Birt Family Focus

Disney MGM Studios - Voyage of the Little Mermaid in the Animation Courtyard -- 02/25/03

Howdy Folks-

Today we visit the Voyage of the Little Mermaid in the Animation Courtyard. This is the last attraction in this section, then we will go over to see what's available at Echo Lake.

This attraction is closed for rehab but will reopen March 1.

This is a puppet show with some neat special effects. It lasts 17 minutes, so those of you who are not Ariel fans but are tired will find it a nice spot for a power nap. :-) Also, this is a fastpass attraction, so if the line is long- get a pass and go to the Animation Tour and come back. It's worth the wait.

In the queing room, you are treated to the sight of a great many neat diving implements hanging on the walls. Some are quite antique. There is even a stuffed shark in there. Once in the theater, you will notice that the walls look like reef and the ceiling looks like the underside of water. You feel a light breeze and mist- your senses will transport you undersea...then that obnoxious crab, Sebastion, starts yapping and brings you out of your revelry. LOL

Actually, Sebastion is cute and your host and narrator for the story of how Ariel leaves the sea to live happily ever after with Prince Eric. Now, if the shoe were on the other foot, I think I would be just as happy swimming around in the ocean for the rest of my life - no job, no taxes, no vacuuming...- I could seriously get into that! Ariel is unhappy, though, having no idea what real life is like, and wants to leave the sea and grow legs to dance with- the very idea! In the process, she becomes involved with the evil seawitch and meets her future husband in an abbreviated but lively version of the animated feature.

It is presented in the dark, using blacklit puppets in bright neon colors moved by actors dressed entirely in black. You really can't see the actors with out trying REALLY hard and the illusion is that the critters on stage are floating in midair. It's pretty neat.

If you have small children, their best vantage point is from your lap or sitting in the back of the theater, because the stage is elevated. Look for the hidden mickey at the beginning of the show.

Everyone I know likes this attraction, so will you. We always take it in when we visit MGM, we consider it a "don't miss" attraction.

Until next week and Echo Lake-

Sla`inte~