Fans Feel the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid Attraction Is Rushed

The Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction at Magic Kingdom has garnered significant attention due to its rushed presentation. Although it aims to retell the beloved tale of Ariel, many fans have criticized the attraction for its lack of depth in storytelling. Key scenes and events that are central to the narrative are noticeably absent.

A fan recently posted the track layout for Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, showing each scene in the attraction. Scenes 2 and 3 introduce the guest to the attraction, in which Scuttle announces that he will tell us the enchanted tale of the Little Mermaid, and the guests venture beneath the waves to live in Ariel’s world.

Scene 4 treats guests to the beloved “Part of Your World” scene in Ariel’s Grotto. Scene 5, the most extensive and most impressive room in the entire attraction, is the “Under the Sea” sequence. Scene 6 takes guests into Ursula’s lair, where she sings “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

Credit: Brian McGowan

Scene 7 brings guests back onto land, and scene 8 shows the beloved “Kiss the Girl” sequence. Scene 9 is concise as it shows Ursula’s defeat and the true love’s kiss Ariel and Prince Eric share. Scene 10 is the happy ending, in which Guests get to see Ariel and Eric’s iconic wedding on their ship.

After unpacking the attraction, you may notice that many major plot points are missing, such as King Triton destroying Ariel’s beloved grotto, Ursula stealing Ariel’s voice to impersonate her, Ariel’s frightening transformation, and most important of all, Ariel and Eric teaming up to defeat the Sea Witch after King Triton signs away his power. Due to how rushed this attraction is, guests also miss out on King Triton’s selfless act of love: granting Ariel her legs so she can be with Prince Eric.

Although this beloved attraction is a fan favorite, it’s incredibly rushed, which is a bummer!

Credit: Disney

This rushed storyline reduces the emotional weight of Ariel’s journey, missing out on pivotal scenes that continue to resonate with audiences since the original movie’s release in 1989. The hurried nature of the ride leaves guests longing for a more comprehensive experience.

Nostalgia plays an important role in visitor experiences. Guests who grew up with The Little Mermaid often have fond memories of the film’s intricate storytelling and emotional depth.

However, the ride fails to deliver a similar experience, leaving many feeling that the magical essence of Ariel’s story has been compromised in translation.

As a result, sentiments among fans reflect a desire for a more faithful representation of their favorite characters and moments.

Credit: Disney

Technical Glitches Plaguing Little Mermaid Ride

Recently, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid has also been affected by technical glitches that have further marred the ride experience. One of the focal points of concern has been the animatronic representation of Princess Ariel. Several reports have emerged showing her animatronic stuck in a fixed position, providing an unsettling and less engaging visual for ride participants.

As the ride aims to recreate the enchanting underwater world, a malfunctioning animatronic draws attention away from the intended immersion. Online videos showcasing these technical issues have circulated, prompting varied reactions from guests. While some find humor in the malfunction, others express disappointment, particularly families with young children expecting a seamless and magical experience.

Technical glitches are not uncommon in large-scale amusement parks; however, the frequency of such issues within this specific attraction has raised eyebrows. Visitors have voiced their concerns that these malfunctions detract from the otherwise rich experience that The Little Mermaid is meant to provide.

Credit: Disney

Upcoming Show Replacement

In light of these ongoing issues and the criticism of the current attraction, Disney has announced the upcoming replacement of the Voyage of the Little Mermaid stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This stage show has long been a fan favorite, showcasing popular songs and visuals inspired by the classic film. Following its closure at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the theater has remained empty, with many fans wondering about its future.

The company recently unveiled plans for a new musical adventure titled “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” Set to debut in fall 2024, this new production aims to enrich the experience by incorporating stunning new set designs and advanced theatrical effects. Expect new features that capture Ariel’s imagination and emotions more effectively than what the theme park can currently offer.

The renewed experience is anticipated to present beloved musical numbers from the original film, allowing fans to reconnect with the story they love. With promises of enhanced storytelling and visual spectacle, there is hope that this upcoming attraction will address the gaps and issues that have elicited backlash in the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid ride.

Credit: Disney

While the original ride continues to be a source of joy for many, its hurried execution and recent technical challenges highlight the need for improvement in Disney’s storytelling approach.

The waves of change incoming for both the ride and the stage show signal that Disney is keenly aware of its guests’ sentiments, illustrating a commitment to refining the magic of The Little Mermaid for future generations.