Disney Quietly Removes Select Showtimes for Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond opened earlier this week at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The reimagined production replaced the former Finding Nemo – The Musical, which had been running in the Theater in the Wild from 2007 until its closure at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new show includes an enhanced video screen that works with physical sets to expand the scenery beyond the limitations of the stage, and it features details from Finding Dory (2016) as well as many of the hit numbers from the original show.

When Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond opened, six showtimes were scheduled throughout each day. For the past three days, however, two showtimes each day have been removed. We’ve looked into what could be going on at the show, and will be sharing some tips to help you see the show and make the most of your visit.

Both the first and the last showtimes (10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) have been cancelled that past few days, with the remaining performances going on as scheduled. Typically when a show in Walt Disney World cancels or is modified (and it isn’t outdoors and closing due to weather) staff shortages are to blame.

We cannot say for sure, but another possibility that fans have speculated is that the show isn’t drawing enough of a crowd. While this can’t be confirmed without Disney releasing a clear statement on the show, it certainly seems possible since it is the first and last shows of the day that are being cancelled, and those would typically be the slowest of all six performances.

So far this week, Disney has been removing performances on the day of. As of this writing, tomorrow’s schedule (for June 17, 2022) includes all six shows. If you are visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the future and hoping to see Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond, be sure to check showtimes on DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app the day of your visit.

Another quick tip for seeing Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond, and other shows around Walt Disney World. If you are able to find Genie+ windows for rides as opposed to shows, you will get a greater value of our Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane by using your selections for rides.

For a show like Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond, the Lightning Lane entrance will only get you seated earlier. You will still be waiting for the same show as standby Guests. Getting in early can be beneficial if it is a show that would fill up, but in most cases around Walt Disney World this early entry isn’t necessary.

We will keep you updated if any other changes come to Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond here on Disney Tips.