Where to see Manatees at Disney World

If you’re looking for a peaceful, educational break during a busy park day, seeing manatees at Disney World is one of the most underrated experiences for families.

Located inside EPCOT, this attraction is calm, air-conditioned, stroller-friendly, and perfect for babies and toddlers.

Unlike many animal encounters, manatees at EPCOT are part of an important rehabilitation effort, making this experience both meaningful and memorable for families visiting Walt Disney World.

Plan your vacation with a Disney Travel Agent!

Before we get to the manatees at Disney World, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Florida resident, mom of 4, Disney Annual Passholder, and a Disney College of Knowledge graduate.

I keep up with the latest Disney news; it’s my job! If you’re interested in saving lots of time by booking with a Disney Travel Agent, make sure to contact me!

Do you need to rent a stroller in Orlando? We recommend Orlando Stroller Rentals! Bringing your own? You may have heard about expensive strollers getting stolen. If you want to leave your pricey stroller at home, we use (and love) the MomPush Wiz, which has everything you need at a lower price point.

Where to See Manatees at Disney World

If you’re looking for where to find manatees at Disney World, there’s just one place: EPCOT! We have a post with the 12 best places to see manatees in Florida, but thought it was time to add Disney manatees to the list!

Manatees at EPCOT

The only place to see manatees at Disney World is at EPCOT, inside The Seas pavilion in World Nature. After exiting The Seas with Nemo & Friends attraction, guests are led into a large indoor aquarium where several rescued manatees live alongside other marine life.

This area is also easy to access with strollers and is conveniently located near restrooms, which is always a plus when traveling with young kids.

Disney’s Role in Manatee Rehabilitation

One of the most important things for families to understand is that manatees at EPCOT are not there simply for display. Disney works closely with wildlife experts and conservation organizations to help rehabilitate injured, orphaned, or otherwise compromised manatees.

During our last visit, the newest manatee was a little baby who had been orphaned. They are rehabbing her for a full release.

Many older manatees have been rescued after boat strikes, cold stress, or habitat loss. While some are eventually strong enough to return to the wild, others may need long-term care. The goal is always rehabilitation first, not captivity.

Educational signage throughout the exhibit explains each manatee’s story, helping kids (and adults) learn why conservation matters and how human actions affect marine life.

One way to save money on a Disney vacation

I have a Chase Disney card, and just for signing up, I got a $200 gift card plus a $200 statement credit. The card does have a $49 annual fee, but I still have $351 to use toward my next Disney trip for free! Check out our link to see the latest promotions!

Explore the Rest of the Aquarium at EPCOT

After you’ve checked out the manatee area, you can continue exploring one of the largest aquariums in the area. After seeing manatees at EPCOT, you’ll find multiple viewing areas featuring sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and a wide variety of tropical fish.

We spoke with a Team Member who was happy to share lots of insider knowledge, including telling us that one of the sea turtles is over 100 years old!

One of the best things to do at Disney World with babies

For families visiting with very young children, manatees at EPCOT offer a rare chance to introduce animals in a calm, low-stimulation environment.

It’s also a great option for kids who may feel overwhelmed by louder attractions or crowds elsewhere in the park.

For more info, check out Visiting Disney World with a baby.

Cooling off at EPCOT

Florida heat can be intense, especially in the middle of the day, and seeing manatees at Disney World offers one of the best indoor breaks at EPCOT. The entire experience takes place inside a dark, air-conditioned pavilion, making it an ideal spot to cool down, relax, and recharge.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Is Baby Friendly

The ride is slow-moving, gentle, and has no height requirement, making it safe during pregnancy (but always check with your medical professional!) and perfect for babies and toddlers. We have a blog post about Rides Without a Height Requirement at Disney World, so check that out for more!

After the ride, guests exit directly into the aquarium, where they can view the manatees and other marine animals.

Check out our other animal-related things to do in Florida with kids!

• A full history of Earl the Squirrel at Universal Studios
• Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Everything you need to know!
• The 10 best places to see sea turtles in Florida

Plus, we have lots of Disney travel tips too!

• The Closest Disney Resorts to the Parks
• 20 Genius Disney Park Bag Essentials
• Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World

Manatees at Disney World

We hope this guide to seeing manatees at Disney World was helpful. If you’re visiting Disney with a baby, toddler, or anyone who loves manatees, make sure to check out EPCOT!

I recommend booking with a Disney Travel Agent for your Disney vacation! Did you know that Amy (the mom and writer of this blog) is a certified Disney Travel Agent? Request a quote here.

If you plan to stay off property, I recommend checking out Expedia to see what is available in the Orlando area outside the Disney Resorts.

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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