Since 1989, we’ve all been in love with a certain finned teenager from under the sea. Since its inclusion in Disney’s vast catalog, The Little Mermaid (1989) and Princess Ariel have been a cemented part of Disney culture, offering merchandising opportunities and unique experiences at many of the company’s wide range of theme parks.
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One of these popular attractions opened at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in January 1992. Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a stage show featuring popular songs from the memorable Disney film, as well as props, visuals, and amazing puppets, delighted fans in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for decades until it was abruptly closed in March of 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans no longer get to watch the story of Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Ursula, and Flounder unfold right before their eyes.
Held in the Animation Courtyard section of Hollywood Studios, Voyage of the Little Mermaid featured talented vocalists like Corey Burton (King Triton), Pat Carroll (Ursula), Jess Harnell (Sebastian), and Paddi Edwards (Flotsam and Jetsom).
Related: Another Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Swimming Into Theaters Soon
Upon its origination, the show replaced the once-popular Here Come the Muppets at the Animation Courtyard Theatre. However, since its closure, it’s been set as an empty shell of itself (pun entirely intended).
Although some may have considered the stage show outdated, guests typically adored the attraction. As it served as a celebration of an extremely popular part of Disney animation history, many were saddened to hear of its closing.
Still, hope held out strong, as no official word was given on changes to what will become of Voyage of the Little Mermaid or the Animation Courtyard Theatre, at least until December 2023.
According to Disney:
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid,” will debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater in fall 2024.
This new offering will be “reimagined” and “inspired by Walt Disney Animation’s The Little Mermaid.” Disney said, “When it opens, the show will feature stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her.”
The renewed attraction will feature musical numbers inspired by the film, including “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and more. Below is Disney’s art rendering featuring the show’s “Kiss the Girl” scene.
It’s unclear if this will be a permanent replacement for Disney World’s Voyage of the Little Mermaid, but it certainly feels like it could be.
As the original attraction in the show focused only on the animated version of the film, having closed before the introduction of the live-action, the safe assumption is that this new rendition will do the same. Therefore, we can expect Jodi Benson instead of Halle Bailey.
Guests can, however, still see the live-action version of Ariel at a meet and greet within Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
As more information becomes available regarding the exciting news of a brand-new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’ll be here at Disney Dining to keep you in the loop! So, stay tuned!
Are you excited to experience this renewed attraction in “Fall 2024?” Let us know in the comments.
