Meet Ariel from the Live-Action 'The Little Mermaid' at Hollywood Studios

Ariel from the Live-Action The Little Mermaid meets guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Her meet-and-greet location debuted when the live-action film was released. At the time, her meet-and-greet was announced as limited-time magic. However, one year later (2024), she still meets daily in the theme park. Below, we’ll cover the specifics for this meet and greet and look at a few photos.

Ariel meets guests inside Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. She meets daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.Her meet-and-greet is in the back of the gallery before you get to the theater. Sulley, from Monsters, Inc., formerly met in this location.

the live-action Ariel greeting guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios

However, Sulley recently relocated to Pixar Place with several other character meets that debuted in the same area. New signage on the marquee indicates that you can meet Ariel from the Live-Action Story and watch a limited sneak preview in the theater.

The Walt Disney Presents marquee with the announcement of Ariel's meet-and-greet

Since the movie was released, the sneak preview will soon return to One Man’s Dream. However, we hope Ariel’s meet-and-greet will remain at least through most of the summer, if not longer. Upon arrival, I was astounded by the number of guests waiting in line. The line spilled well outside the traditional queue into the gallery of Walt Disney Presents.

a long line of guests waiting to meet Ariel

After joining the line, a cast member came by to ensure everyone knew why they were waiting. He would also mention that the wait time was estimated at 90 minutes. Unfortunately, it took longer than 90 minutes to meet Ariel.

the entrance to the live-action Ariel's meet-and-greet

Eventually, we made it to the formal entrance of the Ariel (from the Live-Action Story) meet-and-greet. At this point, a wait time of 60 minutes was posted.

a sign with a photo of Ariel that says Meet Ariel from the Live-Action Story

This portion of the queue isn’t too large. It wraps around in an L-shape about three times. In the first area, a portrait of a ship and a shipwreck hangs.

The next area had photos of Sebastian and Flounder. As we continued, I noticed the pictures turned into windows, so it felt like you were looking out the window in Prince Eric’s Castle.

Then, you walk inside the meet-and-greet area where Ariel is meeting with the guest ahead of you. After that person’s turn, Ariel will invite you into the castle.

a guests meeting Ariel at Hollywood Studios

A PhotoPass photographer was available. Ariel also signs autographs.

She is wearing her lovely blue dress from the new movie.

Ariel in her blue land dress greets guests

Needless to say, she’s meeting in her land look. She mentioned getting used to having land legs and wiggling her toes.

All in all, we waited one hour and forty-five minutes, which translates to 105 minutes! Thankfully, some wonderful people in line helped keep me company. It never fails; I always meet the kindest people while waiting to meet the characters.

The live-action land Ariel smiles for the camera.

If you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, make sure to check for this character meet. Hopefully, it will be listed in the My Disney Experience app and remain on the marquee outside of Walt Disney Presents.

For more character meets at Hollywood Studios, you might enjoy:

Additionally, animated Ariel (with fins) meets daily in her Grotto at Magic Kingdom. You might also enjoy our complete character guide for all the Disney Parks: