The Submarine Voyage (1959–1998) was a splashy Tomorrowland staple at Disneyland, plunging guests into an underwater adventure aboard real submarines to explore a lagoon filled with marine life, mermaids, and the lost city of Atlantis. This nautical gem sailed for nearly four decades before high operating costs and outdated effects led to its closure, only to resurface in 2007 as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
“Disneyland Submarines — 1963” by arbyreed is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Here are 10 fun facts about the original Submarine Voyage, brimming with undersea wonder and Disneyland nostalgia!
[Submarine Voyage at Disneyland in 1978 by foundin_a_attic, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license]
- Deep-Sea Debut: The Submarine Voyage opened on June 14, 1959, as part of Tomorrowland’s major expansion, touted as Disneyland’s first “E-ticket” thrill. It was inspired by the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine, and Walt Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
- Real Subs, Real Magic: The ride featured eight 52-foot-long submarines (later expanded to 12), each carrying 38 guests. Named after naval vessels like Nautilus and Triton, they were authentic boats that partially submerged in a 1.7-million-gallon lagoon, creating a true underwater feel.
- Underwater Spectacle: Guests peered through portholes to see animatronic sea creatures, coral reefs, and shipwrecks. Highlights included a giant squid, mermaids, a sea serpent, and the ruins of Atlantis, all set against a bubbling, blue-lit lagoon.
- Mermaid Mania: From 1965 to 1967, live “mermaids” swam in the lagoon during summer, waving to guests from coral perches. These performers, dressed in shimmering tails, became a fan favorite, with X posts still marveling at their “storybook charm.”
- Nautical Narration: A pre-recorded “Captain’s log” guided the 8-minute journey, with dramatic narration and sound effects like sonar pings. The spiel, voiced by actors like Jack Wagner, added a cinematic vibe, making riders feel like explorers.
- High Costs, Big Crew: Operating the subs was pricey, requiring a large crew (up to 40 cast members) for piloting, loading, and maintenance. The lagoon’s water filtration and animatronic upkeep drove costs, contributing to the ride’s closure on September 9, 1998.
- Dated but Beloved: By the 1990s, the ride’s 1950s effects—like static fish and painted backdrops—felt old compared to high-tech attractions. Yet, fans on Reddit cherish its “retro kitsch,” with one calling it “a time capsule of Walt’s imagination.”
- Lagoon’s Second Life: The Submarine Voyage’s lagoon and subs were repurposed for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage in 2007, with new digital effects and a Pixar theme. The original’s Atlantis scene inspired Nemo’s EAC sequence, a nod to its legacy.
- Hidden Tributes: The ride’s history lives on in Tomorrowland’s details—look for a Nautilus-shaped weathervane near Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port.
- Global Echoes: The Submarine Voyage inspired similar rides at Walt Disney World (1971–1994) and Tokyo DisneySea’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Its iconic lagoon remains a Tomorrowland landmark.
The subs never fully submerged—they rode on tracks just 8 feet underwater—but clever porthole views and bubbles tricked guests into feeling deep-sea-bound.
