NEWS: New Details, Updates & Concept Art Released for the New ‘The Little Mermaid’ Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New behind-the-scenes photos and concept art have been released for “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” the all-new theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios Classic “The Little Mermaid” that is set to debut this fall at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Learn more about the new show below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Joey McElroy:

Grab your snorkel, because today we’re diving in with the Disney Live Entertainment creative team working “behind-the-seas” on “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” – an all-new theatrical production coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall.

And when I say all-new, I do mean all-new! In a brand-new reimagining of the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid,” the show features all-new physical sets, cast of puppets, live performers, and stunning visuals.

To pull off this artful blend of practical and projected scenic design, of real and digital puppetry, the team is pairing some tried and true methods (the blacklight puppets are back!) with state-of-the-art technology.

“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.”

This cutting-edge digital imagery will be used throughout the show to accent what is happening on stage, bringing to life characters like King Triton, Ursula, and even Ariel’s sisters, who kick the production off with an all-new “Daughters of Triton” number.

“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!”

RELATED ARTICLE: 17 Changes Coming to Disney World in 2024 and Beyond You Need to Know About

by Chad and Cindy Nykamp

Summer season is here at Walt Disney World, and many new offerings are coming this summer and beyond! Here are the seventeen changes coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 and beyond that you need to know about!

1 – Dreams That Soar, Disney Springs – Now through Sept. 2

At Disney Springs, drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista at West Side with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that is a late-night perk for guests. State-of-the-art drones, choreographed to create designs in the sky, are paired with a “soaring” musical score and memorable movie quotes to showcase Disney stories that celebrate the joy of flight. The show is fantastic, and you don’t want to miss it!

2 – June 9 – Portraits of Veterans Painted by President George W. Bush, EPCOT

Experience “Portraits of Courage: A Commander’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” an exclusive exhibition curated by the George W. Bush Institute, featured at The American Adventure pavilion in EPCOT for a year-long display beginning June 9. The exhibit, born from President George W. Bush’s dedication and the Bush Institute’s ongoing efforts on behalf of Veterans and Military Families, features over 60 vibrant portraits painted by the president himself.

3 – June 10 – Joy Debuts at Pixar Plaza, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Joy, the popular character from Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2,” debuts at her new character greeting location in Pixar Plaza starting June 10, where she joins other Pixar stars. She’ll be in her new home just in time for Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” which premieres in theaters June 14.

4 – June 10 – CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza Debut, EPCOT

Capping off a multiyear transformation of EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will open on June 10, 2024. Located in the new World Celebration neighborhood in the heart of the park, the locations will usher in a new era of festivals, exhibits, and entertainment. Also opening June 10, 2024, is Mickey & Friends, a new location adjacent to CommuniCore Hall where guests can meet some of their favorite Disney pals.  

5 – June 10-Sept. 6 – “¡Celebración Encanto!,” EPCOT

CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will open to guests on June 10, 2024, along with the debut of a new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!” From June 10-Sept. 6, guests can enjoy a summer sing-along featuring the beloved songs and story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” on the CommuniCore Plaza stage. The new show will run several times throughout the day and will invite families to sing along with some of their favorite songs. Guests may even see Mirabel and Bruno join in the fun.

6 – June 10-Sept. 6 – Celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of “The Lion King,” Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – 

Hakuna Matata! The Disney animated classic “The Lion King” celebrates thirty years of being part of the circle of life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer. In addition to special menu items and merchandise to mark the occasion, guests can meet Timon and Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While there, they can also learn to draw beloved characters from the film at the Animation Experience.

7 – June 28 – Tiana Bayou Adventure – Magic Kingdom

Opening on June 28, 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen, and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends, and travel through the bayou, listening to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story. Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an original, next-chapter story for Tiana. Within the attraction queue, guests will discover that she continues to grow her business with Tiana’s Foods – an employee-owned cooperative. Combining her talents with those of the local community, Tiana has transformed an aging salt mine and built a beloved brand.

