"The Living Seas" pavilion at Epcot underwent a massive transformation in the early 2000s to become The Seas with Nemo & Friends. The original version, which opened in 1986, was themed as "SeaBase Alpha," a high-tech underwater research facility. Guests would enter via "hydrolators"—simulated elevators that gave the illusion of descending to the ocean floor—before riding "sea cabs" through the world's largest saltwater tank. By 2005, following the success of Pixar's Finding Nemo, Disney began a multi-year re-theming of the pavilion. The hydrolators and the original "sea cab" story were removed and replaced with a new "clamshell" dark ride that uses digital projection technology to make Nemo and his friends appear as if they are swimming inside the actual 5.7-million-gallon tank alongside real sharks and rays. While the core scientific mission of the pavilion remains—including the massive coral reef environment and the interactive "Turtle Talk with Crush" show—the "SeaBase Alpha" branding was largely retired in favor of the colorful, character-driven aesthetic. Today, the pavilion is part of the World Nature neighborhood, focusing on marine conservation and education through the lens of beloved Disney characters.