Located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is a charming and immersive dark ride that transports guests into the colorful and magical world of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Opened in 2012 as part of the New Fantasyland expansion, the ride offers a delightful journey through the beloved story of Ariel, showcasing key moments from the film in a vibrant, animated style. Perfect for families and fans of all ages, this ride is a must-do for anyone who loves classic Disney storytelling and charming animatronics.
Here’s an in-depth review of Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid, covering the ride experience, theming, accessibility, and tips for visiting.
Ride Experience
The ride itself is a traditional dark ride, meaning guests board vehicles that travel through a series of rooms filled with animatronic scenes, music, and lighting effects that bring the story to life. The ride vehicles, shaped like large clamshells, take guests on a slow-moving journey as they follow Ariel’s adventures, from her longing to be part of the human world to her climactic battle with Ursula and her eventual happy ending with Prince Eric.
Guests are treated to a visually stunning and interactive experience. As soon as the ride begins, they are immersed in Ariel’s world, moving through various scenes that capture the essence of the movie’s most memorable moments. The ride showcases elaborate set pieces and animatronic characters like Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and the villainous Ursula, all accompanied by the film’s beloved soundtrack, including iconic songs like “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl.”
The ride begins as guests enter through the rocky caverns of Prince Eric’s seaside castle, which serves as the queue area. The clamshell vehicles gently glide through scenes that range from the vibrant, musical undersea world of Sebastian’s show-stopping number to the darker, more dramatic scenes with Ursula and her evil plans. One of the highlights is the scene where Ariel performs “Under the Sea” with her aquatic friends, featuring colorful fish and dynamic lighting that mimic the feel of being underwater.
For the grand finale, Ariel and Eric share a romantic boat ride to “Kiss the Girl,” and the attraction ends with their happy wedding, where Ariel is transformed into a human and finds true love.
The ride is smooth, family-friendly, and non-intimidating, making it suitable for guests of all ages. There are no sharp drops, sudden movements, or scary surprises, making it an ideal ride for young children or guests who prefer gentler attractions.
Theming and Design
The theming for Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is truly exceptional. The ride starts in Prince Eric’s Castle, and guests enter through rocky cliffs adorned with waterfalls and ocean-inspired details. The queue is fully immersive, taking guests through winding seaside caves filled with subtle nods to the movie and hidden treasures from the ocean. While waiting, guests can enjoy interactive elements, including the opportunity to find and trigger the appearance of Scuttle the seagull, who occasionally pops up to entertain guests with his comic commentary.
Once aboard the ride, guests are completely transported into Ariel’s underwater world. The attention to detail in the ride’s design is impressive, with vibrant colors, intricate set pieces, and clever lighting effects that make it feel as though you’ve been submerged in the ocean. Each scene is carefully crafted to resemble the movie, from Ariel’s grotto filled with human artifacts to the dimly lit lair of Ursula. The animatronics used to bring the characters to life are fluid and expressive, particularly Ursula’s, whose larger-than-life figure towers over guests in one of the ride’s most memorable moments.
The music, sound effects, and lighting all work together to enhance the experience, with underwater lighting effects creating a sense of motion, as if guests are actually floating through the sea. The ride captures the joyful, colorful energy of The Little Mermaid, while also staying true to the darker, more suspenseful moments of the film’s storyline.
Accessibility and Wait Times
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is a wheelchair-accessible attraction, and Cast Members are always available to assist guests with mobility challenges. The ride vehicles are equipped with comfortable seating for two to three people per clamshell, and the smooth ride motion ensures that guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy the experience.
One of the best things about this attraction is that it often has relatively short wait times compared to other popular rides in Fantasyland, especially during off-peak hours. Even when lines do form, the interactive elements and immersive design of the queue make the wait enjoyable. For guests who want to skip the standby queue, Genie+ or Lightning Lane access is available for this attraction, allowing you to reserve a time to ride without waiting in line.
Who Will Enjoy This Ride?
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is designed to appeal to a wide audience. Young children will love seeing their favorite characters come to life, while fans of the movie will appreciate the faithful recreation of the story and its memorable songs. The gentle pace of the ride, along with its nostalgic and colorful theming, makes it perfect for families, grandparents, and Disney fans of all ages.
This ride is also ideal for guests who prefer attractions that focus on storytelling and atmosphere rather than thrills. There are no height restrictions, making it accessible to toddlers and infants, and it offers a great introduction to Disney’s dark ride format for those who are new to theme parks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful Theming: The attention to detail in the design of the ride, from Prince Eric’s castle to the undersea world, is stunning and fully immersive.
- Classic Disney Storytelling: The ride stays true to The Little Mermaid’s storyline, bringing the beloved characters and songs to life with animatronics, music, and lighting.
- Family-Friendly: With no height restrictions and a gentle pace, this ride is perfect for young children and families, as well as anyone who prefers non-thrill attractions.
- Short Wait Times: Compared to other Fantasyland attractions, the wait times for Under the Sea are often shorter, and the interactive queue makes waiting more enjoyable.
Cons:
- Limited Thrills: For guests seeking high-octane excitement, this ride may feel too mild and slow-paced.
- Short Ride Duration: While the ride is visually stunning, some guests might feel that the ride is relatively short, especially if they’ve waited in a long queue.
- Not Very Interactive: Unlike other attractions that offer interactive gameplay or rider control, Under the Sea is more of a passive experience.
Tips for Visiting
- Ride During Off-Peak Times: Wait times for Under the Sea tend to be shorter in the early morning or late evening, making these the best times to visit if you want to avoid lines.
- Use Genie+: If the ride has longer wait times during your visit, consider using Genie+ to reserve a time to ride. This can save you time, especially on busier park days.
- Pay Attention to Details in the Queue: The queue is filled with hidden treasures and fun, interactive elements. Don’t rush through it—take the time to enjoy the small details, which add to the overall experience.
- Best for Young Children: If you’re visiting with toddlers or young children, this is a must-do attraction. Its gentle pace, familiar characters, and enchanting music make it a hit for younger guests.
Final Thoughts
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is a charming and visually stunning attraction that perfectly captures the magic and wonder of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. While it may not offer the thrills of some of Magic Kingdom’s bigger rides, its attention to detail, engaging storyline, and family-friendly nature make it a must-visit for fans of Disney’s dark rides. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Ariel or experiencing her story for the first time, this attraction offers a delightful journey through one of Disney’s most beloved films.
