Behind the Scenes Look at The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Shares Heartwarming Behind-the-Scenes Video of “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” at Hollywood Studios

Grab your dinglehoppers and prepare to be part of this world! Disney just dropped an enchanting behind-the-scenes video on YouTube giving fans an insider look at the making of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, the brand-new stage show debuting May 27, 2025, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And let’s just say—it’s fintastic.

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A Surprise Fit for a Princess

The emotional highlight of the video? None other than Jodi Benson—the original voice of Ariel—surprising the cast with a visit and an impromptu serenade that left jaws on the (sea) floor. “On behalf of me, and Ariel, and everybody from our original film, thank you for telling our story,” Benson told the cast, visibly moved as she praised their work bringing this beloved tale to life.

A Splash of New Magic

This isn’t just a rehash of the classic story—it’s a whole new wave of immersive storytelling. The creative team walks viewers through everything from stunning puppetry (yes, Max the dog has a brand-new look!) to high-tech visuals and jaw-dropping scenic transformations. Director and puppetry master Chris introduces Max, who now brings his personality to life through expressive movement and plenty of barks.

And when it comes to showstoppers, you’d better believe “Under the Sea” brings the ocean to life with over 300 animated sea creatures—many of them based on real-life dancers through motion capture technology. Digital magic, practical puppets, and synchronized lighting and visuals are all blended using a video game engine to give guests an immersive undersea spectacle.Kiss the Girl… with Frogs!

Ariel and Eric’s iconic boat scene in “Kiss the Girl” is recreated with a dreamy blend of practical effects and digital artistry. And yes—don’t worry—we do get the kissing frogs. Jodi’s reaction? Pure joy.

Art with a Heart

The artistic touches don’t stop with just the characters. We meet the design duo behind the stage visuals—Alexander and Sarah—who explain how they used Ariel’s teenage curiosity and passion for collecting “thingamabobs” to inspire a collage-style proscenium full of personal meaning. One wave texture even comes from a bridesmaid dress worn at Sarah’s parents’ wedding!

A Mermaid-Sized Thank You

To top it all off, the cast gifts Jodi Benson with a signed piece of the show’s stage, welcoming her as “part of our world” in the most touching tribute imaginable.

By the end of the video, there’s not a dry eye in the (virtual) house. From its heartfelt cast to its cutting-edge creativity, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure promises to be a must-sea experience for guests of all ages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Mark your calendars—Ariel swims back to the stage May 27! 🌊🧜‍♀️✨

You can check out the full video below:

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