Disney's California Adventure Begins Construction on Little Mermaid Ride

In 2006, Disney released a 2-disc special edition of its animated classic, "The Little Mermaid". The bonus features showed a CG concept rendering of a ride that was designed based on the film, but never came to fruition. The ride looked phenomenal, and ever since I've had my eyes and ears open wondering if they ever might actually go through with it.

Well, now the walls are up and construction has finally begun on a Little Mermaid ride entitled, "Ariel's Undersea Adventure" at Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim. The ride is set to open in the year 2011. (A handful of detailed pictures of the construction can be seen here: http://www.westcoaster.net/updates.php?updateCD=060109&page=5)

Disney's California Adventure opened in 2001 with the less than fantastic theme of, California history. But the North County Times reports that the park is just at the beginning of a 1.1 billion dollar makeover that will do away with some of the original theming in favor of more movie and character themed attractions. This is where the new, "Little Mermaid" ride fits into the plan.

The ride is currently under construction in the Paradise Pier area of the park. If the footage from the special edition is any clue to what the ride will contain, then the ride will feature transport vehicles shaped like giant seashells similar to the clamshells featured at EPCOT's, "The Seas with Nemo and Friends". There has also been speculation based on the CG rendering that the ride vehicles will be similar to the flying type featured on Peter Pan's Flight versus the old people movers featured at rides like the Haunted Mansion.

But no matter what the details of the ride vehicle, one can be sure that we'll be treated to some of the iconic songs from the film. No doubt to include, "Under the Sea" and maybe even, "Kiss the Girl". As the title of the ride suggests, we'll likely spend most of our time in an underwater environment. It's possible that the years of "oohs" and "ahs" from kids attending the underwater themed theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios, "The Voyage of the Little Mermaid", sealed the deal for the new ride concept.

One thing's for sure, Disney will likely attempt to keep the full details of the ride under wraps until its debut in 2011. New rides have often generated as much interest in Disney fans as new films. There are countless sites dedicated to theme park news and Disney park news in specific, so keep your eyes on those and I'd be willing to bet you'll get regular updates. So here's to the new Little Mermaid ride, and all the anticipation and behind-the-scenes details we can get until her maiden voyage.