the ocean.
• No matter where we live we are all connected to the oceans—any action we take that reduces waste, saves water or keeps it clean, protects ocean wildlife or reduces emissions helps our oceans.

We hope you will enjoy this special event at Epcot. Stay tuned for more park news and updates.