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Ariel Waves Goodbye: The Little Mermaid Removed at Disney Theme Park

The transformation of a Disney World classic is officially underway. The well-loved Voyage of the Little Mermaid sign has been completely removed as the park moves forward with its plans to unveil a brand-new show this summer. This marks a significant step in the evolution of one of Hollywood Studios’ most enduring attractions.

Animated image of Ariel from Disney's "The Little Mermaid." Ariel, with bright red hair, blue eyes, and a purple seashell top, is looking upwards with a hopeful expression amidst a background filled with various underwater objects and treasures.
Credit: Disney

The new production, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, was initially planned to debut earlier but has been rescheduled for a summer opening. Disney promises that this reimagined show will immerse audiences with “cutting-edge effects, stunning new set pieces, and a bold new design that captures Ariel’s emotions and imagination.” Based on the animated film, the show will feature fan-favorite moments, including the Kiss the Girl scene, bringing the underwater world of Atlantica to life like never before.

A red-haired mermaid, reminiscent of the little mermaid, with a purple seashell bra and green tail smiles while resting on a rock underwater. Next to her, a yellow and blue fish looks at her affectionately. The background features underwater plants and dark scenery.
Credit: Disney

While construction on the exterior of the building was announced back in October 2024, physical changes remained minimal—until now. With the sign gone, the attraction’s entrance is getting ready for a refreshed look that will reflect the magic of this highly anticipated update.

A Look Back at the Voyage of the Little Mermaid Marquee

Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney
Credit: Disney

For years, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid sign stood as a hallmark of the attraction, delighting guests with its vibrant underwater aesthetic. The design featured Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian in 3D, along with flat depictions of Ursula and King Triton. The curved backdrop created a whimsical scene that captured the charm of Ariel’s world.

Now, the marquee has been removed, clearing the way for an all-new sign to welcome visitors to The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. This is just one of many changes Disney has planned as it updates the attraction to bring new life to the story of everyone’s favorite mermaid.

Navigating Criticism: The Little Mermaid and Disney’s Creative Choices

The Little Mermaid
Credit: Disney

As excitement grows for the updated show, it’s worth noting that The Little Mermaid has not been immune to controversy. Disney’s recent live-action adaptation of the animated classic faced significant backlash, with some accusing the company of prioritizing “woke” values in its storytelling.

The film starred Halle Bailey as Ariel, a casting choice that sparked heated online debates. Critics of the casting argued that Bailey, a Black actress, did not align with the original animated version of Ariel. This led to the viral hashtag #NotMyAriel, with detractors calling for a different actress.

Despite the noise, the film proved to be a major success. Directed by Rob Marshall, the live-action Little Mermaid outperformed the animated original at the box office and set streaming records on Disney+, becoming the platform’s most-watched debut since Hocus Pocus 2.

Disney has faced similar scrutiny with its other live-action adaptations, including the upcoming Snow White. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has drawn criticism for significant changes to the original story, such as eliminating the dwarfs and recasting Snow White as a more independent, modern leader.

A New Chapter for Ariel

While The Little Mermaid and Disney’s recent live-action adaptations have sparked debate, the upcoming show promises to honor the original animated classic while incorporating fresh, innovative elements.

With the removal of the iconic marquee and visible progress on the building’s exterior, fans can feel the excitement building for the summer debut of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. Despite the challenges and controversies, Disney remains committed to creating stories that resonate with audiences across generations.

Stay tuned as Disney unveils more details about the show’s opening date and what guests can expect from this reimagined underwater adventure.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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