The Original Voyage of the Little Mermaid — Captured Before It Was Gone (2019)

Enter a world where the ocean floor teems with life, and Ariel dreams of dancing and strolling with humans. Voyage of the Little Mermaid captured the heart of Disney’s animated classic through live performances, vibrant puppets, special effects, and memorable film clips. This 17-minute theatrical experience blends multiple forms of storytelling to transport guests beneath the waves.

A Legacy Since 1992

Voyage of the Little Mermaid opened at Disney-MGM Studios in 1992. Nearly three decades later, the park may now be called Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but this fan-favorite attraction continued to enchant audiences for years. If you visited the park anytime between 1992 and early 2020, this was the version of The Little Mermaid you experienced. From its sea-themed queue to its blacklight puppetry and stagecraft, this was the original.

The show ran continuously until March 15, 2020, when Walt Disney World Resort shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the park reopened, the show remained listed as “Temporarily Closed”—a status that lasted until December 19, 2023. That’s when Disney officially announced that Voyage of the Little Mermaid would not return. Instead, it would be replaced by an all-new stage production, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.

Originally slated to open in Fall 2024, the debut of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure was eventually moved to May 27, 2025. That same day Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After* also premiered at the park—a villain-themed musical stage show starring iconic characters inside the Sunset Showcase Theater.

Music, Magic, and Puppetry

The original show was a unique blend of multimedia and stagecraft. Sebastian the crab led a vibrant rendition of “Under the Sea,” complete with colorful puppets and dazzling lighting. Ariel made her appearance to sing “Part of Your World,” sharing her longing for the human world. Then came Ursula—the sea witch who tempted Ariel with the perfect wish. The show used fog, blacklight effects, and water projections to create a truly immersive undersea experience.

A Must-See for Disney Fans

Voyage of the Little Mermaid delivered timeless Disney magic for nearly 30 years. Whether you were reliving your childhood or introducing Ariel’s story to a new generation, the attraction was a captivating highlight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

This blog features our full video recording f the original Voyage of the Little Mermaid, filmed in 2019. Now a piece of Disney Parks history, it stands as a visual time capsule for fans who remember the original or never had the chance to experience it.