Enjoy an Ariel Themed Day at Walt Disney World

One of the most beloved Disney characters of all time is Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Debuting in 1989 with the Disney animated film, Ariel quickly became popular with Guests thanks to her strong-willed nature, determination, and love for both Prince Eric and her family. Over the years, Ariel has become a fixture on every type of Disney merchandise and has also been the star of an animated television series as well as The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning.

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With such incredible popularity, it is no wonder that Ariel has also become a fixture in the Disney Parks over the years, with many attractions and experiences that allow Guests to feel like a part of her world. The Walt Disney World Resort in particular is home to several experiences that allow Guests to enter into Ariel’s story and feel as though they are right there with her. Let’s check out all of the amazing experiences for Guests to enjoy at the Walt Disney World Resort to have the perfect Ariel-inspired day!

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Disney’s Art of Animation

To kick off any incredible Ariel day at the Walt Disney World Resort, Guests should opt to stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which celebrates the beauty of animation. The Disney Resort is considered to be on the Value Resort tier in terms of cost, and it features four different areas that bring beloved Disney and Pixar animated films to life with larger-than-life characters and themed Guest rooms.

One area of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort celebrates The Little Mermaid with a large area featuring massive statues of favorite characters including Ariel, King Triton, Flounder, and Sebastian. Guests can also check out brightly colored buildings and additional decorations that mimic the ocean waves and sea creatures floating all around. Guests who stay in one of The Little Mermaid-themed rooms can also enjoy small details that further the experience, such as seashell-shaped headboards, shower curtains with Ariel on them, and a painting of Prince Eric and Max.

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Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

The next stop on an Ariel day at the Walt Disney World Resort is over in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. There, Guests can find an entire area that is themed to feel like the village that Prince Eric’s castle is found in, and Guests truly feel immersed in the story of The Little Mermaid.

In Fantasyland, Guests can enjoy a ride on Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, which begins with a lengthy queue that brings Guests through the outside areas of Prince Eric’s seaside castle and into a loading area where cheerful colorful clamshells are waiting to whisk them away. The attraction then retells the story from The Little Mermaid with brightly colored and lively scenes including “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl”. Guests will love spotting favorite characters along the way.

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Mickey’s PhilharMagic

After a ride on Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, Guests can head to the other side of Fantasyland to enjoy an attraction that pays tribute to The Little Mermaid, as well as a host of other classic Disney and Pixar animated films. Mickey’s PhilharMagic invites Guests to enjoy what is supposed to be a concert by Mickey and his orchestra before Donald steals his sorcerer hat and things go awry.

Each 3D scene throughout Mickey’s PhilharMagic is shown on a massive wrap-around screen that fully immerses Guests in the experience, and there are plenty of memorable musical numbers, including one featuring Ariel. The beloved mermaid can be seen singing “Part of Your World” in her cove of wonders with Flounder by her side, and Guests can sing along while watching her swim and interact with Donald in 3D.

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Prince Eric’s Village Market

After enjoying a morning exploring Fantasyland and experiencing attractions starring Ariel, Guests can continue their The Little Mermaid-themed day by stopping by a quick service location in Fantasyland for a snack. Prince Eric’s Village Market is found just across from Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, and it serves up some grab-and-go fresh fruit options as well as an indulgent treat that pays tribute to Ariel.

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Guests who stop at Prince Eric’s Village Market can enjoy fresh fruit options such as oranges and grapes as well as pickles, Turkey Legs, Jumbo Pretzels with Cheese, a Frozen Blue Raspberry Slushy, and Frozen Apple Slushy. The most memorable item from the location is by far the Mermaid Slushy, which combines both flavors of slushies served at Prince Eric’s Village Market and tops them with whipped cream and an edible blue and purple mermaid tail!

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Pool Break

After a fun morning in the Magic Kingdom, Guests should continue their Ariel-themed days by heading back to their Disney Resort and enjoying a relaxing break splashing around the pool. There’s obviously nothing Ariel loves more than splashing around and taking a break to enjoy the water and swim around like the fishes is a great way to feel just like Ariel!

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Dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro

To end a perfect Ariel and The Little Mermaid-themed day at Walt Disney World, Guests can head over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to enjoy a table service restaurant inspired by a beloved character from the Disney animated film. Sebastian’s Bistro is located right next to Old Port Royale at the Disney Resort and serves up a menu of family-style platters with delicious options inspired by Latin and Caribbean flavors.

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Sebastian’s Bistro features a bright and beachy interior with lightly colored wood, high vaulted ceilings, gauzy curtains, splashes of blue, and large windows that let in lots of natural light and offer great views of the water. Guests will love ending their Ariel-themed day at the Walt Disney World Resort by dining on delicious menu items including Oven-roasted Citrus Chicken, Fried Coconut Shrimp, Slow-cooked Mojo Pork with Mango Sambal, and the Celebrated House-made Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding.

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