Anaheim, CA
The Submarine Voyage at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, originally opened on June 14, 1959, as one of the park’s flagship “E” Ticket attractions. Inspired by the 1958 USS Nautilus North Pole expedition, the ride offered guests a thrilling underwater experience through a dynamic and colorful lagoon. After nearly 40 years of operation, the ride closed on September 9, 1998, to make room for a modernized version, showcasing the importance of strategic planning and construction management in theme park redesigns.
Reopened in July 2007 as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, this revamped attraction incorporated characters and scenes from Disney-Pixar’s 2003 film Finding Nemo. The enhanced ride features eight submarines, each with a capacity of up to 40 passengers, navigating a 1,365-foot track submerged under 9 million gallons of water. Onboard audio systems provide an immersive experience with real-time narration. This reimagined attraction was awarded the Themed Entertainment Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 2008, demonstrating the successful integration of innovative construction management and creative design.