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Recent reports indicate that Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, an attraction at the Magic Kingdom, has been experiencing significant technical issues.
This week, guests witnessed an unexpected incident involving water leakage from the ceiling of the ride’s queue area. The damage appeared localized near a section where the character Scuttle interacts with visitors.
Credit: Disney Parks
Water pooling up in the queue area is not the typical experience guests expect while preparing to embark on their oceanic adventure.
Technical Issues with Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
In response to the crisis, Disney staff quickly applied temporary fixes, which included gluing cracks and inserting plastic discs into the ceiling. Observers noted that the method employed seemed inadequate for a ride that debuted only 12 years ago, when the New Fantasyland was unveiled in 2012.
Frequent water leaks raise questions about the ongoing maintenance of the attraction, prompting concerns that a more permanent solution might be necessary to avoid further inconveniences for guests waiting to enjoy their journey under the sea.
New Stage Show Announced
Credit: Disney
In a somewhat contrasting move, Disney has recently announced plans for a new stage adaptation entitled “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” slated to debut in 2024 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This musical will build upon the legacy of Disney’s beloved characters and stories, focusing on modern effects and innovative set pieces to enhance the audience experience.
The forthcoming production is part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to refresh their extensive entertainment offerings. With construction already in progress at the Animation Courtyard, the new show intends to captivate audiences with music inspired by iconic film numbers like “Part of Your World” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
This investment may revitalize interest in The Little Mermaid franchise, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of current issues faced by the Under the Sea attraction.
Guest Reactions to Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid Ride Condition
Credit: Disney
Visitor feedback has intensified scrutiny on the condition of the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction. Many guests have voiced frustrations regarding ongoing technical difficulties that have plagued the ride, particularly its animatronic characters.
Reports from visitors suggest that specific figures often remain inoperative, detracting from the immersive experience intended by the creators.
Social media conversations reveal an emerging sentiment among guests, advocating for a comprehensive refurbishment of the attraction. It has become increasingly common for riders to share experiences where they found key elements of the ride nonfunctional.
One guest took to social media to see if anyone else had noticed the attraction’s state, and almost immediately, the replies came pouring in:
i’ve rode it twice in the past 2 weeks and both times the main Ariel animatronic, Sebastian, and multiple different fish in the big room with all the fish have been not working? The final room ariels eyes were not working too!
Reddit user r/leoman3 added, “This has been going on for months.”
Reddit user r/FrozenFrac wrote “It’s such a crying shame. The Little Mermaid is easily my second favorite Disney movie and I hate how run down the attraction is. Would it really be all that hard to get these animatronics functioning properly?”
The renewed outcry surrounding the state of the ride highlights a broader expectation for upkeep and attentiveness from Disney in maintaining their attractions, especially considering the park’s reputation as the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Comparison to Other Disney Attractions
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The current situation raises critical questions regarding the maintenance protocols employed concerning various rides within the Disney parks.
Classic attractions such as Haunted Mansion or Peter Pan’s Flight have benefited from enduring popularity and consistent upkeep, but more recent offerings like Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid face challenges in maintenance and operational reliability.
As Disney continues to expand their offerings with new productions and evolving technologies, community expectations for the care of even newer attractions increase. Many visitors anticipate that rides, especially those associated with beloved films, should reflect a standard of quality synonymous with the Disney brand.
A closer look at the Under the Sea ride reveals the pressing need for proactive measures to ensure it meets the high standards expected within the Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
While the impending stage show promises to deliver fresh content and engagement for fans of The Little Mermaid, it starkly contrasts the current struggles of the Under the Sea attraction.
Repairing the technical issues that have arisen is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the ride and ensuring that guests can truly enjoy a magical journey through Ariel’s world without unwelcome surprises along the way.
