This Magic Kingdom Closure Could Ruin a Disney Princess Fan’s Day
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid will be unavailable at Magic Kingdom on February 12, 2026, for a brief refurbishment. Guests planning visits that day should be aware of the closure.
Single-Day Closure Details
Disney confirmed the attraction will undergo maintenance on February 12 and reopen afterward. The park’s operating calendar shows the ride unavailable only on that specific date.
One-day closures typically involve routine maintenance such as lighting updates, ride vehicle inspections, and animatronic work. Disney has not shared specific details about what maintenance will be performed.
Impact on Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid serves as a high-capacity Fantasyland attraction that absorbs guests throughout the day. When it closes, nearby rides often experience increased wait times, particularly Peter Pan’s Flight and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
The attraction provides a calm, visually rich experience using animatronics, immersive sets, and music from the animated film. Scuttle narrates Ariel’s journey, making it popular with families and young children.
Planning Around the Magic Kingdom Closure
Guests with Little Mermaid fans should consider visiting Magic Kingdom on a different date if the attraction is a priority. For those with only one park day or short trips, rearranging the itinerary may be worthwhile.
February 12 could be a good day to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which offers Little Mermaid experiences across various formats.
Hollywood Studios Alternatives
Hollywood Studios features live-action Ariel character meet-and-greets, offering a unique yet memorable experience. The park also hosts The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, a stage show retelling Ariel’s story through performers, large-scale visuals, and film music.
Some guests find the theatrical version offers more emotional impact than the ride, making it a valuable substitute while the Magic Kingdom attraction is unavailable.
Little Mermaid Park History
The animated film The Little Mermaid premiered in 1989 and launched the Disney Renaissance. Ariel first appeared in parks through stage shows and character meet-and-greets.
Disney-MGM Studios, now Hollywood Studios, debuted Voyage of the Little Mermaid in 1992, a live stage production that became a fan favorite.
Magic Kingdom didn’t receive a dedicated Little Mermaid ride until 2012, when Under the Sea opened as part of the New Fantasyland expansion. This marked the first time Ariel had a permanent story-driven ride in a U.S. Disney park.
Attraction Significance at Magic Kingdom
Under the Sea represents one of the few permanent Disney Princess rides at Magic Kingdom. While guests can meet princesses throughout the park, Ariel’s ride offers a full storytelling experience many families consider essential, particularly for first-time visitors.
For guests traveling with Little Mermaid fans, losing this ride for the day removes a core piece of the Magic Kingdom experience.
Maintenance Trends
The one-day refurbishment reflects a broader trend across Disney and Universal parks where attractions undergo more frequent maintenance, sometimes with minimal notice. Parks balance heavy attendance with aging infrastructure requiring regular upkeep.
These closures highlight the importance of checking park calendars before finalizing plans, especially when specific characters or rides are non-negotiable priorities.
Visit Strategy
Guests visiting Walt Disney World in February should verify attraction availability and strategically plan their park days. If Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is a must-do, choosing a different Magic Kingdom date avoids disappointment.
With thoughtful planning, guests can still enjoy Ariel’s story elsewhere in the resort through Hollywood Studios alternatives rather than arriving at Fantasyland to find the beloved Disney Princess ride temporarily unavailable.
For families with Little Mermaid priorities, visiting Magic Kingdom on a date other than February 12 ensures access to all Fantasyland attractions without unexpected closures disrupting vacation plans.
