Things are changing quite a bit at Walt Disney World. Now meeting Ariel will look a bit different for guests.
Walt Disney World Changes
One thing that sets Disney Parks apart from other Theme Parks is so many great character meet and greets. We all love classic characters like Mickey and his pals, but many Disney fans love rare meet-and-greets.
Animation Courtyard permanently closed on September 25, 2025. This affected both Star Wars Launch Bay and the theater that has been host to Disney Jr Play and Dance.
Disney was quick to update Disney’s Hollywood Studios physical park maps and the map on the My Disney Experience app. This did change several Star Wars character meet and greet locations.
Changes to Ariel Meet and Greet
Walt Disney Presents is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Animation Courtyard. Disney promised that while much work is being completed for the new “Magic of Disney Animation” area that both “The Little Mermaid- A Musical Adventure” and “Walt Disney Presents” will remain open.
Early in September, the large display that once featured the Disney Cruise Line was blocked to guests located inside “Walt Disney Presents”. This has reopened with a display featuring 3 big Walt Disney Imagineering projects underway at Walt Disney World.
Now another change has occurred inside “Walt Disney Presents,” affecting the meet and greet location for the live-action Little Mermaid.
Ariel Meet and Greet Changing
Disney shares that the live-action Ariel meet and greet will change starting on October 28, 2025. She will move to Echo Lake near 50’s Prime Time Cafe.
The live-action Ariel will meet in a new location starting on October 28, 2025.
At this time, Disney has not announced the reason for this location change. Many Disney fans still remain hopeful when one character location closes that this may open up room for the promised Bluey character meet and greet that Disney promised back in December 2024.
What do you think of this change? Who do you think will meet in this newly emptied space? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.