Live-Action “Little Mermaid” Ariel Greets Guests, New Food Announced

In celebration of the upcoming live-action Little Mermaid movie, Ariel will be appearing as a live-action character at select Disney parks this summer.

The Little Mermaid movie, which will be released on May 26, 2023, follows the story of Ariel, the adventurous and determined mermaid whose dream is to explore life beyond the sea. Along her journey, she makes a deal with an evil sea witch to make this dream a reality, and she must confront the consequences to save her father and those she loves.

Keep reading for more details on Ariel's limited time appearance at the Disney parks!

When Will Live Action Ariel Appear at Disney Parks?

 

Alongside the Little Mermaid movie release, Ariel made her first appearance at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris on May 26, 2023 the same day that the new movie opens.

What Does New Little Mermaid Live-Action Ariel Look Like?

Ariel will appear at select Disney parks, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Paris. Here is what to look forward to at each location!

Here's a look at the Live-Action Ariel.

Where Can You Find Live-Action Ariel?

Walt Disney World

  • Ariel will appear for a limited time inside Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a meet and greet for guests. For more details on Walt Disney Presents and other attractions at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, be sure to read our guide to help plan your day at Hollywood Studios!
  • At the Walt Disney Presents Theater, guests will be able to witness a special sneak peek and props from the film

Disneyland 

  • Ariel will have a meet-and-greet with guests at the promenade near “it's a small world

Disneyland Paris 

  • During a limited-time celebration, guests can share an “interactive and fun experience” with live action Ariel

Ariel will only appear at Disney parks for a limited time, so make sure to plan your visit soon if you'd like to meet her! Characters from newly released Disney movies and TV shows will occasionally appear for a limited time celebration. Many Marvel characters tend to appear after the release of their most recent film! Be sure to check out our review and guide to the Avenger's Campus at Disney California Adventure for more details.

While we are excited about the new Ariel appearance we hope we'll see a live-action version of Ursula appearing at Disneyland. Perhaps she would appear during the Oogie Boogie Bash event at Disney California Adventure.

To learn more about the characters that appear on a recurring basis at the parks and how you can meet them, be sure to read our guide on Character Meet and Greets at Disneyland and our Walt Disney World character guide. 

Little Mermaid Food Guide

Disneyland and Walt Disney World are also celebrating the Little Mermaid film by incorporating themed foods in the theme parks.

Disneyland Resort

New The Little Mermaid food at Disney Parks

The new Mermaid Strawberry Cake can be found at the Cappuccino Cart.

Guests can find the new Purple Pineapple Shell Macaron, a purple macaron filled with blue pineapple buttercream and a chocolate pearl available at Edelweiss Snacks.

Both of these treats are available until May 29th.

New The Little Mermaid food at Disney Parks

The Mermaid Classic Shake, a strawberry and blueberry shake topped with whipped cream & mermaid sprinkles is available at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes in Downtown Disney.

Walt Disney World Resort

At Disney Springs, you can find the new Little Mermaid Pop at Amorette’s Patisserie, a caramel sea salt pop with ocean fondant decor!

At Magic Kingdom Park, the Divinely Diabolical, a fun twist on a classic cookies and cream shake, is available for purchase at The Friar’s Nook.

The next treat, Part of Your World, a delicious DOLE Whip Strawberry swirled with Purple Cheesecake soft serve is available at Storybook Treats.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, check out The Little Mermaid Donut Milk Shake, a mango-guava-ginger milkshake topped with whipped cream and a pineapple-mango seashell donut, available at Hollywood Scoops.

Little Mermaid Photo Ops

There will also be limited-time Little Mermaid PhotoPass opportunities at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. A new Magic Shot featuring Ariel's “secret grotto” where she hides all her human treasures.

At Magic Kingdom, this Magic Shot is available near Prince Eric's castle. Over at Disneyland, Magic Key holders can find this Magic Shot near the Silly Symphony Swings through May 31.

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About Emily Midgley

Emily Midgley is a writer from San Diego, California. She was introduced to Disneyland when she was two and has been in love with all things Disney ever since! At Mickey Visit, she will keep you updated with the latest news from the Disney Parks and provide helpful planning content for your vacation. Her favorite rides at Disneyland are Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance. She loves Marvel (especially Guardians of the Galaxy) and lives and breathes anything to do with Star Wars.

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