Guests will soon become a part of Ariel’s world at Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. There were a few requests for previews of the merchandise created for this new musical attraction. I spoke with Carla Lewandowski, senior franchise and brand manager with Disney Theme Park Merchandise, about what we can expect. Before her relatively new role, Carla was the merchandiser responsible for creating items first found at the sister attraction in Disney California Adventure park. She explained that the opening of the Florida attraction gave the team an opportunity to refresh the overall assortment for both parks.
“When we first created merchandise for the attraction in 2011 in California, we used concept sketches as inspiration for the merchandise,” explained Carla. “For this new assortment, we were inspired by the many colorful scenes found in the actual attraction. We really liked the scene with Sebastian and the undersea band, and you’ll see many moments from that scene on the new items.”
Disney Design Group artist Randy Noble created the pastel art style, which gives much of the merchandise a soft, almost water-like look. Carla used sublimated printing for several apparel items to enhance the colors. There are both kids and women’s shirts in the assortment.
I think one of my favorite items is the dinglehopper (also known as a hair brush). Carla said it’s also one of her favorites, and it works great on her daughter’s hair.
Merchandise is currently available in Sir Mickey’s at New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom Park. A similar assortment will be found at Disney California Adventure park. The only difference for the California items will be the name of the attraction – The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
Here are a few more images from my visit.
Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and follow @WaltDisneyWorld on Twitter for the latest on New Fantasyland. While you’re on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtag #NewFantasyland.
Comments
Do you know how much the dinglehopper brush costs? Thank you!
Apparently I can’t read… I just finished the article, I guess I was too excited lol
Is the merchandise on sale before the ride opens? We are heading to WDW in a few weeks and so sad we will not be there when the ride opens but love the merchandise! I’m pregnant with our first child (a girl) and would love some items to make a little mermaid nursery! My all time favourite movie!!! Thanks :)We went on the ride last year in California and it was just amazing!
Thanks so much Steven for the preview of great Little Mermaid merchandise. Will all of this merchandise for the ride be permanently located in Sir Mickey’s or will it at some point be moved to its own Little Mermaid store/kiosk near the ride in New Fantasyland? Or will the merchandise ever be sold anyone else, i.e. Bonjour or other stores in the park?
@Lois – That’s a great question. I know the merchandise is currently set in Sir Mickey’s. I would need to check with the operations team to see if there are plans to move as we get closer to the grand opening on December 6. At this point, I haven’t heard of any such plans. More to come…
You made a DINGLEHOPPER. You got my attention! Best gift ever for my two girls.
Will there be any New Fantasyland iPhone cases? I was hoping for an Ariel one 🙂
@Stephanie – Yes! I just received artwork today for three cases coming for the iPhone 5. One will feature Ariel in New Fantasyland (it’s beautiful!!). Stay tuned to a future article about these cases and more.
The dinglehopper is GENIUS.
OMG! I love it! I so want a dinglehopper! haha, how awesome is that!!
Will the dinglehopper be available in DCA?!?!?! I need that!!
@Mariah – From my understanding, the dinglehopper will also be carried at Disney California Adventure Park along with similar items pictured in this article. The only difference would be the name of the attraction.
I love the hair brush, a must have! I’m also loving the Ursula plush! I hope I see these in DCA soon 🙂
Is any of this going to be available online? I love the shirts and dinglehopper, but I probably won’t be able to get to magic kingdom for at least a year
@Donna and Elizabeth – I don’t know of plans at this time to carry the items via the Disney Parks online store. Your best option would be to contact Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to: merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com
Love love love all the love for The little Mermaid right now, with the wing of AOA opening and the ride and the movie to be re-release soon is making this Ariel fan a very happy Princess. The Dinglehopper (brush) is such a great idea, glad you guys came up with it. I cant wait to go get my own!
Oh my god! Little Mermaid is and always will be my favorite Disney Movie of all time. I need a dinglehopper!!!! Will it be available at DisneyStore.
The dinglehopper will be a hit with kids 🙂 Looks like Ursela could use one herself.
How cool! Do you know how much these cost?
@Sarah – Retails vary for a variety of items. I’m unsure which I’m you are seeking.
I love the new merchandise, It’s awesome. I really love the coffee mug, buying that as soon as get back to Magic Kingdom..
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