Under the Sea: The Best Scene in a Controversial Ride

Here's a burst of color for a June Sunday. In a previous post, we've mentioned a couple of things we like and dislike about The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Today, let's simply enjoy the very best scene on the ride: The Under the Sea room.

In this chamber, the Imagineers had to create one big, active environment based on a movie scene that's mostly composed of many quick, individual shots. This ride may not have much in the way of thrills, but it can certainly boast one heck of a cheerful centerpiece.

Plus, it no longer features Dole-Whip-Hair Ariel (a horror Florida fans never had to encounter).

Scuttle's Endearing Rambling

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure is basically DCA's answer to It's A Small World. It's not the thrilling journey among storms, sharks and ghost-ships-in-a-giant-whirlpool that I would have preferred, but it is a colorful, air-conditioned cruise through some pleasant musical setpieces.

Best of all, it's got Scuttle. I have a few gripes about the way a couple of the ride's scenes turned out, but the decision to have Scuttle open and close the journey was absolutely brilliant. I especially love his first scene, where he rambles on and on--trying to set up the story and never quite getting to the point.

When you reach the journey's end, and you hear him remark, "...that's how I remember it..." it adds a touch of humor to ease the disappointment of not getting to see the epic battle with the sea-witch.

Because, apparently, Scuttle remembers it like this. Ah, well....

Ariel's Air-Conditioned Omnimover (with Fish Heads & Crumbs)

Disney's Omnimover ride system remains one of the most efficient and ingenious ways to carry large numbers of guests through an attraction. In DCA, it turns The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure into a great way to the quickly escape the afternoon heat for a few relaxing minutes of musical, air-conditioned entertainment. The wait to board is rarely more than a few minutes, and it's often a walk-on.

I must be honest; I wish the ride was more thrilling. The designers decided to leave out the battle with the Sea Witch, resulting in a ride with very little drama in its adventure. Still, it's pleasant, pretty, and a great way to get off your feet. Perhaps that final battle can be added to the ride at a future date; Many rides get "plussed" or reworked during their lifespan. Just don't ask a walrus for advice on this one...