The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a traditional “dark ride” similar to those in Disneyland’s Fantasyland, using the very best and latest technology created by Disney’s Imagineers, and is located on Paradise Pier facing Mickey’s Fun Wheel in Disney California Adventure Park.
Ariel’s Undersea Adventure utilizes an omni-mover system (like the Haunted Mansion doom-buggies), shaped like clamshells. The clamshells can seat a small party of four, but guests are most comfortable seated with three. The attraction takes guests under the sea to meet Ariel, Sebastian, Scuttle, Flounder and even Ursula. The attraction provides guests to sing along with “Part of your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl” and experience some of the movie’s most memorable moments.
The technology is truly amazing and thankfully, the larger-than-life Ursula is not too scary or overwhelming.
Here are things to keep in mind:
- The sound is just the right level as to not overwhelm children. (Great for guests with special needs that involve sound sensitivities.)
- There are ride vehicles that can accommodate wheelchair guests without making them transfer out of their chairs.
- The attraction is cool on hot summer days.
- The line for this ride fluctuates at different times during the day. The good news is that the line moves very, very quickly, even when it is on the long side.
- Schedule this ride into your agenda as it does close early for World of Color.
- While flash photography is allowed, it does detract from the magic and pictures don’t turn out very well. Just sit back, relax and enjoy!
Our four-year old and two-year old boys love this ride and they’ve never seen the movie!
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Under Sea Adventure is a MUST for families with little ones.Special Needs: Be sure to show a Cast Member your guest assistance card as there is a different route to take for assistance. Guests in an electric convenience vehicle need to transfer to an available wheelchair in order to experience the attraction. Guests with visual disabilities can obtain a receiver for an audio description, but they must obtain it at Guest Relations prior to arrival at the attraction.
Hidden Mickeys: I’ve only seen two (though there may be more) and they are right at the beginning of the ride so keep your peepers peeled. The first is on a rock on your right just before you enter the sunken ship. The second is interlocking key rings in a cargo box at Scuttle’s feet.
For more background information on this attraction and Lisa’s interview with the attraction’s creators, please click here.
For more background information on this attraction and Lisa’s interview with the attraction’s creators, please click here.
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I saw hidden Mickeys in the chandelier lights when you are waiting to board the boats.