Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Opened: January 7, 1992
Location: Animation Courtyard
Extra Magic Hours: Evening
FASTPASS: Yes. Make sure to note the return time is only a ten minute window right before the show is expected to start, not the usual two hour window of most rides.
Type: Live musical theater show
Similar To: Finding Nemo – The Musical
Requirements: None
What to Expect: Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a musical that features a mixture of puppets, animatronics, and live actors to tell the story of the Little Mermaid. You may feel a light spray of water before the show starts to add to the atmosphere and special effects are used liberally throughout. The actors sing many of the movie’s most popular songs and portions of the film are shown to move the story along quickly.
Scary Factor: Medium for young kids. Very low for everyone else. Ursula, the wicked octopus, makes an appearance that may frighten young children. She is 12 feet tall, 10 feet wide, and accompanied by loud effects and darkness. You might want to prepare youngsters by reminding them that she can’t leave the stage.
When To Go: Voyage of the Little Mermaid is popular and you may need a FASTPASS during busy seasons if you plan to visit in the afternoon. I would get here immediately after riding Toy Story Mania in the morning if you don’t plan to ride Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. If you do plan to ride those, get a FASTPASS for an afternoon showing. The theater is dark and nicely air-conditioned which makes it a nice break from the afternoon heat and crowds. Also consider visiting near Park closing or during evening Extra Magic Hours.
Expect to Wait: Expect to wait 30 minutes or less before 11am and up to 90 minutes in the afternoon. Get a FASTPASS if the wait exceeds 20 minutes.
Length: 15 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Commentary: Fans of musicals and The Little Mermaid will enjoy this show more than people who don’t like either. The attraction is well done and the effects are top-notch, but there aren’t any “wow” moments like with other theater shows. The only potential problem for younger kids is the emergence of Ursula, which some parents and children aren’t expecting to be quite as scary as she turns out to be. Still, this is a nice, relaxing, air-conditioned break from the sun that most visitors will enjoy. Just don’t expect to be talking about it tomorrow.