Disney’s Hollywood Studios ‘Little Mermaid’ Show Will Feature New Songs and Cutting-Edge Technology
For almost the entire history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Little Mermaid stage show has entertained and enthralled audiences.
Beginning in 1992, that show was Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a Broadway-style stage show that used live actors, theater effects, and puppetry to retell Ariel’s story.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Unfortunately, the attraction closed in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened.
The Little Mermaid- A Musical Adventure
After years of waiting, Disney announced last December that a new Little Mermaid show, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2024.
At the time, Disney announced that the show would be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by The Little Mermaid.”
While fans were obviously excited, details on the new show were few and far between.
A Look “Behind-the-Seas”
Well, with just months to go until The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure opens to guests, Disney is giving fans a “behind-the-seas” look at the upcoming attraction.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
According to Disney, the show will feature all-new physical sets, along with puppets, local performers, and stunning visuals to tell its story.
“We thought about what Ariel’s room may look like and came up with this collage style that you’ll see woven throughout the production,” said Sarah Schmidt, Creative Concept Artist & Illustrator for Disney Live Entertainment. “This new look really informed every design decision – from scenic, to the puppets, even the custom digital content being created for the show.”
A Blend of Old and New
To create the visual that they wanted, the new show’s team paired tested methods and cutting-edge technology.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
“We’re using some really cutting-edge tools like motion capture technology. Which you may have seen used in blockbuster films,” said James Silson, Show Director. “Basically, we have a live performer in a suit covered in sensors, and the data captured from their performance helps us create a digital animation of the character, which our animators then use to bring them to life on stage.”
According to Disney, the new state-of-the-art technology will be used throughout the show to bring to life characters including King Triton, Ursula, and Ariel’s sisters.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
“We’re really blending the line between real and digital in ways we’ve never done before to completely fill the stage for these show-stopping scenes,” said James. “You’re going to see these large new physical set pieces we’ve created blend seamlessly with a digital environment in a way that really fills the stage. You’ll see digital puppets transform into real ones right before your eyes. You’ll even see animated characters performing in the same space as real actors. It’s going to feel like magic!”
New Songs Will Join Familiar Favorites
Speaking of Ariel’s family, her sisters are set to perform a new song in the show titled “Daughters of Triton.”
Photo: Disney
Fans of the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, however, need not worry. The new show will still feature the Little Mermaid classics that fans have come to expect. The show will also, finally, add “Kiss the Girl.”
Photo: Disney
While we don’t have an exact opening date for The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, the attraction is still expected to open later this year!
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