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Disney is officially on the hunt for its next Ariel, signaling yet another shift for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The original Voyage of the Little Mermaid debuted at Disney World’s third theme park in 1992, offering fans a captivating live performance experience inspired by its iconic 1989 animation. However, the show never reopened after its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rumors suggesting mold had become a serious issue inside the theater.
Credit: Disney
Disney later revealed plans for a reimagined version of The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, targeting a fall 2024 debut. These plans have since been delayed to summer 2025, and we now have concrete proof that Disney is working towards this date, as it just announced casting calls for the new stage production.
Walt Disney World Resort is officially looking for new Ariels and Erics to bring The Little Mermaid (1989) to life on a daily basis in Animation Courtyard.
Credit: Disney
Casting Calls for Ariel and Prince Eric
Requirements for the new characters include:
Ariel: 5’2″ – 5’6″. A spirited, fun-loving, yet curious mermaid princess who longs to be a part of the human world. Lyrical pop soprano with belt to C.
Prince Eric: 5’10“- 6’0″. Charismatic and fearless, Prince Eric is a true romantic who never gives up on his heart’s desire. Non-singing role.
The show will include beloved songs like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Daughters of Triton,” the latter of which never featured in Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Credit: Disney
In addition to its classic soundtrack, the production will feature innovative new puppetry and cutting-edge digital imagery, with motion capture technology enhancing characters such as King Triton, Ursula, and Ariel’s sisters.
A New Era for Hollywood Studios
The opening of The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure marks a rare piece of good news for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a park that has undergone significant shifts in recent years.
While the reimagined show offers a fresh take on the beloved Disney classic, it also symbolizes the broader transformation of the park’s identity, which has been rapidly moving away from its roots in Hollywood filmmaking. With the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and other immersive experiences, Disney has shifted its focus from celebrating the art of movies to fully immersing guests in popular film franchises.
Credit: Paul Hudson, Flickr
This approach, while thrilling for fans of those specific properties, has led to the decline of some of the park’s earlier offerings—particularly those that once embodied the spirit of movie-making.
Case in point: Disney recently confirmed the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D to make way for a Monsters, Inc. (2001)-themed land, further signaling the park’s pivot. The decision has left fans heartbroken, especially given that the show was Jim Henson’s final creation.
Credit: Disney
The closure of such an iconic attraction, which had long been a favorite among park-goers, is a heavy blow to the heart and soul of Hollywood Studios (not to mention Muppet fans themselves). While Disney has announced plans to relocate the Muppets to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, it’s not quite the same as preserving their original home – and feels an awful lot like a “two birds, one stone” solution to finally axe Aerosmith from the park.
The timing of this closure is also striking, considering the park’s ongoing capacity issues. Disney could have benefitted from retaining beloved, fan-favorite attractions like Muppet*Vision 3D to help manage crowds and offer a broader range of experiences. Then there’s the fact that it chose to close Muppet*Vision 3D instead of, you know, the total waste of space that is Star Wars Launch Bay. (Us? Bitter? Definitely not).
Credit: Disney
As Disney continues to reshape Hollywood Studios, these decisions are sparking debate among fans about the park’s future. Many feel that the emphasis on pushing more IP at the expense of older, more classic experiences is creating a disjointed park that lacks the cohesive charm it once had. While the Little Mermaid show offers a glimmer of hope, it’s clear that Hollywood Studios is in the midst of an identity crisis—but at least Ariel will be there to witness it.
