Voyage of the Little Mermaid was a live-action show attraction that opened in 1992. It replaced Here Come The Muppets in the Animation Courtyard section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. When Hollywood Studios reopened in 2020 the show was not one of the returning attractions.
As time progressed without its return, speculation began to surface that it would be replaced. Eventually, reports of mold in the building and the removal of seats and additional parts of the theater seemed to seal the show’s fate, despite official confirmation from Disney.
While Disney's Hollywood Studios remains one of the busiest Disney parks, leaving an entire building empty isn’t great business, especially when it’s in a central location. Will Disney elect to design a new attraction in the space? Or could the upcoming live-action Little Mermaid movie opening in May of 2023 bring a re-imagined version of the show? Here are three potential replacement ideas if Disney elects to move on from the property.
1. Moana
Despite coming out in 2016, it has taken until 2023 for the property to get its own attraction. Later this year EPCOT is opening Journey of Water which is described as a “self-guided outdoor trail where you can play and interact with water.” While it will likely feature main characters and songs a primary focus will be on the importance of water and preserving the natural world. The space in Hollywood Studios would offer a more playful experience and could be centered around Moana’s journey, during or after the film, Maui’s legendary feats, and life on her island.
2. Raya and the Last Dragon
The 2021 film received positive reviews from both critics and viewers, but its box office success was shunted due to the pandemic bringing in just $130 million worldwide. To date the only interaction park visitors can get with the property is the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade which added Raya in November of 2022. The film’s impressive visual effects, unique lands, and characters would make an easy translation into a stage show. Plus it would bring another new IP into the parks beyond seeing the character in a central parade in Magic Kingdom.
3. Encanto
The 2021 smash hit brought in over $250 million at the box office and became a streaming success for Disney+ as word spread about the engaging Madrigal and addictive soundtrack. The film became the fastest to surpass 200 million viewing hours, while We Don’t Talk About Bruno delivered Disney’s highest-charting song since 1995, even passing Frozen’s Let It Go. Just think of what the Imagineers could come up with for a show given those characters and songs, as well as building the exterior of the building to look like the magical Casa Madrigal.
What do you think Disney should do with the building in Animation Courtyard? Should they build a new attraction around one of these three properties or deliver a new Little Mermaid show? Let us know by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
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