The Unsuspecting Disneyland Ride Some Guests Say Is One Of The Scariest

When vacationers think of Disneyland, images of beloved characters and joyful experiences often come to mind. Its nickname is "the happiest place on earth" for a reason, after all. Disneyland in California is the park that started it all, and it still has unique attractions only found at Disneyland to this day. However, for some guests, one particular ride sparks unexpected fear, making it one of the scariest experiences in the park. No, it's not the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Believe it or not, we're not talking about The Haunted Mansion or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, either. The surprising contender for unexpected fear? The seemingly innocent Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

Located in Tomorrowland, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is a gentle, slow-moving ride that takes guests on an underwater adventure inspired by the Disney-Pixar film "Finding Nemo." The attraction features a mix of real underwater scenes and animated projections, allowing visitors to explore the ocean's depths alongside beloved characters like Nemo, Marlin, and Dory. However, despite its family-friendly theme, the ride has garnered a reputation among some visitors for being unexpectedly terrifying. While Disney's Rider Switch program is usually used for families with young children, it may be the adults who want to switch out on this attraction!

One of the primary reasons this ride has become infamous among certain guests is its claustrophobic nature. The submarines are enclosed, with small portholes providing the only view of the world outside. For some, the tight quarters can induce a sense of confinement and panic, even if the ride doesn't fully submerge under water. As one Reddit user from the r/Disneyland subreddit shared, "Only the windows are underwater, which is enough to create the illusion of being submerged. It's still awful for people with claustrophobia." The enclosed space, combined with the ride's slow pace, can make the experience feel longer than it is, amplifying the discomfort.

Another aspect that contributes to the ride's unsettling reputation is submechanophobia: The fear of submerged artificial objects — not to mention the often terrifying real-life creatures they represent. For individuals with these phobias, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage can be a nightmare. The ride features various underwater props, including large animatronic figures and structures. One Redditer on the r/submechanophobia subreddit described their experience: "I don't like the massive moving animatronic fish and clam shells that surround you," they wrote, specifically mentioning the terrifying anglerfish. "Being surrounded by all those robotic fish and moving creatures ... makes me feel so uncomfortable." The combination of dark water, frightening looming figures, and the knowledge that you're submerged adds a layer of fear for those sensitive to such imagery.

While the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage may not be the first ride that comes to mind when thinking of thrill rides at Disneyland, it has certainly left a lasting impression on some guests. Whether it's the tight spaces, the eerie underwater objects, or simply an unexpected sense of unease, this seemingly benign attraction has earned a reputation for being one of the park's most surprisingly scary encounters. However, those who have experienced this attraction without its terrifying side effects say the show is much more pleasant when they are not squeezed into a giant metal tube with several other guests. 

A great tip every Disneyland visitor should know involves experiencing the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage without the phobia triggers. According to the official Disneyland website, there is a "shore" viewing area at the end of the dock where guests normally board. The accessible spot is called the Observation Outpost, and it shows the "live-feed" video of what guests inside the submarine are seeing. This option is available to anyone who may have phobias or is unable to maneuver the stairs down into the submarine. Guests simply ask a cast member for an alternate viewing of the attraction before boarding.