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Disney’s The Little Mermaid Marquee Disappears Without Warning, Removed from Park

The sun has officially set on Voyage of the Little Mermaid as Walt Disney World paves the way for an all-new chapter. Visitors strolling through Hollywood Studios will notice a significant change—the beloved marquee for the attraction has been removed. This marks a key milestone in the lead-up to a new production, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, slated to debut this summer.

Little Mermaid
Credit: Disney

Originally expected to open by now, this reimagined show has experienced delays, but Disney is pulling out all the stops to make it worth the wait. According to park officials, guests can anticipate “stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design” that brings Ariel’s underwater world to life in unprecedented ways. The musical will highlight iconic moments from the animated classic, including the enchanting Kiss the Girl scene.

A Last Look at the Classic Marquee

Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee
Credit: Disney

For years, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid sign was a signature feature of Hollywood Studios. Perched above the building’s entrance, it depicted Ariel surrounded by Flounder and Sebastian in vibrant 3D, with Ursula and King Triton featured in painted flats. The curved backdrop gave the impression of an underwater scene, inviting visitors to dive into Ariel’s world.

As of now, the marquee has been entirely removed, leaving only the bare structure in its place. This signals the start of external updates, which were first teased by Disney in October 2024. While progress on the attraction’s exterior was slow to materialize, the removal of the sign is a visible sign of transformation ahead of the new show’s launch.

The Controversy Surrounding The Little Mermaid

little mermaid live action movie
Credit: Disney

The anticipation for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure comes amid a broader cultural debate surrounding Disney’s creative choices. The company’s commitment to reimagining its animated classics for modern audiences has drawn both praise and criticism, particularly when it comes to inclusivity.

Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid was no exception. The casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel sparked a polarizing reaction online, with some celebrating the choice as a step forward for representation, while others argued it strayed too far from the animated character’s original appearance. The hashtag #NotMyAriel gained traction on social media, reflecting the divide among fans.

Despite the backlash, the film shattered expectations. Not only did it outperform the animated original at the box office, but it also became a record-breaking hit on Disney+, achieving the platform’s highest streaming premiere since Hocus Pocus 2.

This isn’t the first time Disney has faced criticism for its live-action adaptations. The upcoming Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler, has already drawn controversy for reinterpreting the classic story. The film features significant departures from the original, including replacing the dwarfs with magical creatures and removing the traditional love story altogether. These changes have prompted accusations of Disney pandering to “woke” ideals, a criticism that has followed many of the studio’s recent projects.

What’s Next for Ariel’s Story

Trolls are hurting the Little Mermaid box office
Credit: D23

Despite the controversies surrounding its intellectual properties, Disney remains steadfast in its efforts to breathe new life into beloved stories. The debut of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure represents the latest chapter in that journey, blending nostalgia with innovation to create an experience that appeals to both longtime fans and a new generation.

With the marquee gone and construction visibly underway, anticipation for the updated show is building. Disney is promising a production that honors the spirit of the animated classic while incorporating modern storytelling techniques and state-of-the-art technology.

For now, fans can only wait for the summer debut to see how Ariel’s underwater world has been transformed. If the live-action film’s success is any indication, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is poised to make waves when it finally opens its doors.

Stay tuned as Disney continues to share updates on this eagerly awaited addition to Hollywood Studios.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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