Okay, we LOVE to meet characters in Disney World, and it’s one of our favorite things we can experience in the parks. The cool thing, too, is that most characters have a set meet-and-greet spot, so you can just find them there at the times listed in the My Disney Experience app. SO easy.
Live-Action Ariel
However, sometimes, those meet and greet spaces move due to construction, logistics, or something else. So that’s why we’re warning you about one character meet and greet in Disney’s Hollywood Studios because it’s moving soon.
As you may know, there are two versions of Ariel you can meet in Disney World. There’s the animated Ariel who meets in Ariel’s Grotto in Magic Kingdom. But there’s also the live-action Ariel who meets at Walt Disney Presents in Hollywood Studios. Well, the live-action Ariel will soon be moving from Walt Disney Presents to a different location on October 28th.
Ariel meet-and-greet in Hollywood Studios
Don’t worry, though. You won’t have to travel under the sea to meet this Ariel. She’s just changing locations temporarily. As of October 28th, you’ll find her meeting with people at Echo Lake, near 50’s Prime Time Cafe. Who knows? Maybe she’ll like it there, closer to the water…oh, wait, there’s no water there right now because Echo Lake has been drained for refurbishment. Oh, well. Maybe she’ll like hanging out with Gertie?
Echo Lake is drained right now
Santa Claus usually moves into Walt Disney Presents for the holidays, so it’s likely that’s why Ariel is moving, which means it’s just temporary. Disney has not yet confirmed the Santa meet-and-greet there, though, so we’ll have to just keep an eye out for more details. But you’ll still be able to meet The Little Mermaid, and that’s what counts, right? Anyway, she’s had to move before and always returns, so we expect that will happen again.
Hi Ariel!
If you need even MORE of The Little Mermaid in your life, be sure to pop into The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, which is a retelling of Ariel’s story from the animated movie. You’re sure to want to make this show “Part of your World” (see what we did there?).
The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure
We’ll keep an eye out for other changes in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
5 Changes Coming to Hollywood Studios Next Month
Visiting Hollywood Studios in 2026? Here’s everything you need to know!
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Which characters in Hollywood Studios do you like to meet? Let us know in the comments!
