Disney World Shuts Down Beloved Fantasyland Ride This Week

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If you’ve ever wandered into Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom and spotted a castle that didn’t belong to Cinderella, chances are you stumbled upon one of the park’s most charming attractions: Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid.This gentle dark ride has been welcoming guests into Ariel’s world since 2012, when it opened as part of the massive New Fantasyland expansion.Credit: Josh Hallett, FlickrWith its colorful seashell ride vehicles and sweeping scenes straight out of the 1989 animated classic, the attraction quickly became a favorite for families.Whether you’re a die-hard Little Mermaid fan or just looking for a cool place to escape the Florida heat, the ride offers an underwater journey full of catchy music, vibrant animatronics, and a dose of nostalgia. You’re treated to familiar sights like Ariel’s grotto, Sebastian’s musical number, and even Ursula’s eerie lair—all while gliding along a slow-moving Omnimover track designed to immerse you in the story.But if you were hoping to swim alongside Ariel this week, you might want to adjust your plans.Credit: DisneyAs of Monday, July 21, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid has officially closed for a brief refurbishment. According to Disney, this is a routine maintenance closure, and while no major updates are expected, the ride won’t be available for guests until at least Saturday, July 26.That said, the official Walt Disney World website does list operating hours for the attraction starting that day, so fans shouldn’t have to wait too long to hear “Under the Sea” echo through the clamshells once again.This isn’t the first time the ride has temporarily closed for touch-ups. Like many of Disney’s dark rides, it relies on delicate lighting, audio, and animatronics that need regular upkeep to keep the experience feeling fresh and magical. For longtime fans, these short refurbishments are a small price to pay to keep Ariel’s world under the sea running smoothly.Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the MagicIt’s always a little disappointing when a favorite ride is closed, especially one that’s as family-friendly and reliable as this one. But if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom this week, there are still plenty of nearby attractions to keep your crew entertained. “it’s a small world”, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic are all just a short walk away and offer that same whimsical, all-ages appeal.So, while Ariel may be off the grid for a few days, don’t worry—she’s not going anywhere permanently. Consider this a quick spa day for the ride before it returns looking refreshed and ready to go.And if you do end up in Fantasyland this week, maybe swing by Prince Eric’s Castle just to pay your respects. After all, it’s not every day a princess takes a break from her kingdom.The post Disney World Shuts Down Beloved Fantasyland Ride This Week appeared first on Inside the Magic.