At this time , manatees Lou and Lil ’ Joe make their home in the Marine Mammal tank , which has upstairs above-water views and downstairs below-water views . However , the West Indian manatees at The Seas are not meant to be permanent residents ; the goal is always to rehabilitate the animals and release them back into the wild . You can identify Lou by the scarring on his tail after a boat strike . After being orphaned as a baby , Lil ’ Joe has spent time at five aquariums — and has been rescued three times before coming to EPCOT . Animal care experts are carefully monitoring his ability to be released .
CHARACTER MAGIC : Ariel
GNARLY EXTRAS , DUDE ! During normal park operation , guests can also enjoy a few additional experiences throughout The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion , but it ’ s best to check current safety protocols for availability .
Next to the gift shop , you can ’ t help but notice Bruce ’ s Shark World , a small mazetype area with some hands-on activities for kids . Older kids and kids-at-heart can take advantage of touchscreen ocean quizzes in this section too .
BY TRISHA DAAB
WHERE TO MEET ARIEL : During regular operations , Ariel is in her grotto at Magic Kingdom with her mermaid fins . But during character meals , she dons a beautiful sea green-colored gown . Ariel has one of the most unique princess character meal options : Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno at Disney ’ s BoardWalk . There , you ’ ll find her on a double date with Prince Eric and their friends Rapunzel and Flynn .
Ariel also joins her fellow princesses at the character meals in Cinderella Castle and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT .
NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY ? Ask her about Scuttle ’ s latest discovery .
MAKE SURE TO : Wear a seashell necklace , and Ariel just might ask if you ’ re a sea witch ! To get in a mermaid mood , ride Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in Magic Kingdom .
BEYOND THE AUTOGRAPH BOOK : A map from Art of Animation Resort with the legendary Little Mermaid section is a great conversation starter , and maps are a fun and free souvenir . A dinglehopper ( fork ) or a seashell can also make for a quirky displayworthy autograph .
Bruce ' s Shark World offers great fun with your fishy friends . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG
FUN FACT : Ariel is one of only two princesses who wear two different costumes in regular meet-and-greets . Do you know the other ?