Disney’s Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is a beloved attraction that takes visitors on an enchanting adventure through the story of Ariel, the mermaid princess. This ride, located in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disney California Adventure, immerses guests in an underwater world filled with vibrant music, stunning animatronics, and captivating storytelling.
In this topic, we’ll explore what makes this dark ride special, including its storyline, ride experience, key features, and fun facts.
The Story Behind the Ride
Inspired by Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989)
The attraction is based on the classic 1989 Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid. It follows the journey of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of exploring the human world. With the help of her friends Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle, Ariel embarks on an adventure to find true love, facing challenges along the way, including the evil sea witch Ursula.
Bringing the Movie to Life
The ride recreates iconic moments from the film using animatronics, colorful sets, and beloved songs like Part of Your World and Under the Sea. Guests get to experience Ariel’s world firsthand as they journey through her underwater home and beyond.
Ride Experience: A Journey Under the Sea
Boarding the Clamshell
Guests board slow-moving, Omnimover-style ride vehicles shaped like clamshells. These clamshells take visitors through a series of beautifully crafted scenes that bring Ariel’s story to life. The ride is designed for all ages, making it a family-friendly attraction with no height restrictions.
Immersive Underwater Effects
The journey begins as guests "dive" under the sea. Bubble effects, lighting, and projections create the illusion of submerging into Ariel’s magical underwater kingdom.
Iconic Scenes from the Film
The ride takes guests through several key scenes, including:
- Ariel’s Grotto – Filled with human treasures she has collected, this scene features Part of Your World, where Ariel expresses her desire to live on land.
- Under the Sea Celebration – A lively and colorful scene where Sebastian leads an energetic musical performance with dancing sea creatures.
- Ursula’s Lair – A darker section of the ride where guests encounter Ursula singing Poor Unfortunate Souls as she tricks Ariel into making a deal.
- Kiss the Girl – A romantic moment where Prince Eric and Ariel float in a boat while Sebastian encourages them to kiss.
- The Happy Ending – The final scene shows Ariel and Eric celebrating their love, with Ariel now in human form, as fireworks light up the background.
Key Features of the Attraction
1. Animatronics and Special Effects
The ride features state-of-the-art animatronics that bring characters like Ariel, Sebastian, and Ursula to life. Ursula’s animatronic, in particular, is impressive, standing over 7 feet tall with dynamic movements.
2. Iconic Disney Music
One of the ride’s highlights is the use of original songs from the movie. Guests can sing along to classics like Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World.
3. Stunning Visuals and Lighting Effects
The attraction uses vibrant colors, glowing coral, and special lighting effects to simulate an underwater world, making it feel immersive and magical.
4. Family-Friendly Appeal
With no height restrictions, this ride is perfect for families with young children. It offers a gentle, enjoyable experience without sudden drops or fast movements.
Fun Facts About the Ride
- Hidden Mickeys – Disney Imagineers love to hide Mickey Mouse shapes in attractions, and this ride has several Hidden Mickeys waiting to be found!
- Ursula’s Animatronic – The Ursula figure is one of the most complex animatronics in any Disney park, with fluid movements and expressive facial features.
- The Ride Was Originally Planned for Disneyland Paris – Before making its way to Magic Kingdom and Disney California Adventure, the attraction was initially designed for Disneyland Paris but was never built.
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is a must-visit attraction for Disney fans of all ages. With stunning visuals, beloved songs, and an immersive storyline, this ride captures the magic of Ariel’s journey perfectly. Whether you’re a fan of the original movie or just looking for a fun and relaxing Disney experience, this attraction is a wonderful way to step into the world of The Little Mermaid.