New Ariel Coming to Disney Parks

Out of the sea…wishes she could be…part of our world.

Credit: Disney

Fans of the old The Little Mermaid (1989) and the new live-action The Little Mermaid (2023) are in for a surprise. Disney Parks has announced that the updated version of the classic princess will be coming to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Starting in late May to coincide with the upcoming film’s release, Ariel will be venturing out to Disney Parks this summer.

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Walt Disney World

In Orlando, Ariel will be available for meet-and-greets near Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Monsters Inc. (2001) characters are currently occupying residency. While visiting the Little Mermaid, Guests will be invited to grab a sneak peek of props from the film inside the Walt Disney Presents Theater.

Disneyland Resort

In Anaheim at Disneyland Park, Ariel will greet fans of all ages along the promenade near “it’s a small world.” Just as with similar character meet-and-greets, she will be available for photo ops and autographs.

NEW: Ariel from the upcoming live-action 'The Little Mermaid' will begin meeting guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland starting in late May.

WDW: At Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

DLR: Along the promenade near “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Park. pic.twitter.com/zLppdVfWBb

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 27, 2023

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Animated Classic vs. Live-Action Remake

Starring singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as Triton, the film will be released exclusively in theaters on May 26, 2023. The Little Mermaid (2023) has not been without its controversies as of late, including casting choices, critiques of its special effects, and announcements of changes to the original film’s song lyrics.

Credit: Disney D23

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

Of course, it’s always interesting to see Disney’s choices when remaking live versions of their animated classics, but they have not always been received well.

Credit: Disney/IMDb

Hopefully, this film will be judged on its merits instead of the tangled controversies that seem to follow it around.