Get Ready for the ‘Little Mermaid’ Show as Disney Announces Grand Opening Date!
In 1989, Disney released one of its most iconic animated films, The Little Mermaid, forever changing the landscape of animated cinema and becoming a beloved classic. The movie tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid princess who dreams of life on land and ultimately makes a deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to trade her voice for legs in hopes of winning the heart of Prince Eric.
Since its release, The Little Mermaid has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, spawning numerous adaptations, merchandise, and theme park attractions. Now, Disney fans have something else to look forward to — a brand-new Little Mermaid stage show!
Related: The Hunt for Disney’s Next Little Mermaid Officially Begins
In 1992, Disney’s MGM Studios (now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios) introduced the “Voyage of The Little Mermaid” stage show at Walt Disney World Resort. This live-action musical became a favorite for many, bringing to life the story of Ariel and her undersea world with impressive puppets, live performers, and a showcase of beloved songs from the film.
However, over the years, the quality of the show began to fade. Critics and fans alike noticed that the once-vibrant performance was becoming outdated and less magical. Finally, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “Voyage of The Little Mermaid” was shut down, never to reopen again.
Fans hoped for a return, but Disney remained tight-lipped about the future of the attraction.
Related: ‘Sad Shell’ of Hollywood Studios — Why Some Fans Want It Gone
Fast-forward three years, and Disney has finally announced that a brand-new Little Mermaid show will take its place, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the iconic tale. The new production, titled The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, promises to be a major step forward in terms of staging, technology, and storytelling.
With a modern twist on a classic, the show is set to capture the magic of Ariel’s world while introducing new elements that will wow both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Opening Date Revealed
After nearly two years of anticipation, Disney has revealed the opening date for the highly anticipated Little Mermaid stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Related: May 10 Will Not Just Mark the End of One Hollywood Studios Experience, But Two
Mark your calendars for May 27, 2025, as this new theatrical experience debuts at the park, ready to enchant guests with its stunning visuals, new costumes, and impressive puppetry. This opening is a significant moment for the park, as it will mark the arrival of one of Disney’s most beloved characters in a new, exciting form.
While Disney has kept most of the show’s details under wraps, they’ve hinted that it will feature new and enhanced puppets, props, and set designs, as well as some incredible new costumes. Expect to see Ariel and her beloved friends in a whole new light, with creative elements that bring the underwater kingdom of Atlantica to life like never before.
What to Expect from the New Show
One of the highlights of The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure will be its focus on the hit songs that made the original movie a classic. Fans can look forward to hearing favorites like “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Daughters of Triton,” which will be brought to life with new choreography and musical arrangements.
Interestingly, songs that were previously not included in the original Voyage of The Little Mermaid, such as “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl,” will now be part of the new show’s set list. These songs will give fans a chance to relive some of the most iconic moments from the film, all while experiencing them in an entirely new way.
Concept art for the show reveals an abundance of characters that Disney fans have grown to love over the years. From the heroic Prince Eric to the villainous Ursula, the new musical will feature Ariel’s sisters, her father King Triton, Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish, and even the devious Flotsam and Jetsam.
All of these characters will come to life through innovative puppetry and performance techniques, making the undersea world even more vibrant and exciting.
A New Era for Hollywood Studios
The arrival of The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure isn’t the only major new attraction to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On the same day, another highly anticipated show will open in the Sunset Showcase theater: Unfairly Ever After, a villains-themed production.
This dual-opening promises to make May 27 a day to remember for theme park visitors, offering a new wave of entertainment for those heading to Hollywood Studios.
The timing couldn’t be better, as fans of the Disney Princesses and villains alike have been waiting for fresh experiences to immerse themselves in. Both shows are expected to be a huge hit with guests looking for new ways to experience the magic of Disney through live performance.
Are you excited to see the new Little Mermaid show? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for the big opening on May 27!