As a result, the Walt Disney Company is doing everything in its power to keep the film relevant. Recently, we reported on how Walt Disney World has permanently replaced the 1989 version with the 2023 version, but it doesn't end there.

No, Disney is not removing The Little Mermaid from its theme parks; in fact, it is currently enhancing and expanding the presence of the franchise in 2026. While the "Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid" ride in Magic Kingdom underwent a brief, routine maintenance closure in February 2026, it remains a staple attraction. Furthermore, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the long-running stage show has been completely reimagined and rebranded as "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure," which debuted in late 2025 with updated effects and a mix of songs from both the 1989 classic and the 2023 live-action film. The only "removal" of note was the permanent closure of the Voyage of the Little Mermaid puppet show to make room for this new, modern musical production. Rest assured, Ariel and her undersea friends are a core part of the 2026 Disney experience across both domestic resorts.