Ariel in Disneyland

Review of The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

by Magic Maker® Larilyn Hanson

For over two decades, little girls have watched as Ariel sang about her desire to be part of our world.  Teens and young adults empathized with her heartache and yearned for Ariel to achieve her dream.  How wonderful would it be if she was able to spend her happily ever after with the prince of her dreams?  They wanted her to become part of our world and share in the experiences that we have.  How many of these same little girls do you think have wanted to be able to spend time discovering Ariel’s under water world?

Well now every mermaid lover, young or old, can have their chance.  At the Disney California Adventure® Park at the Disneyland® Resort, there is a brand new ride that opened in June.  The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a dark ride, similar to the original ones found in Fantasyland®, where the guest can embark on a journey through a life size storytelling of one of their favorite fairy tales.  As guests wait in line, everything from the sea shells atop the railing posts to the shimmering shells embedded into the cement walk way let you know that this is going to be an experience that completely transports you away from Paradise Pier.

Once inside the main building, guests board consistently moving pastel colored clam shell cars (think Haunted Mansion style).  As you settle into your seat and travel forward, you hear Scuttle beginning to tell the tale that is so familiar to most of us.  Then your shell starts to dip back as you are “submerged” into the ocean and see this story come to life before your eyes.  You travel through the grotto, filled with gadgets and gizmos aplenty!  You take a turn amongst Sebastian and all of his musically inclined fishy friends singing about life under the sea.  And then you come upon one of the most amazing audio animatronic figures that Disney Imagineers have ever created when you come face to face with that monstrous sea-witch:  Ursula!  Her movement is so fluid and lifelike, you really feel as if you are in the middle of the movie!  The Imagineers who worked on this ride definitely outdid themselves.

The story continues to unfold, and there are many more things to see.  As the familiar songs are sung, you can hardly keep yourself from singing aloud.  It really reminds you why so many people fell in love with the Disney telling of this story to begin with.  The ride ends with all of the characters waving goodbye and sending you back out into the real world.    Don’t be surprised if once you exit the ride, everyone wants to head right back in!  The magic that can be found within this beautifully executed ride is almost tangible.

And what better way to conclude this journey into Ariel’s world?  Take the short walk across the pier and dine with her and many other Disney Princesses at Ariel’s Grotto!  This is sure to become a can’t miss duo for many families and little girls!

Click below to book your vacation to the Disneyland® Resort to experience this attraction for yourself!

Visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort next year?  Then be sure to head to the Magic Kingdom® Park to experience this attraction as part of the Fantasyland® Expansion.  Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is currently scheduled to open late in 2012.