Is there a special tool or a easy way to pull apart these cables?

I see the little black 'notch' which looks like if carefully lifted you should be able to then pull the wire out.

That doesn't appear to be happening, any tips?

 

Yep, those are the retainers. A slide a thin, small, flat screw driver (like a glasses repair kit type) under the tab while pulling on the wire.

Out of curiosity - what do you plan to do once you've pulled the wire out of the connector housing?