20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA SUBMARINE VOYAGE (WDW)

(October 14, 1971 - )

While this may seem like a odd location to place the attraction, it sits in nearly the same location as one detail of an early c.1954-1955 Fantasyland site plan (site source). George McGinnis (of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Development) created a number of designs for the Nautilus as featured in the 20,000 Leagues attraction.

The 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Submarine Voyage attraction was not an opening day experience, but it did open in Tomorrowland during October of 1971. Twelve 38-passenger submarines cruise through an eerie 11.5 million gallon blue-green world en route to Vulcania. As you progress along your journey (inspired by Walt Disney’s Academy Award winning adaptation of Jules Verne’s science fiction classic), look for icebergs, rock formations, sea grass, kelp, giant clams, seahorses, and corals of every shape and hue!

Pete Renaday performed the voice of Captain Nemo.

“Imagination and meticulous attention to detail have created elaborate settings for some of the world's most unusual rides. On board a Nauti-lus-type submarine, you'll re-live Jules Verne's classic science fiction story, "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea." As you voyage through lost worlds, you'll encounter strange underseas creatures along the way, such as the giant squid with which Captain Nemo fought. The submarine is designed with a glass-like bubble at the bottom giving the effect of being in the depths of the ocean while allowing the remainder of the craft - about 75% -- to remain above water.”

Tony Baxter recalled: “Claude sent me to Florida to work along side Dave Burkhart, his assistant on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in Florida.”

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Lagoon Rehabilitation, (1973)

Walt Disney Imagineer Skip Lange (who had a knack for rock work, and previously contributed to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom) served as Field Art Director for the massive rehabilitation.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Lagoon Rehabilitation, (1973)

1981, December

A Crew Member of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

(December, 1979)

(June, 1979)

1979

1981, December.

1983

Lobsters

Diver

The Submarine Caverns improve the Show Quality by hiding Mickey's Birthdayland Tents.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Porthole Window, (1971-1994)

Courtesy of one of Van Eaton Galleries’ previous exhibitions, we were able to examine one of the Magic Kingdom’s Nautilus submarine’s porthole windows. According to the contemporaneous catalogue, this window was based on “Harper Goff’s original design for the 1954 film, the porthole is constructed of brass-tone metal with two panes of acrylic glass. The porthole is in good condition with oxidation to the metal components and some scratches to the acrylic from a long tour of Park service.”

BIOLUMINESCENT FISH - The Collection of James Keeline

You may recollect descending to a depth, where sunlight never penetrates. According to the spiel, “nature has supplied its inhabitants with their own eerie luminescence ad unusual habits.” Artists have supplied these fish with the ability to luminate in these dark regions of the bottom of Disneyland’s sea.

BIOLUMINESCENT FISH - The Collection of James Keeline