Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland, with its enchanting attractions and whimsical atmosphere, is undeniably one of the Magic Kingdom’s highlights. Among the many treasures in this fairy-tale land is Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, a delightful dark ride that immerses guests in Ariel’s underwater world.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or visiting for the first time, here are eight magical aspects of this attraction that you simply can’t miss.
1. Hidden Mickeys Galore
Disney parks are renowned for their Hidden Mickeys—discreetly placed Mickey Mouse silhouettes that add an extra layer of fun for keen-eyed guests. Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is a treasure trove of these elusive symbols.
Throughout the queue and ride, you can spot as many as seven Hidden Mickeys. The most elusive one appears only once a year, on November 18, Mickey Mouse’s birthday. At precisely noon, sunlight aligns perfectly with a special rock carving to create a Hidden Mickey on the queue wall.
But don’t be late—the magical display lasts just seven minutes!
2. The Ultimate Ursula
No visit to Under the Sea is complete without experiencing the towering presence of Ursula the Sea Witch. As the most impressive audio-animatronic in the ride, Ursula stands a formidable 7.5 feet tall and spans 12 feet in girth.
Her larger-than-life portrayal captures the eerie essence of her animated counterpart, with a chilling atmosphere that might be a bit intense for the youngest guests.
Disney Imagineers have outdone themselves, creating a scene that brings Ursula’s lair to life with stunning detail and an unmistakable sense of foreboding.
3. Breathtaking Underwater Effects
One of the most captivating aspects of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is its seamless transition from the human world to the underwater realm. As you board your clamshell, you’ll experience a notable temperature drop that coincides with a gentle descent on the ride’s track.
The cool “water” and vibrant colors around you signal your entry into Ariel’s magical world. The reverse transition back to the human world is equally enchanting, as the visual and physical effects gracefully guide you out of the underwater experience.
4. Meet Ariel in Her Grotto
For those who adore Ariel, the magic continues beyond the ride itself. Adjacent to Under the Sea is Ariel’s Grotto, where you can meet the beloved mermaid in person.
Before or after your undersea adventure, stop by to meet Ariel, snap some photos, and get her autograph amidst her cherished treasures from the human world. This charming meet-and-greet experience adds an extra layer of enchantment to your visit.
5. Enjoy Shorter Wait Times
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is known for its relatively short wait times compared to some of the Magic Kingdom’s more popular attractions. The ride utilizes Omnimover technology, which allows for continuous loading and unloading of guests.
This efficient system ensures that more guests can experience the ride with less waiting, making it a great choice for families looking to maximize their time in the park. Even if you don’t have a FastPass+ reservation, you’re likely to enjoy a minimal wait.
6. Interactive Queue and Impressive Little Mermaid Details
Disney Imagineers are masters at creating immersive queue experiences, and Under the Sea is no exception. The exterior of the attraction is a visual feast, featuring details such as Eric’s castle, shipwrecks, and artificial rock formations adorned with seashells.
While waiting in line, guests can enjoy interactive elements, including a scavenger hunt with Scuttle. An audio-animatronic Scuttle adds humor and context to the treasures found, ensuring that even if the wait is longer than expected, it remains engaging and entertaining.
7. Memorable Music From The Little Mermaid
The soundtrack of The Little Mermaid is iconic, and the music in Under the Sea plays a crucial role in enhancing the ride experience.
Alan Menken’s memorable songs from the film are featured throughout the attraction, including new instrumental music composed specifically for the ride’s finale and transitional scenes.
Fans of the film will recognize the voices of key characters, with Jodi Benson reprising her role as Ariel and Pat Carroll as Ursula, adding authenticity and nostalgia to the experience.
8. Nods to Past Attractions
Disney parks are known for their reverence for past attractions, and Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is no exception. The ride occupies the space formerly home to the beloved 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction.
Keen-eyed guests can spot subtle nods to this classic ride, such as the impression of the Nautilus submarine on a rock formation in the queue. Additionally, Disney Imagineers preserved some of the water from the old attraction, blending it into the new ride’s water, demonstrating that no Disney attraction is ever truly gone.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is a testament to Disney’s ability to create immersive and magical experiences. From the Hidden Mickeys and stunning animatronics to the engaging queue and memorable music, this attraction offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a fan of Ariel’s underwater world or simply looking for a relaxing, family-friendly ride, Under the Sea promises a delightful experience that adds to the magic of Fantasyland at Walt Disney World.
Have you experienced Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid? What was your favorite part of the attraction? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
