Review: “Little Mermaid” adventure splashes down at Hollywood Studios

The beloved story of The Little Mermaid has captivated audiences since Disney’s animated classic debuted in 1989. From sequels and prequels to TV series, musicals, video games, and theme park attractions, Ariel’s tale continues to enthrall fans worldwide.

Now, Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduces its latest incarnation: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” This new show, which opened this week, is a fresh take on the long-running “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” stage show, which entertained park guests from 1992 until the park’s closure due to COVID-19 in March 2020.

The reimagined show benefits from a massive upgrade to the theater and the performance puppets. While the original production heavily relied on film clips from the animated movie, this new version features specially created animations designed to blend seamlessly with the live, handheld puppets. 

This allows for a more cohesive visual experience, though some character depictions work better than others. These technological advancements also mean the show can incorporate more characters and vibrant fish into the underwater scenes.

Adding to the freshness are new songs, including “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl,” which join returning favorites like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.” Ariel’s songs and performance truly enhance the show.

While this is a great update to the previous show, the pacing can feel a bit off. Much of the story’s initial retelling, including “Kiss the Girl,” unfolds, but then the plot races to Prince Eric’s defeat of Ursula at a speed that feels faster than a 4x replay.

This is an excellent update to the show and a delightful way to revisit a classic tale with modern magic.