The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a live stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, located in the former Voyage of the Little Mermaid theater in Animation Courtyard. Officially opened on May 27, 2025, the production is a fully reimagined theatrical retelling of Disney’s 1989 animated classic, replacing the long-running Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which had entertained guests for nearly three decades before closing in 2020.
Unlike its predecessor, this updated show was built with new scenic design, puppetry, live performers, digital visuals, and modern theatrical effects. Disney described it as an all-new production featuring new physical sets, a new cast of puppets, live performers, and enhanced visual technology, while still preserving the familiar music and emotional arc that made Ariel’s story so beloved.
The show follows Ariel as she dreams of life beyond the sea and makes her fateful bargain with Ursula. Key musical moments include “Daughters of Triton,” “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl,” giving the production a strong musical structure while moving briskly through the major beats of the film.
One of the biggest upgrades is the use of new puppets and staging. Characters like Sebastian, Flounder, Max, and other sea creatures are brought to life through colorful, expressive puppetry, while digital imagery helps expand the undersea world beyond the physical stage. The show also incorporates more modern visual techniques for characters such as King Triton, Ursula, and Ariel’s sisters, helping the production feel larger and more cinematic than a traditional stage retelling.
The theater itself remains an indoor, air-conditioned venue, making the show a welcome break during a busy day at Hollywood Studios. Its relatively short runtime and familiar story make it especially appealing for families, young children, and longtime fans of The Little Mermaid. Because it is a theater-based attraction, it also provides meaningful capacity in a park where wait times for major rides can become lengthy.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure works best as both a nostalgic tribute and a modern refresh. It honors the spirit of the original animated film while updating the presentation for today’s audiences. With beloved songs, bright visuals, theatrical puppetry, and a comfortable indoor setting, it gives Hollywood Studios a charming, family-friendly show that fits well within the park’s broader focus on movie-inspired entertainment.