20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage
Magic Kingdom · Fantasyland
Overview
Guests boarded submarines that appeared to fully submerge into a Fantasyland lagoon, cruising past painted underwater scenes inspired by Jules Verne — coral reefs, sea serpents, a sunken city, and a battle with a giant squid — narrated over the sub's speakers while portholes created the illusion of gliding through open water.
ParksLog verdict
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea remains one of the most fondly remembered casualties of Magic Kingdom's original Fantasyland. The subs never actually dived; they were boats with portholes below the waterline, and keeping that fleet running was a big part of why the ride closed in 1994.
About this experience
Submarine ride exploring underwater scenes inspired by Jules Verne.
Best for
- Magic Kingdom historians
- Guests who remember the original Fantasyland
- Fans of classic Disney dark rides
- Jules Verne and retro-futurism enthusiasts
Tips
- The lagoon was drained in 2004, and the area was later rebuilt during the New Fantasyland expansion
- Look for nautical theming cues that still linger in the surrounding Fantasyland pathways
Details
History
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea opened on October 14, 1971, two weeks after the park, and closed without notice in September 1994, largely because of the cost of running its fleet. The lagoon stayed as a scenic backdrop until it was drained in 2004 for Pooh's Playful Spot, and the site later became part of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Fun facts
- The 'submarines' never actually dived: they were boats that seated guests below the waterline, with bubbles and waterfalls selling the descent
- It opened on October 14, 1971, two weeks after Magic Kingdom's opening day
- The submarine fleet's maintenance costs were a major factor in the attraction's eventual closure