Preview of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: Opens May 27th

Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’ve ever found yourself humming “Under the Sea” while strolling through Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this one’s for you. After a four-year hiatus, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure officially opens on May 27, 2025, bringing new life (and bubbles) to Animation Courtyard.

And yes—Ursula is still a showstopper.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Opening Date: May 27, 2025
• Location: Animation Courtyard, on your left as you enter
• Show Length: 18 minutes
• Indoor Venue: Yes (air-conditioned and accessible)
• Audience: All ages; especially great for fans of the classic film
• Show Hours: 9:15 AM – 7:15 PM daily
• Lightning Lane: Available via Multi Pass and Premier Pass, but often not necessary

What’s New: A Reimagined Adventure Under the Sea

Disney released a variety of new images giving us our first real look at The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, and while it feels familiar, it also feels fresh.

The updated show includes:

• New musical arrangements of beloved songs like Kiss the Girl and Poor Unfortunate Souls
• Live performances by Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, and Ursula
• Modern staging techniques, including motion-capture animation and scenic transformations
• Immersive puppetry and dynamic lighting to bring the underwater scenes to life

One of the highlights? The return of a massive 12-foot-tall Ursula, who makes her presence known during her signature number. It’s the kind of theatrical moment that gets the whole audience buzzing.

A Look Back: The Original Voyage

This isn’t the first time Ariel had a stage in Hollywood Studios.

The original Voyage of the Little Mermaid opened on January 7, 1992, and quickly became a fan favorite. It blended live actors, puppetry, special effects, and animation clips for a short retelling of the 1989 film. Over the years, Disney quietly upgraded elements like lighting and costumes to keep the show feeling current.

Then came the 2020 park closure.

When Walt Disney World shut its gates due to the pandemic, the original show didn’t come back. For years, rumors swirled. Some said the show’s building had developed black mold due to a leak while it sat unused. Whatever the case, the stage stayed dark until Disney announced the new version on December 19, 2023.

Now, over four years later, Ariel is ready to swim back into the spotlight.

Show Logistics: What to Expect

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to catch the show on your next visit:

You don’t need a Lightning Lane to enjoy it. With shows running regularly throughout the day, it’s an easy addition to your park day—especially during hotter afternoons when a 17-minute break in the A/C feels like a gift.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure might not be a radical reinvention, but that’s not a bad thing. What it brings is a much-needed mix of nostalgia, stagecraft, and crowd control to Hollywood Studios.

In a park where thrill rides and Star Wars dominate, this show is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. It’s short, sweet, indoors, and perfect for anyone who loves Disney’s animated classics.

Plus, with MuppetVision 3D set to close on June 7, 2025, and a new Monsters Inc. Land on the horizon, the return of this undersea favorite couldn’t be better timed.

If you’re headed to Hollywood Studios this summer, make some time for Ariel. It’s not just a show—it’s a celebration of one of Disney’s most iconic stories, brought back with a new shimmer.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!