The Ultimate Disney World Little Mermaid Day

Calling all Little Mermaid fans and lovers of all things Ariel!!

Prepare to embark on a magical journey under the sea as we unveil the ultimate Little Mermaid day in the enchanting realm of Walt Disney World. With an itinerary filled with sea-inspired delights, Ariel herself, and even her little friends, you’ll be transported to a world of enchantment, where you can sing, swim, and soar alongside your favorite undersea characters. Join us on this fin-tastic adventure that promises to make all your “Part of Your World” dreams come true. Dive right in and let your Disney adventure begin!

A Little Extra…

A great way to kick off the ultimate Little Mermaid day is to start with Disney bounding! Disney bounding is dressing your outfit, Minnie ears, jewelry, etc. inspired by a Disney character, and Ariel is one of the easiest Princesses to Disney bound as! At any given time Walt Disney World has at least 2 different Ariel inspired Minnie ears for sale. Pair them with purple and green clothes and your giving off Little Mermaid vibes!

Ultimate Little Mermaid Day: Where to stay

Staying at the Art of Animation Resort in the Little Mermaid section is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ariel and her underwater friends. This particular section of the resort features standard-sized rooms adorned with vibrant and immersive theming, making it an excellent choice for fans of the classic Disney film. As you step into your cozy, sea-inspired room, you’ll be greeted by the unmistakable charm of Ariel’s oceanic realm. From the sea-shell-shaped headboards to the colorful artwork on the walls, every detail has been carefully designed to transport you into the heart of the beloved animated feature.

Art of Animation Resort Lobby Art

In addition to the incredibly themed rooms, this resort overall is themed to its section. The Little mermaid section is filled with larger-than-life statues throughout the grounds including Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and even Ursula! It’s a different feeling dancing to “Under the Sea” when you are literally in the water at the Little Mermaid pool!

The other perk of the Art of Animation Resort is that in addition to the Disney buses, there is the newest form of Disney transportation, Disney’s Skyliner. The Skyliner  can transport guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, in addition to a few other Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Image (C) Disney

Ultimate Little Mermaid Day: Breakfast

To kick off your day of enchantment in Walt Disney World, why not start with a picturesque journey on the Disney Skyliner? This whimsical gondola transportation system will take you on an aerial tour of the resort, providing stunning vistas and a sprinkle of magic as you make your way to EPCOT.

Your first stop of the day is the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located within the Norway pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase. This charming restaurant is an excellent choice for breakfast, as it offers a delightful feast fit for royalty. As you step inside the stately banquet hall, you’ll be greeted by the regal decor and the opportunity to meet some of your favorite Disney princesses, including the star of our Little Mermaid adventure, Ariel. The setting is a storybook come to life, with elegant chandeliers, stained glass windows, and a sense of old-world European charm.

While savoring a delicious Scandinavian-inspired breakfast, you’ll have the chance to meet Ariel and other beloved princesses. They’ll visit your table, pose for photos, and engage in delightful conversations with you. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with these iconic characters, and the magic of the moment is sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories. As you indulge in a hearty breakfast and exchange stories with Ariel and her royal companions, you’ll feel like a true prince or princess for the day, making this enchanting start to your Little Mermaid-themed adventure absolutely unforgettable.

Note: This is a weird thing to write, but it is necessary… Ariel in the location is the Ariel with legs. As in, she is Ariel, not the mermaid. Personal story: when my daughter was in a huge Little Mermaid phase, she was disappointed that Ariel had no tail. In her mind, what guy is worth losing a tail? It’s a tail! I get it, girl.

Ultimate Little Mermaid Day: Go for a swim

When planning a day around mermaids, do as the mermaids do and go for a swim! After such a hearty breakfast it’s time to hop back on the Skyliner and head to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and go for a swim. You are on vacation, after all! Soak in the sun and enjoy the beautiful Little Mermaid pool for the rest of the morning. Disney days are long days, don’t forget to lay back and enjoy a little down time.

Ultimate Little Mermaid Day: Lunch

Once you’ve enjoyed some quality time at the Art of Animation pool, it’s time to continue your Little Mermaid-inspired adventure by hopping back on the Disney Skyliner and making your way to the Caribbean Beach Resort. Located within this lush and vibrant resort, you’ll find Sebastian’s Bistro, a hidden gem that combines the charm of everyone’s favorite crab, Sebastian, with the flavors of the Caribbean.

Sebastian’s Bistro Wall Art

Sebastian’s Bistro offers an extraordinary dining experience, with an all-you-care-to-enjoy approach that’s both delightful and budget-friendly, much like the popular ‘Ohana restaurant. However, instead of Hawaiian flavors, you’ll be treated to a delicious array of Caribbean-inspired dishes. Sebastian’s is a gorgeous restaurant that proves that you can be themed to an animated character and still have style and class. This culinary journey will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide a thematic feast for your eyes and senses. It’s an ideal spot to refuel and continue your Little Mermaid adventure while enjoying the vibrant Caribbean flavors in Sebastian’s delightful company.

