Exciting news for Disney fans – a fully reimagined musical production of “The Little Mermaid” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in fall 2024! This new show, titled “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”, will replace the former “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” attraction, which closed permanently in 2020.
Show Details and Storyline
Disney says that 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 story will follow the classic tale of Ariel’s journey to become human and be with Prince Eric, told through iconic musical numbers from the animated film.
Songs featured in the production will include classics like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Under the Sea.” An exciting new addition is the “Kiss the Girl” scene, bringing a fresh romantic element. The show is expected to use a combination of live actors, puppets, special effects, and film footage to bring the underwater world of The Little Mermaid to life on stage. Disney concept art gives us a sneak peek at the beautiful “Kiss the Girl” scene design.
Location and Facilities
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will be performed at the Animation Courtyard Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This theater previously hosted Voyage of the Little Mermaid from 1992 until its closure. The venue has now undergone refurbishment and upgrades to support the technical requirements of the new show. The expansive theater has seating for over 1700 guests at a time and is fully wheelchair and ECV accessible. The Animation Courtyard section of the park surrounds the theater, keeping with the animated and Hollywood movie theme. Guests can enjoy meeting Disney characters, shopping for souvenirs, and dining at quick-service restaurants before and after the show.
Show Duration and Schedule
Disney has not yet released the official showtimes for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. However, we can expect schedule details closer to the show’s fall 2024 opening date. If the runtime stays similar to Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the musical will last approximately 15-20 minutes. For comparison, Voyage of the Little Mermaid had a 17-minute runtime and was performed multiple times per day. Based on previous park shows, The Little Mermaid will likely have performances scheduled from late morning through the evening. There may be opportunities to use Disney Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane access to save time in the standby queue.
What to Expect From the New Little Mermaid Show
While Disney has kept specific details under wraps, we can expect a mesmerizing production from the creative minds at Walt Disney Imagineering. They are sure to utilize state-of-the-art techniques to wow audiences. The reimagined show is an opportunity to tell Ariel’s story in new, innovative ways. With stunning visuals, theatrical magic, and musical spectacle, guests will feel fully immersed in her world.
For longtime fans, it will be nostalgic to revisit beloved scenes and songs from the film. And the new show elements will add a layer of wonder, even for repeat viewers. Most of all, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure promises a dazzling stage experience for all ages. It brings fresh energy and imagination to a timeless story about following your dreams.
History of The Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Voyage of the Little Mermaid show originally opened at Disney-MGM Studios in January 1992. It used a combination of techniques like live performers, puppets, projections, and special effects to tell Ariel’s story on stage. Over nearly 30 years, the show entertained over 86 million Disney park guests. It became a fan-favorite experience, especially for families. Voyage of the Little Mermaid closed permanently in 2020 after the Disney parks shut down at the start of the pandemic. This left the Animation Courtyard theater vacant for several years.
Now Disney is investing in a complete reimagining of the show to debut in 2024. Long-time fans nostalgic for Voyage of the Little Mermaid can look forward to falling in love with Ariel’s story all over again. The Little Mermaid holds a special place in many guests’ hearts and memories. This musical celebration stays true to the spirit of the original show and 1989 film. It introduces new generations to one of Disney’s most iconic animated love stories.
Conclusion
While specifics are still under wraps, Disney promises a visually stunning production using innovative techniques to bring Ariel to life on stage. The show celebrates the magic of following your dreams through iconic songs and scenes from the beloved film. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in fall 2024. It replaces the retired Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction in the Animation Courtyard Theater. Keep reading our Disney Daily news over the next year for emerging details and concept art as this musical celebration takes shape. The show is sure to make a huge splash when it debuts for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
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