If you’ve walked through Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom lately and noticed something missing—something… bubbly—it’s not your imagination. One of the park’s most charming family attractions has taken a brief leave of absence this week.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, located beneath Prince Eric’s Castle, has been a go-to ride for guests of all ages since it opened as part of the New Fantasyland expansion. Inspired by the beloved 1989 animated film, the ride immerses you in Ariel’s world through colorful scenes, catchy music, and iconic characters. Gliding along in a clamshell, you pass by Ariel’s grotto, enjoy Sebastian’s underwater concert, and even encounter the menacing Ursula before that happy-ever-after finale.
It’s a favorite not just for the story, but for being a reliable, relaxing escape from the Florida heat. It’s rare to find a ride that checks all the boxes: air-conditioned, family-friendly, highly themed, and consistently enjoyable.
But starting Monday, July 21, guests won’t be able to swim alongside Ariel and friends. Disney has temporarily closed the ride for scheduled maintenance, with the attraction expected to reopen by Saturday, July 26. According to the Walt Disney World calendar, operating hours return to normal that day—so fingers crossed there are no unexpected delays.
This isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Like other dark rides, Journey of the Little Mermaid relies heavily on audio-visual technology and animatronics that occasionally need to be refreshed. Even the best-maintained ride needs a little TLC to keep the magic intact. And while fans would love to have it running 365 days a year, these refurbishments are how Disney preserves the quality that makes the ride so special.
That said, it’s still a little sad to see Ariel out of commission, even temporarily. For many families, this is a “can’t miss” attraction. It’s got nostalgia for grown-ups, fun for little ones, and a solid soundtrack that gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
The good news? There’s still plenty to do nearby. Fantasyland offers other classics like Peter Pan’s Flight, “it’s a small world”, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic—each offering a similarly whimsical, all-ages vibe.
So if you’re visiting this week, don’t worry. Ariel hasn’t left the kingdom for good. Think of this like a short vacation for our favorite mermaid before she’s back and better than ever. And if you’re walking past Prince Eric’s Castle, maybe give it a little wave. She’ll be singing again soon.
