Today marks the halfway point of the first ever World Princess Week, and we are making a splash with the fierce, curious, free-spirited Ariel from the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic, “The Little Mermaid.” Her unflappable spirit and resilience carry her through her journey of self-discovery, through which she becomes a courageous young woman who discovers her place in the world. That place in the world includes all of our parks and resorts, so let’s take a look at where you can celebrate your favorite mermaid.
Walt Disney World Resort:
Journey Under the Sea with Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park! This fun and musical adventure takes you below the waves on a clamshell tour of Ariel’s gadget-filled grotto. While you’re at Magic Kingdom Park, swim on over to Prince Eric’s Village Market and pick up a Mermaid Tail. This refreshing slushy is frozen blue raspberry and frozen green apple topped with whipped cream and a mermaid tail. Delicious!
Life really is the bubbles when you stay in a “The Little Mermaid”-themed room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort! Between the giant seashell headboards, an octopus coat rack, and a shower curtain that depicts the film’s classic “Under the Sea” number, you will truly be part of Ariel’s world. Splash over to Flippin’ Fins Pool, where you can swim and dance along to the music of the “Under the Sea Orchestra,” conducted by none other than Sebastian!
Disneyland Resort:
In The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure park, hop into your clam-mobile for a whimsical musical adventure, as you float through scenes from the Disney Animation classic. Be on the lookout for thingamabobs!
Disney Cruise Line:
Aboard the Disney Wonder, you can watch Ariel’s story manifest… at sea! The elegant atrium lobby features Art Nouveau-inspired decor that evokes the story of “The Little Mermaid.” A stunning bronze statue of Ariel is the focal point of this three-deck-tall space — and a must-do photo location for guests! Just behind the statue is the entrance to Triton’s, named for Ariel’s father, which offers fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s an ocean of flavors!
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort:
The centerpiece of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is the Castle of Magical Dreams, which honors many different princesses. Among the heroes that are highlighted on its towers and spires is Ariel! The color of Ariel’s tower is inspired by her dress, incorporating varying shades of coral and green, while the dome features scalloped details with a pearly luster and gold highlights. A golden seashell supported by algae and pearls serves as this tower’s finial, a nod to Ariel’s deep connection to the ocean and her sea creature friends.
Tokyo Disney Resort:
At the Mermaid Lagoon Theater at Tokyo Disney Resort, check out “King Triton’s Concert,” a musical extravaganza, and be enchanted by popular songs such as “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.” Jam out to the “hot Crustacean band!”
Find some mermaid-inspired souvenirs at Mermaid Memories, a fun souvenir shop decorated with colorful seashells and coral. They have toys and other fun merchandise themed to Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, and other characters from “The Little Mermaid.” For even more character merchandise and some sweets tied to “The Little Mermaid,” swim on into The Sleepy Whale Shoppe.
At Ariel’s Playground, explore the caverns and peek at Ariel’s treasures in this fun hideaway. You might even find a dinglehopper! If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling, join Ariel’s bestie on Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster, where you’ll ride over a tide pool. Who knew fish could fly?!
Shanghai Disney Resort:
Prepare to get wet at Shanghai Disneyland’s “Summer Blast Castle Show.” Staged in front of Enchanted Storybook Castle, this show features magical fountains and the aquatic worlds of some of your favorite films, like “The Little Mermaid.” On “Voyage to the Crystal Grotto,” you can journey deep into a cavern where stories like Ariel’s come alive in a dazzling display of music, light and wonder. As Ariel would say, “Have you ever seen something so wonderful in your entire life?”
Disneyland Paris:
Disneyland Paris offers an attraction in Fantasyland that is similar to the Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland Resort. On Le Pays des Contes de Fées, you’ll set off on a voyage to magical miniature lands, where you’ll see Prince Eric’s seaside castle from “The Little Mermaid.” Also at Disneyland Paris, get ready to be swept away in the magic of Disney animation with Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 4D experience that features Ariel singing “Part of Your World.”
Ariel-Inspired Courage and Kindness Products and Offerings:
If you’re looking for a fashionable new miniature companion, check out the new Ariel Disney nuiMOs. With a removable tail, you can dress her up in a wide range of chic, fun outfits! And speaking of fun outfits, check out this Disney Princess Ariel Dress from Hot Topic. It features a design inspired by Ariel with puffed off-the-shoulder sleeves, a filigree shell print on the skirt, and lace-up corset detailing on the back.
With Kipling’s Delia Compact Disney’s The Little Mermaid Convertible Backpack, you can rock Ariel’s look everywhere you go. I’m always a fan of any bag that I can convert from a backpack to a crossbody to a waist pack… versatility, amirite?! Complete any mermaid look with a pair of Ariel Studs by Baublebar with seed beads that sparkle like the ocean, and be sure to check out
Ocean Lights Ariel, a Target exclusive! This doll features lights in Ariel’s tail that flash when she comes in contact with water, and kids can continue the fun with the doll outside of the water by pressing on Ariel’s necklace to activate the lights, too.
Attention, bookworms and gamers! Get lost in a story of what might have happened if Ariel had never defeated Ursula in the YA novel Part of Your World: A Twisted Tale. Gamers can dive into Disney Emoji Blitz and splash around with Ariel and all her friends in a special “The Little Mermaid” Clear Event, going on through Aug. 29. Download Disney Emoji Blitz now for free with in-app purchases on the App Store and Google Play.
The fourth episode of the Courage and Kindness Club series features the mermaid herself, Ariel! Learn to treasure new experiences when you download Ariel’s Curiosity Starter. The sheet includes lots of fun new things to try, like sign language!
How are you shell-abrating Ariel today? I’ll be watching the classic film “The Little Mermaid,” streaming on Disney+. Anyone else? Hope you’re enjoying World Princess Week!