8 – July 1 – The Cabins of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort Opening

In April 2023, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Club announced proposed plans to bring refreshed cabin hideaways to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, offering guests a private retreat in the midst of nature with many of the comforts of home. Nestled across 750 acres of scenic woodlands, proposed plans call for more than 350 new cabins to replace the existing cabins at the resort, which have delighted guests for many years. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort is projected to open in 2024 and will be the 17^th Disney Vacation Club resort. As with all Disney Vacation Club resorts, the proposed cabins will continue to be open for reservations to all guests, including those who are not Disney Vacation Club Members, based on availability.

9 -Summer 2024 – Country Bear Jamboree to be Reimagined!

Country Bear Jamboree will be getting new songs, and the Bears will be performing a new act! Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty shared that when the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country, and other styles. Imagineers are envisioning the new take as a homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound.  The popular attraction will continue to have the fun and friendly tone and the same characters.

10 – Shorter EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

The 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival dates have been announced, and it will be shorter this year. In the last few years, the festival has kicked off in July; however, this year, it will return to its pre-pandemic schedule of opening on August 29. The festival will run through November 23. During the festival, guests can indulge in delectable cuisine, purchase festival merchandise, and enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

11 – Fall 2024 – New ‘The Little Mermaid’ Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In fall 2024, a new, fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” will debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater. Disney Cast Member Joey McElroy recently shared this news:

Disney Live Entertainment has been dreaming up innovative ways to bring new life to the beloved story of Ariel’s journey to be part of the human world. When it opens, the show will feature stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will have guests flipping their fins to musical numbers inspired by the film including “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and more. Check out this beautiful concept artwork of the show’s “Kiss the Girl” scene – an all-new addition that captures the magic of this fresh production.

12 – 2024 – New Bakery Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

A new bakery is coming to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. While originally set to open in 2023, this is another project that got pushed back to a 2024 opening. Disney recently shared more details and photos about this bakery. Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Nicole Cantore:

Another addition that sweet lovers are sure to be excited about is The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk. This new location recently began construction to bring the new spot to life and is slated to open in [2024]. We recently shared a first look at what you can expect The Cake Bake Shop to look like once it opens its doors on the BoardWalk – just look at how pretty it is. As you walk past this spot, you’ll be able to get a glimpse at some of the tasty dishes that lie ahead once it opens. This restaurant is owned by Gwendolyn Rogers, a self-taught baker with a love for Disney and obviously cakes!

Upon opening, this sweet spot will feature both savory and sweet items on its menu, and of course showcase the incredible cakes that Gwendolyn and her team have created, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition to the regular menu, you’ll also be able to enjoy an elegant afternoon tea service – how lovely! And the offerings don’t stop there. Not only, will there be table-service offerings, but also a quick-service bakery for you to pick up these delicious delights on-the-go.

There aren’t just cakes here. The restaurant and bakery will serve cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies, and cheesecakes in addition to the handmade cakes. These treats aren’t just beautiful but delicious too. The whimsical atmosphere of The Cake Bake Shop and its goodies are sure to be a charming addition to the BoardWalk.

13 – 2024 – Simplifying the Disney Genie+ Experience

Disney heard from guests that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit, and Disney announced they are working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024. Disney’s goal is to give you the opportunity to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying your visit with friends and family. While Disney is not yet able to share specific details, they look forward to sharing more information at a later date.

… and Beyond

These projects have officially been announced; however, no opening estimates have been given.

14 – Test Track is Being Re-Imagined – Current Version Closing June 17, 2024

Test Track will be reimagined at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Imagineers, along with teams from Chevrolet, are reaching back into history for inspiration from the original World of Motion and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction. More details to come in the future.

15 – New Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Lounge Coming

A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom. This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. Imagineers are in the design process now, and more details are coming in the future.

16 – New “Zootopia” Show Coming to the Tree of Life

A new show based on “Zootopia” is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The current concept for the new “Zootopia” experience has guests visiting the different biomes seen briefly in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters. Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept and more details will be coming in the future.

17 – DinoLand USA to be Re-themed

Walt Disney Imagineering is planning to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into a new land inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “tropical Americas.” As part of their research, Imagineers are looking at some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet in the regions just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere – the northern part of South America, stretching up into Central America. New experiences inspired by “Encanto” – the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film – and the fan-favorite adventurer Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.