There’s a different kind of buzz rolling through Disney’s Hollywood Studios right now—and it’s not just about the rides. This time, all eyes are on the stage. In just a few days, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will make its debut, and fans are already talking.
The pressure is on. It’s not just that Disney is reopening a long-closed show. It’s that they’re doing it in the shadow of controversy, with high expectations and a fresh take on a classic film. That’s a lot for any show to live up to—especially one based in a theater that’s been quietly dormant for years.
Major Changes to Hollywood Studios on May 27
After being closed since the pandemic, the theater that once housed Voyage of the Little Mermaid will officially reopen its doors on May 27. But don’t expect a simple reboot. According to Disney, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a completely reimagined experience.
It brings back beloved songs like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” but now they’re paired with stunning new visuals, enhanced puppetry, and reworked choreography. The creative team has gone for a modern, immersive vibe that they say will breathe new life into Ariel’s undersea world.
A Storm Beneath the Surface
While the show itself is already making waves online, not all the buzz has been positive. A preview of the new production stirred up social media backlash, particularly around the casting of Ariel. Some fans unfairly fixated on the actress’s appearance—comments Disney hasn’t addressed, but that haven’t gone unnoticed either.
Then there’s the chatter about the way Ariel’s tail is displayed in the show. Critics have called it “cheap” or “awkward,” which has added another layer of tension ahead of opening day. Is this new version going to live up to expectations? Or will it end up feeling like a half-hearted attempt to modernize something that didn’t really need changing?
The truth is, everyone seems to have an opinion—and they’re all waiting to see how it turns out.
Why This Show Matters More Than You Think
Beyond the drama, there’s a bigger reason this matters: Hollywood Studios needs this. The park has been struggling with crowd control, especially as some older offerings are on their way out. With MuppetVision 3-D preparing to close, and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster getting a full retheme, a fresh, engaging indoor show couldn’t come at a better time.
This new Little Mermaid show could be a real game-changer. It’s a people-eater, meaning it can hold a large audience at once—helping alleviate congestion elsewhere. Plus, it’s indoors, it’s air-conditioned, and it appeals to a wide range of ages. That’s a winning formula during a Florida summer.
Disney is clearly betting big on The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure—and fans are hoping it delivers. But with sky-high expectations, some lingering controversy, and the legacy of a beloved former show looming large, it’s fair to say that Ariel’s return is being watched closely.
Opening a new show at Disney is never just about what’s on stage. It’s about fan reactions, social media buzz, and whether the experience becomes something guests want to come back to again and again.
So as the curtain prepares to rise, one question remains: Will this be a magical comeback for Ariel—or a misstep under the sea? We’re about to find out.
