Opening Ceremony of The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure

 The Little Mermaid- Ariel's Undersea Adventure opening ceremony was held at Disney California Adventure yesterday, and I was lucky enough to be there to witness the event. 

 The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs was there to introduce Alan Menken, the composer of the 1989 film The Little Mermaid.

 Tom Staggs also introduced Jodi Benson, who is the voice of Ariel. 

She walked out and sang "Part of Your World",which not only brought goosebumps to my skin but also made me choke up a bit. I was a teenager when The Little Mermaid came out, and I have fond memories of taking my little sister to see the movie at our local theatre. It was quite a honor hearing her sing in person. 

 Sherie Rene Scott, who was Ursula in the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid, came out next to sing "Poor Unfortunate Souls".

 After we got a melody of The Little Mermaid memorable songs by Disney singers including "Kiss the Girl" and "Under the Sea". At the end of "Under the Sea", Jodi Benson and Sherie Rene Scott came back out to share the stage.  Jodi Benson sang a line from "Part of Your World", then Sherie Rene Scott sang a line from "Poor Unfortunate Souls", followed by a dramatic dropping of the curtain revealing the Little Mermaid- Ariel's Undersea Adventure with a burst of confetti shot through the air. 

Jodi Benson, Alan Menken, Pat Carroll, Sherie Rene Scott, and Tom Staggs.

 Pat Carroll, the original voice of Ursula, was also there to witness the opening ceremony. After she met and took photographs with fans. 

The Little Mermaid- Ariel's Undersea Adventure is now officially open at Disney California Adventure.

Are you ready to go under the sea?  

The Little Mermaid Ariel's Undersea Adventure Loading Area Revealed

It's almost time for The Little Mermaid Ariel's Undersea Adventure to open!

On Thursday the construction walls came down, and we were all able to see what the loading area of the ride looks like. 

I took these pictures Friday night after Disney California Adventure closed, and everyone was leaving after the last performance of World of Color. 

 During the day, the attraction was running for a long line of cast members. On my way out of the park I had a conversation with a couple cast members saying that the ride is really amazing inside. I know I can't wait to find out for myself... how about you? 

The Little Mermaid Ariel's Undersea Adventure opens June 3, 2011.

A Close-Up Of The Little Mermaid- Ariel's Undersea Adventure

As the June 3rd opening date for the Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure approaches, Disney is quickly working on finishing touches. Just this weekend the scaffolding was removed from the front of the attraction to reveal a beautiful archway. 

I love the detailing of the scalloped seashells, the bubbles around all the mermaids, and all the light bulbs evenly spaced throughout. 

This is going to be spectacular when lit at night. I also think they did a beautiful job with the window. The wave of the glass and the metal work really gives the effect of a wave. I already feel like I'm approaching the sea.

It is nice to see King Triton in his new home. It looks as if he was made just for this attraction. His former home was the Ariel meet-and-greet area which is now Pixie Hollow. 

Watch this video from the Disney Parks Blog to see King Triton being installed. 

All of the detail is just wonderful! 

Disney is getting the details down even to the metal work on the awning. I just love the bubbles, and I'm sure it will be home to a new hidden Mickey too!

Currently at Blue Sky Cellar, they have a model of the ride to give you an idea of what to expect.

Orange, marigold, or green clam shells, that sit 2-3 people, will take you into your undersea voyage.

This video shows the clams being unwrapped and installed in the attraction from Disney Parks Blog.

I just love this small display of Ursula inside Blue Sky Cellar.

As if I wasn't already excited about the ride, last week the Disney Parks Blog posted their best video yet for the ride...  the revealing of Ursula! Not only do we get to see her being installed, but we also get a peek of her moving around at the Disney production facility in North Hollywood. 

Her fluid movements are so smooth, and without her undersea surroundings, she already looks like she is moving around in the water. Did you notice her eye and mouth movement too?! Wow!
If this is any indication on how the ride with be, we are in for a real treat!


Let me just say, that June 3rd opening date can't come soon enough.
What do you think? Are you excited too? 

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