EPCOT to remove guest favorite attraction permanently at The Seas

A big change is coming to Walt Disney World's EPCOT center, and it will be met with sorrow as well as understanding. The Seas, previously "The Living Seas," is losing one of its attractions. Disney announced on Wednesday that they will no longer have dolphins at the park.

Disney has long been a rehabilitation center for some marine life, including turtles, manatees, and, yes, dolphins. The announcement comes amid concerns over the animals' long-term health. Disney believes the dolphins would be better suited for another facility that is more apt to care for marine mammals.

In addition to the dolphins, one manatee will be relocated, and another will be brought into the manatee viewing area. It's good news that Disney will continue to support manatee care, rehabilitation, and rescue.

The Seas has always been a huge draw at EPCOT. While you don't need to ride "Nemo" to get to the aquarium, it's a nice dark ride that kids love. When you reach the end, it concludes with a massive tank filled with schools of fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays, and, up until now, dolphins.

Disney plans to relocate its three male dolphins by the end of October. It is unclear what they will do with the empty tank, but this could be a great opportunity to expand the other tank, which was divided from the dolphin tank by a wall.

EPCOT is losing an educational opportunity but in this case, the dolphins are the priority.

For years The Seas has provide an eductational opportunity that included registered divers to help clean the tanks, log in CE hours, and interact with the marine life. The dolphins provided teaching opportunities as well.

Now, without the dolphins, SeaWorld is the only major theme park in the Orlando area that provides an opportunity to view and even interact with them. While it is sad news, Disney never seemed much like the right fit. The tank was practically empty of elements for the dolphins and many days they were not in the tank at all.