If you’ve ever stopped for some Dole Whip or just a moment’s rest inside the Tropical Hideaway, you may have noticed some names on the back wall. But who are they?
Meet the SEA
These are members of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (SEA for short), a fictional troop filled with all kinds of fascinating characters. The SEA’s members include scientists, artists, researchers, and good old-fashioned adventurers from around the world, with a shared mission of exploring the world’s most exotic lands and seas.
The SEA first appeared within the Disney Parks in Tokyo DisneySea. DisneySea has a walkthrough attraction called “Fortress Explorations”, where visitors can solve puzzles and become members of the SEA themselves. The official SEA crest, located within the attraction, declares four core principles for the Society:
- Adventure
- Romance
- Discovery
- Innovation
Source: Attractions Magazine
At the Oceaneer Lab (Disney Cruise Line) and Mystic Manor (Hong Kong Disneyland), you can find the Society’s official mission statement:
The mission of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers is to collect, conserve, and curate valuable cultural and artistic artifacts from around the world and make them available to the public in an artistically pleasing and sensitive manner. It is furthermore the mission of the organization to equip and mount socio-cultural expeditions to discover, explore, chronicle and protect the artistic achievements of human society, past and present, exalted and forgotten.
Source: Theme Park Tourist
Nods to the Adventurers
The SEA has since expanded far beyond Tokyo DisneySea; today, you can find references in Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and of course, Disneyland.
Not surprisingly, you’ll find mentions of the gang within Adventureland:
- Bengal Barbecue – Several photographs of the crew, including an 1899 club portrait
- Tropical Hideaway – Canoe paddles dedicated to members and their expeditions
Over in Frontierland, you’ll also find two little nods within Big Thunder Mountain Railroad:
- This one is hard to spot – it took me several tries to find it. At the end of your train ride, you’ll ride past the little mining town of Rainbow Ridge. Look in the window of the Panhandle Hotel, and you’ll see a portrait of another member, Barnabus T. Bullion.
- On the trail by the entrances to Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll notice a red wagon. On top, there’s some cargo en route to Jason Chandler, one of the SEA members.
The Members
Source: The Disney Wiki
Over time, many of the members of the SEA have developed elaborate backstories and lore. New members pop up from time to time in the different parks, and some even have direct references in different attractions. While I don’t think there is an exhaustive list of members anywhere, here are a few notable members (with links to their bios!):
- Barnabas T. Bullion – president of the Big Thunder Mining Company
- Camellia Falco – hot air balloon traveler and creator of a glider inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
- Captain Mary Oceaneer – captain of the MS Salty IV
- Dr. Albert Falls – founder of the Jungle Navigation Company
- Harrison Hightower III – a corrupt member whose downfall came from stealing a cursed idol
- Jason Chandler – an inventor who served as both secretary and president of the SEA
- Jock Lindsey – an airplane pilot with a pet boa constrictor
- Lord Henry Mystic – a globetrotter always accompanied by his pet monkey Albert
Source: Theme Park Tourist
The more you learn about the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, the more you’ll notice them creeping up around the Disney parks (not to mention the cruise line and Aulani!). Over time, the SEA lore just keeps growing, so there’s always something new to discover about this mysterious and secretive club. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if more and more references pop up around Disneyland in the next few years!