Guests heading into Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom on February 11, 2026, will need to adjust their plans. Under the Sea–Journey of The Little Mermaid is temporarily closed for refurbishment, putting Ariel’s underwater adventure on pause for at least one day.
According to the Walt Disney World website, the attraction is listed as “currently closed,” and while no official reopening date is displayed, operating hours are posted for February 12—suggesting this may be a short-lived closure.
Under the Sea–Journey of The Little Mermaid first debuted in 2012 as part of the massive New Fantasyland expansion. Located inside Prince Eric’s castle, the family-friendly dark ride retells the story of Disney’s 1989 animated classic The Little Mermaid. Guests board pastel clamshell ride vehicles and float through show scenes featuring “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Along the way, Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Flounder, and Ursula appear through a combination of vibrant set pieces and advanced Audio-Animatronics.
Disney has not shared specific details about what’s taking place during this brief refurbishment. However, short closures of this nature typically focus on standard maintenance. That can include refreshing lighting effects, adjusting projection elements, fine-tuning Audio-Animatronics, and inspecting ride systems to ensure everything operates smoothly.
Routine upkeep is especially important as Walt Disney World Resort continues through a packed 2026 season. Even though Ariel’s grotto may be quiet for the moment, Magic Kingdom as a whole is anything but.
In fact, the park is currently experiencing one of the largest waves of change in its history.
Frontierland has already seen permanent closures that signal a major shift in direction. The Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island have closed for good to make way for a large-scale Cars-themed expansion called Piston Peak National Park.
Inspired by Pixar’s Cars franchise, Piston Peak National Park is expected to combine the atmosphere of America’s national parks with the personality of Radiator Springs. Early concept art and visible construction activity point to towering rock formations, waterfalls, and immersive landscapes that will dramatically reshape the western portion of Magic Kingdom.
The transformation is already noticeable. Where guests once enjoyed waterfront views and quiet pathways, construction equipment and cleared land now dominate the scene. For longtime fans, it marks the end of several opening-day-era experiences. At the same time, it highlights Disney’s continued focus on expanding major franchises inside its parks.
And that’s not the only project underway.
Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disney is developing what has been announced as Villains Land. This upcoming expansion will center on Disney’s most iconic antagonists and introduce a darker storytelling approach to Magic Kingdom. While official details remain limited, permits and visible construction confirm that substantial work is happening behind the scenes.
The idea of a villain-themed environment represents a noticeable tonal shift for the park, broadening its lineup beyond princesses and fairy tales into something more mischievous and dramatic.
Even Cinderella Castle, the park’s central icon, is receiving updates as part of Disney’s broader effort to refresh established elements while building new ones. Throughout the park, cranes and construction walls serve as constant reminders that Magic Kingdom is evolving.
In that larger context, the temporary closure of Under the Sea–Journey of The Little Mermaid feels relatively minor. While entire lands are being replaced and new franchises take over large sections of the park, Disney is still maintaining classic Fantasyland attractions that families have enjoyed for over a decade.
Guests planning upcoming trips should keep an eye on the official refurbishment calendar, as short-term closures can shift quickly. If the posted schedule holds, Ariel and her friends should be welcoming riders back as soon as February 12.
How do you feel about Magic Kingdom changing so much this year? Let us know in the comments down below!