Note: Ohana, the family-style restaurant at the Polynesian Village Resort, is one of the hardest reservations to snag and is not a cheap meal, either. What if I told you that our experience at Sebastian’s was BETTER? At just over $35 per person, this meal is the least expensive all-you-care-to-enjoy on Disney property, and between the amazing food and less hurried atmosphere, this has become one of our favorite places to go! Plus, reservations are very easy to come by.

Ultimate Little Mermaid Day: Relive the story

After a satisfying Caribbean-inspired meal at Sebastian’s Bistro, it’s time to continue your Little Mermaid-themed adventure by heading over to the iconic Magic Kingdom. There, you’ll find one of the most enchanting attractions, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. This attraction is a classic Disney dark ride that takes you on a whimsical journey into the world of Ariel, Flounder, and the gang. We hope you remember all of the words to Under the Sea!

As you enter the attraction, you’ll be transported into a vivid undersea landscape, complete with vibrant coral, colorful fish, and the beloved characters from The Little Mermaid. The ride vehicle, which is a clamshell-shaped seashell, provides a gentle and relaxing journey through scenes that bring key moments from the movie to life. You’ll witness Ariel’s fascination with the human world, her daring rescue by Prince Eric, and her ultimate transformation into a human. The ride is enhanced by a memorable soundtrack featuring classic songs from the film, making it a delightful and nostalgic experience for Disney fans of all ages.

One of the best things about “Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid” is that it typically doesn’t have long lines, especially compared to some of the more popular attractions in the park. This means you can enjoy this enchanting journey without the stress of lengthy wait times, making it the perfect addition to your Little Mermaid day at Walt Disney World. So, glide under the sea, relive Ariel’s adventure, and revel in the magic of Disney with ease.

A Little Extra…

Want to add a little Ariel pixie dust on your time in the Magic Kingdom? If you stop by almost any of the shops or carts you will find Ariel bubble wands. You may think, it’s just a bubble wand… There is just something magical about a processional of bubbles. They’re just happy. And in this case, they’re also Ariel! (And yes, she has her tail.)

Ultimate Little Mermaid Day: Meeting Ariel

After your enchanting journey through Under the Sea, the highlight of your Little Mermaid adventure awaits just next door at Ariel’s Grotto. Here, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Ariel herself, tail and all! This unique meet and greet offers a chance to get up close and personal with the beloved princess of the sea and ask her all about her life under the waves.

As you step into Ariel’s Grotto, you’ll be transported to a charming, beachy cove filled with treasures from her undersea collection. Ariel, adorned in her stunning mermaid tail, will be there to greet you with open arms, ready to share stories, pose for photos, and answer any burning questions you have about her adventures beneath the ocean. It’s a magical encounter that brings the world of The Little Mermaid to life and allows you to create unforgettable memories with one of Disney’s most iconic princesses. So, prepare to be part of Ariel’s world and let the wonders of this extraordinary meet and greet make your Little Mermaid day at Walt Disney World truly extraordinary.

Image (C) Disney

Like many other Disney meet and greets, the meet and greet with Ariel is very private. Only a couple parties are able to be in the actual cove at a time, and when it is your turn, there is no rushed feeling. Think of all of your questions, Ariel can answer anything about her story or things that surround her story. We love to ask about dinglehoppers and if she still uses them in her hair.

Ultimate Little Mermaid Day: Late Dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table

As the sun sets over the Magic Kingdom, your Little Mermaid-themed adventure is not over. It’s time to make your way to the iconic Cinderella Castle, to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table. This regal restaurant, located within the castle itself, offers a dining experience fit for a princess – or in your case, a mermaid-turned-princess.

Cinderella’s Royal Table is the ultimate character dining experience that not only features multiple Disney princesses (including Ariel), it is literally inside of Cinderella Castle. Picture it – a dining reservation set for 8:00.

Not only will you be mesmerized by the castle and banquet hall, you will actually experience the nightly fireworks from inside. If you don’t mind waiting a bit, ask the hostess if it’s possible to have a seat by the window. Just trust us…

Meals at Cinderella’s Royal Table are not rushed, so you can expect that by the time your are finished with your meal, the park will be closed. What a perfect way to end the day, with a stroll down an empty Main Street, USA.

Life is the bubbles!

Have comments or questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!

Movies to Watch in Preparation

Before your trip, watch these Disney movies to get ready for your themed day:

• The Little Mermaid (1989)
• The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008)
• The Little Mermaid (2023, live-action)
• The Little Mermaid (TV series, 1992–1994) (for more fun underwater adventures)

Note: This post contains affiliate links for the movies on Amazon!

This Post is Part of Our Ultimate Day Series

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• Ultimate Day for Frozen Fans
• Ultimate Beauty and the Beast Day
• Ultimate Day for Fans of the '90s
• Ultimate Little Mermaid Day
• Ultimate Lion King Day
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• Ultimate Day for Jurassic Park Fans
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