Everyone has a favorite Disney princess and if your favorite is The Little Mermaid, you’ll be glad to know you can find Ariel in Disney World!
Disney knows how popular her character is and has capitalized on the popularity of the animated classic.
Not only can you meet Ariel at Disney World, but you can dress like her, take a trip into her world and see her live in an on-stage musical performance!
Where to find Ariel in Disney World
You’ll be glad to know that Ariel appears in one way or another at three of the Disney theme parks and can be seen at two restaurants in Disney World.
Aside from that, you can even stay at a Little Mermaid-themed resort or be turned into Ariel at Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Ariel fans will be thrilled with all the different ways you can experience Ariel in Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
Ariel makes appearances in a few different places inside Magic Kingdom. Here is where you can find her:
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
The main ride that features Ariel is Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid.
This ride takes you on a journey through the story from the animated classic movie while riding in a clam shell.
You will see all your favorite characters from the movie and hear the original songs. The ride is wonderful for all ages and can seat 3 comfortably.
Ariel Meet & Greet
Right next to the exit of Journey of the Little Mermaid Ride is the entrance to the Ariel meet & greet location. Here you can have your picture taken with Ariel (in her grotto).
Festival of Fantasy Parade
During the Festival of Fantasy Parade, Ariel makes an appearance in a clamshell being pulled by a chariot of fish driven by Sebastian.
Philharmagic
In Fantasyland, you will see Ariel appear briefly on screen in the 4D Philharmagic singing “Part of Your World.”
Hollywood Studios
The next best place to spot Ariel in Disney World is at Hollywood Studios where you will find her in two shows:
Voyage of The Little Mermaid (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
You will see a live performance featuring Ariel and her friends during Voyage of The Little Mermaid, a 17-minute live show at Animation Courtyard.
Be prepared for kids to be a little scared during a scene when Ursula makes an appearance.
Shows begin every 25-30 minutes. Check the Times Guide at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for specific show times.
Fantasmic!
During the Fantasmic! night show at Hollywood Studios, Ariel and Philip make an appearance on a Disney Princess float.
Where you Should Eat if You Want to See Ariel in Disney World
The only place you will find Ariel in Epcot is at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this buffet features many of the Disney princesses and is a favorite (not so much for the food but for the characters).
You will want to make a reservation in advance for Akershus!
Where you Should Stay if you are a Fan of Little Mermaid
If you love Ariel, there is really no better place to stay than at Art of Animation Resort.
There you will find Little Mermaid Rooms that are designed to make you feel like you are part of her world!
And while at Art of Animation, be sure to grab the Mermaid Cupcake at Landscape of Flavors.
Becoming Ariel at Disney World
If you are traveling with a child who would like nothing better than to become Ariel at Disney World, be sure to make her an appointment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Located in Cinderella Castle and inside Disney Springs, your little girl can be turned into a real princess for a price.
Your child can either wear their Disney Ariel Princess Dress to the shop or purchase a package that had a dress included.
Purchase The Princess Signature Dress Collection and she can get a real Disney Princess gown featuring intricate design details that tell the story of the Little Mermaid, a high-quality crystal tiara with box, organza garment bag and satin hanger, hair styling, shimmering make-up and face gem, princess sash and cinch sack, and nail polish.
Shopping for Ariel Merchandise at Disney World
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Disney, you will definitely want to grab a souvenir.
If you would like that souvenir to feature Ariel and her friends, you will have no trouble finding them at the shops on Main Street USA and stores in the Fantasyland section of the park.
The best selections of Little Mermaid merchandise are at Hollywood Studios in Animation Courtyard.
We hope that you will be able to have the most memorable and magical Disney vacation possible! If you have any other tips to add on where to find Ariel at Disney World, or how to incorporate more of this princess into your vacation, please feel free to share with a comment.
