The countdown is officially on! In just two weeks, Ariel returns to the stage in The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, and Disney is turning up the excitement with the release of a brand-new, enchanting behind-the-scenes video. The special feature includes a surprise appearance by the original voice of Ariel herself, the legendary Jodi Benson.
Premiering on the official Disney Parks YouTube channel, the video invites fans into the reimagined world of Ariel’s undersea journey, offering an exclusive first look ahead of the show’s highly anticipated debut on May 27 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
A Magical Moment for the Cast
In a scene worthy of a fairytale, Jodi Benson made a surprise visit to the show’s cast and creative team. As the beloved voice behind the original Ariel, Benson’s arrival was met with audible gasps and joyful smiles. Her presence filled the rehearsal space with warmth, nostalgia, and that unmistakable spark of Disney magic.
She didn’t just visit, she became part of the story. In an emotional gesture from the cast, Benson was invited to sign a special backstage piece alongside the team, symbolically making her an official member of this exciting new chapter.
Her joy and the cast’s deep appreciation turned the moment into something truly unforgettable.
The Imagineering Magic Behind the Curtain
The behind-the-scenes tour gave fans an exciting look at the creative wizardry fueling this updated production. Among the new additions? An utterly adorable puppet version of Max, Prince Eric’s loyal sheepdog, who’s sure to win hearts with every wag of his tail.
The creative team is redefining what an undersea stage adventure can be using cutting-edge puppetry and sophisticated projection effects. Triton, for example, moves with remarkable fluidity, while Ursula looms large with theatrical menace, thanks to motion capture technology used during the animation process, meticulously designed by the Imagineering team.
The production team also revealed how they utilized a video game engine to digitally build and test the stage environment. This allowed them to experiment with lighting, effects, and scenic illusions before translating the vision into the final live experience.
An Exclusive Sneak Peek Deserving of a True Princess
As part of her visit, Benson was among the first to watch the completed production in its entirety, and her reaction was nothing short of magical. With tears in her eyes and visible pride, she applauded the cast and crew, clearly moved by the tribute to the story that helped define her Disney legacy.
A Touching Tribute and a Keepsake to Treasure
In another heartfelt moment, the cast presented Benson with a beautifully embroidered keepsake featuring the show’s proscenium arch. The gift, handcrafted by concept artist Sarah, highlighted the intricate visual design of the production and served as a touching tribute to Benson’s lasting legacy as Ariel.
A Beloved Tale, Reimagined
Fans have waited patiently for five years since Voyage of the Little Mermaid closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, but the show never returned. Now, Ariel is finally making her comeback.
With refreshed storytelling, updated musical arrangements, imaginative puppetry, and theatrical technology that simulates every splash, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is ready to enchant a brand-new generation of Disney fans.
Ready to Dive In?
With Jodi Benson’s heartfelt blessing and a passionate creative team behind every detail, this all-new show is shaping up to be one of the can’t-miss highlights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer.
So tell us…Are you ready to be part of that world?
