Mermaids and Pirates Are Taking Center Stage Aboard The Disney Wish

Disney Guests who attended this year’s Destination D23 event already knew that a new stage adaptation of the animated Disney movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ was going to be on Disney’s new cruise ship “the Disney Wish”, but the Disney Parks Blog has just released more information about what cruise Guests can expect from the show! In addition, the Disney Parks Blog has pulled back the curtain to reveal more about two other exciting shows that will be exclusive to the Disney Wish: one will be a brand-new embarkation party that takes place as the ship sets sail for each cruise, and the other will be a unique pirate party! Read on to find out how mermaids, pirates, and Pixar characters are teaming up to give Disney Cruise Line Guests an experience that they’ll never forget.

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Although ‘The Little Mermaid’ has already been transformed into a stage production many times, both in Disney attractions like “Journey of the Little Mermaid” and on Broadway, the Disney Parks Blog described the Disney Wish’s version of the show as an “innovative, Broadway-style take on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘The Little Mermaid'”. Apparently, the story is being shifted to take place in the present-day: “the curtain will rise on an enchanted treasure chest at the moment it is discovered by a group of storytellers, led by a special young woman who has the power to unlock its magic. As they uncover the whozits and whatzits galore hidden within the trunk, the storytellers will take on the roles of Ariel, Ursula, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Flounder and more, bringing to life the immersive undersea world right before guests’ eyes. They’ll put their own contemporary spin on the timeless story of a young woman’s search for independence, love and a place in the world”.

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Essentially, it sounds like modern protagonists will find themselves magically transformed into characters from ‘The Little Mermaid’, which is definitely giving us ‘Jumanji‘ vibes! “Innovative theatrical design, dazzling special effects, artistic choreography, and a reimagined script and score” will also keep the audience guessing. The musical’s hit songs, such as “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Under the Sea” will still be present, but in slightly new ways.

There will also be “state-of-the-art video projections”, “contemporary, interpretive costuming” that “will reflect the show’s unique blending of a modern setting and a mystical, fantastical story”, and “cutting-edge puppetry”. Overall, it sounds like this version of Ariel’s story is going to be one that takes the highlights from other stage adaptations or Disney attractions (such as puppetry, animation, detailed costumes, elaborate musical numbers, and colorful set design) and reimagines it to create a different version of the classic Disney princess story!

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Before Disney Cruise Line Guests watch Ariel and her friends’ undersea adventures, they will get to celebrate with Captain Minnie and Captain Mickey on deck as the Disney Wish sets sail. The embarkation celebration will be an “original musical spectacular” called “Disney Seas the Adventure.” In this “musical voyage,” “Captain Minnie hands over the helm to her dear friend Goofy, [who will then set] sail into uncharted waters on a journey to discover his own inner captain”. Guests can expect appearances from many famous Disney or Pixar characters, as well as “rousing renditions of iconic Disney songs”.

The characters and songs will include Princess Tiana singing “Almost There”, Crush and Squirt singing “Go with the Flow” from “Finding Nemo – The Musical,” Hercules singing “Go the Distance”, and a fun group performance from Elsa, Moana, and Merida. The dazzling Disney princess trio “will perform a powerful medley of “Let it Go,” “How Far I’ll Go” and “Touch the Sky”!

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

After Disney Wish Guests have settled into their Disney princess suites, dined in extravagant restaurants, and watched Ariel flippin’ her fins, they can also “don their most swashbuckling pirate garb and head to the upper decks for a rollicking rock-and-roll extravaganza unlike anything on the high seas — complete with fireworks at sea like only Disney can do”! The “Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party” will be hosted by Captain Redd, who is “a descendent of the famous red-headed rogue from the Pirates of the Caribbean theme Park attractions” (fun fact: potential Merida actress Karen Gillan might play the original redheaded wench in the next ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie!). This party will apparently “feature live music, remarkable stunts, special effects and plenty of surprises”. It goes without saying that rock and roll music will be the main focus, and you can expect Captain Jack Sparrow to make an appearance!

Are you booking a cruise aboard the Disney Wish when it sets sail for the first time next summer?