Major Travel Alert! Disney Will Reopen Once-Abandoned Attraction THIS WEEK
For years, it sat quietly behind rolling planters and construction walls—an empty shell of what was once one of Hollywood Studios’ most iconic stage shows.
The former Voyage of the Little Mermaid theater had become a bit of a mystery to Disney World fans. Why hadn’t it reopened after the COVID-19 shutdowns? Rumors flew fast, with whispers of mold infestation and speculation that Disney had abandoned the space altogether. Many assumed the show’s stage would never see the light of day again.
But now, just in time for the summer crowds, Disney is making waves with an official announcement: the space is coming back to life.
This week, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will debut inside the long-shuttered Animation Courtyard theater, marking a major return for Ariel and friends—and it’s far more than a simple revival.
A Complete Transformation Behind the Curtain
The new show isn’t just a retelling—it’s a total reinvention. Disney has rebuilt the experience from the ground up, with upgraded puppetry, a refreshed set design, immersive lighting, and even new choreography. It’s inspired by the 1989 animated film, and all the songs fans love—like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls”—are making a triumphant return.
But it’s the style of storytelling that sets this apart. Disney’s creative team has used cutting-edge effects and theatrical magic to give the beloved characters a new dimension. The goal? To create a visually rich, emotionally engaging performance that’s just as impactful for longtime fans as it is for kids seeing Ariel on stage for the first time.
A Pandemic-Era Casualty Reimagined
When the original Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction didn’t reopen with the rest of the park post-pandemic, Disney kept quiet. Online, fans speculated that the theater had become unusable, even going so far as to allege a mold infestation had plagued the space. While Disney never directly addressed those rumors, the delay in bringing the venue back to life only fueled the mystery.
Now, with The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure set to open May 27, that mystery is solved. Whether there was ever mold or not, one thing is clear: Disney has fully addressed any internal issues and committed to reviving the space with something exciting and fresh.
Why This Reopening Matters for Disney World guests
The addition of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure comes at a pivotal time for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park has faced capacity issues and limited entertainment offerings since the pandemic. With long lines at attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash, this new show provides a much-needed indoor entertainment option—plus a place to sit and cool off.
It also signals a shift in Disney’s strategy for the park. Along with this new show, changes are sweeping across the Studios. MuppetVision 3-D is being phased out, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is getting a Muppets-themed makeover, and a Monsters, Inc. land is coming. The old is being traded in for the new—but in this case, Disney is giving a beloved story a new stage rather than throwing it out altogether.
So whether you were a fan of the old Voyage show or you’re just looking for something new at Hollywood Studios, there’s something magical about Ariel making a comeback. She’s not just part of your world anymore—she’s back in the spotlight, right where she belongs.
