Submarine Voyage

Submarine Voyage is an underwater ride at Disneyland, California, where eight yellow vessels travel through artificial lagoons. Each vessel has portholes along the sides through which riders see sea creatures, sunken ships, and rock formations.

The attraction opened in 1959 as part of a major expansion of the park and introduced a new concept for story-driven rides. It was later renovated and reopened with new themes, but kept the original submarine design.

The name refers to the American fascination with submarines during the Cold War, when these machines represented both technology and adventure. Today families ride together in the cabins and peer through the round windows at the artificial underwater world.

Riders climb down narrow stairs into the cabin, so the ride is difficult for people with limited mobility. The journey lasts about 12 minutes and takes place in enclosed spaces with artificial lighting.

The lagoon holds about 9 million gallons of filtered water and is lit with special lighting techniques that create the illusion of greater depth. The view through the windows appears blue and diffuse, as if riders were truly floating underwater.