Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid closing early (Nov 2nd 2017)

[brb1006]

I really resent pulling the high and mighty attitude with an attraction, but for WDI to spend years and years making rides that give you unique experiences with existing IP, making a book report Omnimover ride from a Disney Renaissance film is pretty embarrassing.

I still wish it was like this

 

[DrewmanS]

I don’t think the ride is particularly bad when compared to Peter Pan or Small World or other similar format dark rides. Sure there is no nostalgia attached to it but when you look at the intended audience for the attraction it fits in well within Fantasyland.

I think people forget that it is also strategic, as it adds vast capacity to the park without significantly boosting attendance. This is significant because the park needs rides which can handle a decent throughput but tend not to bring more guests to the park specifically for the attraction. 7DMT is an example of what happens when you get this in reverse - it’s attractiveness is far higher than its capacity can handle. Too many rides like 7DMT and you would end up with a hot mess.

Sure, It’s no Mansion or Pirates but Mermaid was never meant to be that highly detailed format - it would have ended up increasing attendance too much if the ride was out of this world fantastic.

There is no sense in using logic when it comes to opinions on a discussion board because for every opinion, there are 10 other views with similar and contrasting perspectives. There are those that wish the original Mr. Toad's Wild Ride would return, while others think the theming and animatronics of Mermaid are underwhelming or embarrassing. Mermaid is the Cliff Notes version, but I don't remember Peter Pan ride being an anthology. Small world is a classic, but lets move it to Epcot. 7DMT is too short, but should have higher capacity. More roller coasters, more dark rides, more family friendly, more classic, more modern, etc...

 

[RSoxNo1]

I still wish it was like this

By all accounts Baxter's version is a C ticket with more primitive animatronics yet people salivate over it because they were underwhelmed with what we got.

Mermaid has some sight line issues and is a pseudo book report ride framed by Scuttle telling the story. Baxter himself has been amongst the most vocal against it for that reason. Personally, I think Mermaid is a better ride than Peter Pan.

 

[Fox&Hound]

I think the Baxter mock-up is less impressive that what we received. Way too random with no story at all....

I love the ride, especially with the improved lighting. I wish the animals did not repeat and it could use a less plastic feel but I think it does a lot of things right: Scuttle AA, Ursula AA, the under the water effect, and queue are all outstanding IMHO. A better ending (think confronting a giant Ursula while your clam swirls around her and Eric's boat goes to stab her). Love this ride overall though....