The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Dark ride at Disney California Adventure, United States.
Ariel's Undersea Adventure is a dark ride at Disney California Adventure in California where visitors board shell-shaped vehicles that glide through recreated underwater worlds. The track passes through multiple rooms featuring animated figures, lighting effects, and musical accompaniment that tell a story without spoken dialogue.
The attraction opened in 2011 at Disney California Adventure after similar concepts for other theme parks in the 1990s were not realized. Construction took place as part of a larger park expansion that added several new areas and rides.
The ride follows the story arc from the 1989 Disney film, presenting animated figures that move through recreated underwater environments. Visitors experience Ariel's journey through songs that play throughout the attraction, connecting the different scenes along the route.
The vehicles move continuously through the attraction, allowing guests to board and exit while the system remains in motion. Adapted vehicles are available for wheelchair users, and wait times vary depending on time of day and season.
A large statue of King Triton crowns the entrance building, announcing the underwater theme to arriving guests. The facade resembles a classical early 20th-century aquarium with detailed architectural elements.
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