You’ll never believe what happened at the Magic Kingdom.
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The Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid ride at Magic Kingdom recently underwent a brief refurbishment, taking place from July 21 to July 26. This refurbishment was part of the park’s ongoing efforts to maintain its attractions and provide guests with the best experiences possible.
On September 23, a significant power outage swept through Walt Disney World, disrupting several rides and attractions across the entire resort. This outage occurred during heavy thunderstorms sweeping through Central Florida, affecting the magical ambiance guests had come to expect. The outage began to draw attention at approximately 7:20 p.m., as multiple closures and disruptions were reported throughout the park.
The Under the Sea ride faced peculiar challenges during this outage, continuing to operate despite the underlying technical difficulties. The flickering lights were not merely an occasional glitch; they seemed accentuated by the stormy weather outside. Guests shared their experiences on social media, highlighting the unusual atmosphere created by the combination of the ride’s ongoing flickers and the tempest outside.
The lights on our way into the ride kept flickering (there’s a lot of lightning outside) and we get on the Seas and see this 😱 pic.twitter.com/xUxdbEw2k1
— Ethan 💫 (@ThatDisneyBoi) September 23, 2025
Other attractions did not escape the impact of the outage either. Several classic rides, deeply loved by park-goers, faced temporary closures, affecting the overall guest experience. On a typical day, a harmonious blend of rides and attractions brings joy to thousands, but this outage transformed the day into one of frustration for many.
The Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid holds a special place within Magic Kingdom, especially due to its role in the Fantasyland expansion that took place several years ago. This addition was part of one of the most significant updates the park had received, introducing countless visitors to charming new stories and experiences pulled from beloved Disney films.
In comparison to other iconic rides, the Little Mermaid attraction stands out with its immersive storytelling and serene atmosphere. While adrenaline-filled rides like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train claim the top spots in popularity, the Under the Sea ride remains a favorite for those looking to escape the park’s hustle and bustle for a moment of tranquility. Guest feedback often highlights the ride’s enchanting scenery and character portrayals, showing that its charm has endured since its opening in 2012.
However, expectations from guests are high, and with recent technical malfunctions, many are eager for reassurance that the attraction will remain a reliable part of their Magic Kingdom experience. Guests are known to rave about the details and the storyline, but such issues as flickering lights create a sense of uncertainty about the ride’s future.
As the dust settles from the recent outages and technical hiccups, the Magic Kingdom looks toward the future, ripe with prospects for expansions and improvements. Announcements are already surfacing regarding upcoming projects, including the anticipated Piston Peak expansion, which will introduce even more rides inspired by popular Pixar films. With this ongoing commitment to enhancing guest experiences, there seems to be ample room for updates and improvements across existing attractions.
Speculations regarding ride enhancements for the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid continue to circulate among fans and guests alike. Many wonder if Disney will take this opportunity to address the recent issues and further enrich the ride’s enchanting atmosphere. Enhancements could include advanced lighting systems or immersive effects that add to the ride’s story while ensuring it operates smoothly.
