The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure returned after its first long-term refurbishment on Friday, May 9. While there had been a few changes in the attraction since it first opened in 2011 (notably Ariel’s hairstyle in Under the Sea), this return marked a few striking enhancements.
Lighting throughout the attraction was brightened and pointed, with more extensive blacklighting in Ursula’s lair. Colorful fish and other sea creatures have been added in a few “bare” stretches of the attraction, notably during Ariel’s first appearance (seen through a “hole” in the ceiling) and just before Under the Sea. King Triton’s castle has also been added, in a distant view seen just before guests enter the Under the Sea room.
Two sets of figures have gained new hairstyles. Ariel and Eric had previously sported sculpted hair. In Kiss the Girls and the happy ending, both now have “natural” hair.
The following video shows comparisons in video shot just before the attraction opened, and on Saturday, May 10. This is followed by a complete ride through of the newly enhanced attraction.
Original first appearance of Ariel
Enhanced first appearance of Ariel
Original appearance just before entering Under the Sea
Enhanced appearance just before entering Under the Sea
A close-up view of Triton’s castle, added during the enhancement
Original happy ending
Enhanced happy ending