2 Finding Nemo Connections You May Have Missed in Finding Dory

Updated on June 18, 2016 at 7:00 AM

Finding Dory finally hit theaters this week, and we couldn't be more excited. Not only did the film flood us with emotions as our favorite forgetful fish sets out to find her parents, but it also has some fun tie-ins to the beloved first film, Finding Nemo. Intrigued to know more? Just keep on swimming for the incredible connections you may have missed. Spoilers ahead!

The Reason Dory Knows How to Speak Whale

Turns out, Dory's family is actually part of a marine life institute in the Jewel of Morro Bay, CA. When she travels to the aquarium to find her parents, she runs into a whale, fittingly named Destiny. As she tries to communicate with the friendly mammal, we find out that the two were actually friends when Dory was younger. So, while Marlin constantly made fun of her obnoxious language, Dory really did know how to speak whale this whole time.

The Reason Dory Always Sings "Just Keep Swimming"

This is the connection that will really get you where it hurts. While Dory's uplifting tune has been cherished by fans over the years, the sequel actually reveals that it came from none other than Dory's parents. When Dory was younger and struggling with her short-term memory loss, her parents taught her the sweet melody so that she would never be afraid. That's right, this whole time she's been singing that song, she was unknowingly remembering her childhood. Cue the waterworks!