After reading on Twitter that New Fantasyland was holding a “dress rehearsal” over the weekend, I took my chances and packed up the girls for a spur-of-the-moment day trip to Walt Disney World this past Monday. Thankfully, the area was still open to guests and we were able to experience it! (Be sure to check out my experience at Maurice’s Cottage too!)
The Little Mermaid
I was ecstatic to see the new Little Mermaid area and experience the Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid ride.
The overall queue for the ride is fantastic. We had fast passes, so we bypassed a majority of the area, but I did manage to snag a few pictures as we made our way inside. I especially loved the waterfalls – it really made me feel like I was miles away from a theme park.
Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid ride
I’ve never been to Disneyland to experience their Little Mermaid ride, but from what I’ve heard, this new ride mirrors the ride in California with a few minor changes. The ride is bright and colorful and left me humming “Under the Sea” the rest of the day.
When we exited our seashell, Maggie yelled “that was awesome”. And while there are a few dark moments with Ursula, it is definitely a ride for little kids (and big kids too)!
Ariel’s Grotto – Character Meet and Greet
Maggie was especially excited to meet The Little Mermaid at Ariel’s Grotto. This new meet and greet area provided a great backdrop for photos and I especially loved that it was enclosed enough to where we were the only ones in the Grotto room with her. We didn’t feel rushed and my girls loved seeing Ariel’s fins. Maggie kept commented that she was so sparkly!
A Welcome Addition to Magic Kingdom
The Little Mermaid area in New Fantasyland is a fantastic addition to the Magic Kingdom. And while, I understand that this area is still technically a work in progress leading up to the grand opening celebration in December, there’s not much I would change about the area.
It’s vibrant and the attention to detail throughout the area is remarkable. You could feel the excitement from the castmembers and every guest in the area knew they were experiencing true Disney magic. I can’t wait to go back and see it again!
**My family and I are annual passholders at the Walt Disney World Resort. We purchased our own passes, I’m strictly sharing my experience with you. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. **
Comments
Cassie
Once again I am jealous! Looks like it will be fantastic and I can’t wait to see it all when we go back next year!
Carrie with Children
It was bigger and more beautiful than I even imagined! Can’t wait for you to see it next year!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tir
This looks like so much fun! My daughter would think it was “awesome!” too. We look forward to visiting one day.
Carrie with Children
It was a really fun day! Maggie is already asking when she can go back and see her friend Ariel again!
Elaina- A Time Out for Mommy
WOW! Now that looks like a magical place… Just what Disney offers! I will be sure to check this out when we plan our trip!
Carrie with Children
We had a great trip! The New Fantasyland is a definite “must see” when you go to the Magic Kingdom!
Jenny F
Love it! Ariel’s Grotto looks like a great photo opp! I cant wait to see the big opening, and all of the final details are released. Thank you so much for the sneak peak!
Carrie with Children
So glad you enjoyed the pictures, Jenny! The grotto was really great – I loved how it was secluded and we didn’t feel rushed through to meet Ariel!
Katy
I want to go :). I love Disney and the Little Mermaid is my favorite. Beautiful pictures especially of the waterfall. Disney knows how to do things right. Thanks for sharing.
Carrie with Children
Thanks for reading, Katy! The waterfalls were everywhere in the Little Mermaid area – so beautiful!
Nichol
Zoe would love this. She is fascinated with Ariel right now as she is into everything mermaids. One day we’ll enjoy Disney:)
Carrie with Children
Oh Nichol, she would love this area! It’s just like being under the sea! 🙂
Jennifer
We’re taking our daughter’s here on Tuesday and since we have a friend who is a cast member we get to do some extra stuff. I hope Ariel is out that day because that’s totally cool your daughter’s got to meet her.
Carrie with Children
How fun! I can’t wait to hear what you think about the new area! Ariel’s Grotto is so pretty on the inside – I hope you get to see her!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
Super jealous. It looks phenomenal. I can’t wait to take my children.
Carrie with Children
It was a fantastic day. I hope you and your family can make trip to Florida soon to see it!
Kathy
Getting my kids to Disney World is one of the things on my bucket list. This gets me so excited!!!
Carrie with Children
Oh I hope you all can make it soon! The New Fantasyland area is so great! Thanks for reading, Kathy!
Shop with Me Mama
Oh wow!! My kids would be in heaven there! Love your pictures. So much fun!!!
Carrie with Children
My girls really loved it – so many bright colors and songs! Definitely Disney magic!
Sara @ Mom Endeavors
What fun! It does look really similar to the one at Disney’s California Adventure! Although, the line area with the waterfalls here looks a bit more fun! 🙂
Carrie with Children
I’ve been wondering if the two rides were similar on the outside! One day I’ll get to Disneyland to compare! Thanks for reading, Sara!
Beeb Ashcroft
6-year-old me would have FREAKED over this, I was the biggest Little Mermaid fan ever (Still am)!
Carrie with Children
I’ve always been a big fan of The Little Mermaid too! This area was so true to the movie – very magical!
Lolo
We love the Under the Sea ride at Disneyland! There was no Ariel to take pictures with though.
Carrie with Children
I’m determined to get to Disneyland one day so I can compare! 🙂 Thanks for reading, Lolo!
Sara Phillips
That sounds FUN!!! I wish we lived closer to Disney so I could go check it out. I love Ariel’s costume!
Carrie with Children
Maggie was so excited over the sparkles in Ariel’s costume. She looked so pretty!
Lindsay
How cool! My girls (and I) would have FLIPPED OUT! I can’t wait to take them someday.
Carrie with Children
My girls were SO excited to go under the sea to Ariel’s favorite spots… and I think I was just as excited! 🙂
Brittany
Looks fantastic! I can’t wait to see it too. The first time we went to DW Ariel’s grotto had closed the day before so I think my kids feel like they have been waiting since Violet was born..ha ha she was 11 weeks old when we went. We will be there in November and January. It looks fantastic! S glad you got to see it!
Carrie with Children
Oh goodness, meeting Ariel should be your first stop when you come back in November AND January! She’s beautiful and so friendly! Thanks for reading, Brittany!
Kasandria Reasoner
Thanks for the pictures!!! BEAUTIFUL! I can’t wait to see it!
Kas