NEWS: Disney Announces Delayed Opening for New Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In December 2023, Disney announced that the “The Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which had been closed since March 20220, would be replaced by a new show. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid,” was set to debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater in fall 2024. However, Disney has announced the show’s opening will be delayed. Learn more below.

 

Here is the official update from Disney:

Update on “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”

As we continue to look forward to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios we are taking the next steps and filing permits for an all-new marquee. Work on the exterior of the building will begin soon, in preparation for the premiere of this fully reimagined show in summer 2025. We look forward to sharing more details on this exciting new experience soon.

RELATED ARTICLE–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!”