Turtle Talk With Crush debuted at Walt Disney World in 2004 , initiating the new Finding Nemo theming process . Because of the interactive specificity of each show , guests often wonder , “ Hey , how ’ d they do that ?”
The answer lies in digital puppet technology . Backstage , there ’ s a real actor who can see the audience via hidden cameras in the theater . ( Nope , not through the screen !) That actor operates a puppet whose computer graphic avatar is projected on a screen as Crush . Digital Crush ’ s mouth is lip-synced to the actor ’ s words , so it looks as if he ’ s really talking .
Certain jokes in the show are scripted as a launch point , but most of the show is improvised based on how the audience responds . Some guests even report asking about other movie characters , such as Dory , then watching as Crush invites that character into the show .
Turtle Talk With Crush can also be found at Disney Parks in California , Hong Kong , and Tokyo . Similar technology is used in Animator ’ s Palate restaurants on Disney Cruise ships as well . And Disneyland resort donated a Turtle Talk With Crush unit to the Children ’ s Hospital of Orange County , where volunteer cast members perform the show several times each week for patients .
That ’ s pretty cool , dude !
Thanks to some behind-the-scenes magic , each show of Turtle Talk With Crush is truly unique . PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP
Animal care experts use a bright light to signal feeding time to the sharks at EPCOT .
And no one wants to pass up a chance to cool off at Turtle Talk With Crush , a small theater-type attraction where Crush talks personally with audience members . It typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes , depending upon the participation level , and wait times are posted on the My Disney Experience app . hints at a sea creature friend . Once they ’ ve solved the riddle , kids can place the corresponding sticker on the page .
Like the ocean itself , The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion is filled with life and wonder . With the ride , the wildlife , and the many activities , there ’ s truly something for everyone here . So whose EPCOT itinerary always includes The Seas ? “ Mine ! Mine ! Mine !”— and hopefully “ Yours ! Yours ! Yours !” too !
Dory ’ s Scavenger Hunt is a relatively new addition to The Seas . You ’ ll find a passport-sized booklet at a kiosk near the Nemo ride exit . Kids can use this guide to help Dory remember where to find certain friends . Each page contains a riddle or two that