Animation Courtyard just got a little brighter. After sitting closed for nearly six years, the In Character Shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has reopened its doors—just in time to welcome guests back into the world of The Little Mermaid.
While there was no official announcement from Disney, Cast Members confirmed that the souvenir shop returned to operation on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Its reopening comes as a pleasant surprise to longtime parkgoers familiar with Animation Courtyard’s more vibrant past.
A Quiet Closure Turns Into a Years-Long Absence
The In Character Shop originally closed in 2019, reportedly due to ongoing heat issues within the space. While it was initially expected to be a temporary closure, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted many operations across Walt Disney World—and the shop never reopened.
It wasn’t the only loss for the area: Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the stage show next door, also closed amid the 2020 shutdown and never returned. For years, this part of Hollywood Studios felt like a time capsule—suspended mid-transition.
Now, with major changes unfolding in Animation Courtyard, In Character is one of the first pieces of the puzzle to slide back into place.
What’s Inside the Reopened Store?
Despite its low-key reopening, the shop is listed once again on both the My Disney Experience app and the official Walt Disney World website under its original name, “In Character.” The app currently shows operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, located adjacent to the Mermaid theater space.
Inside, the store has been refreshed with The Little Mermaid decor—including framed artwork of Ariel behind the counter and charming art of Flounder and Sebastian on the checkout area. The merchandise selection celebrates Disney Princesses, The Little Mermaid, and the ever-popular Mickey & Friends.
Guests browsing the reopened store will find everything from plush toys and apparel to accessories and themed souvenirs, all displayed in bright, colorful displays that help bring the once-dormant space back to life.
A Strategic Reopening Ahead of Mermaid’s New Show
While it’s always great to see any part of the park come back to life, the timing of this reopening is no coincidence. In just a few days, on May 27, Disney will debut The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure in the nearby theater, a brand-new show replacing the long-retired Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
That same day also marks the premiere of “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at the Sunset Showcase Theater, making Memorial Day week a major moment for Disney’s Hollywood Studios entertainment slate.
With Ariel’s story once again taking center stage, opening the shop ahead of the new show gives fans a way to bring home a piece of the experience—and helps Animation Courtyard feel whole again after years of silence.
