Orlando students go behind-the-scenes at Disney's The Seas

Central Florida middle school students with Elevate Orlando went behind the scenes at Walt Disney World's The Seas at EPCOT to learn about marine animals and conservation, getting a rare look from the top of the tank and meeting everything from stingrays and sharks to a bowmouth guitarfish named Apollo. The students also got hands-on, helping feed rescued manatees Tani and Cider and visiting cold-stunned sea turtles Disney’s animal care team is rehabilitating before releasing them back into the ocean. Along the way, they worked on projects focused on protecting coral and caring for the oceans, with Disney and Elevate Orlando hoping the experience sparks curiosity and inspires future conservationists. For 13-year-old Cali Esters, the lesson was clear — small actions, like keeping plastic out of the ocean, can make a big difference.