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Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Inspired Attractions to Enjoy Before May 26

Posted by: Steven Wilk April 27, 2023

Little Mermaid Attraction at MK
Credit: Disney

The Little Mermaid (1989) is one of the most beloved films of Disney’s second Renaissance. Its popularity has led to multiple rides, shows, and character appearances in Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World.

The Little Mermaid Dark Ride

The most famous Ariel-based attractions are Ariel’s Undersea Adventure (Disney California Adventure) and Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid (Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom).

Like most family-friendly attractions in Disney Parks, this Omnimover dark ride has no height requirements and is appropriate for all ages (no evil queens to scare little kids).

It debuted in California Adventure in 2011 before being added to the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland in 2012 under a slightly different name. Both versions are among the most popular dark rides in either Resort and take Guests on a nearly seven-minute re-telling of the animated film.

Meet-And-Greet

Disneyland and Disney World Guests can meet Ariel in person for photo opportunities and an authentic autographic. Royal Hall at Disneyland Park provides multiple meet-and-greets for various Disney princesses. Although it often entertains three princesses at a time, Guests should double-check that Ariel is in court before they arrive.

Meet and Greet Ariel Grotto

Credit: Disney

Located inside Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is Ariel’s Grotto, where fans of the little mermaid can snag a photo with Ariel. It’s just a hop, skip, and jump (on those…what do you call them?…feet!) from the Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid dark ride.

Live Character Shows

Ariel can also be spotted at various performances throughout both theme Park resorts. Most notably, she can be spotted in the finale of Fantasmic! (both at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and on a float in the Magic Kingdom’s Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

parade ariel float festival of fantasy

Credit: Disney Tips

On May 26, 2023, Disney is set to release the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as the title character, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as Triton.

RELATED: What Kind of New Music Can Disney Fans Expect in ‘The Little Mermaid?’

Although no plans exist to update or remove these attractions in Disneyland Park or Walt Disney World, Hollywood Studios has already taken steps to end the 20-year-old Voyage of the Little Mermaid show.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney's Hollywood Studios

However fans of the classic Disney princess choose to enjoy the film and character, Guests at either Disney Parks will not be disappointed.

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)