Disney Company Hiring Trans Women for Role of Princess Ariel

The latest casting call for a new attraction based on The Little Mermaid  (1989) marks a first for Disney, with the company opening the roles to both cisgender and transgender men and women.

Related: Disney Policy Restricts Resort-Hopping Access for Guests

For many, a trip to Walt Disney World would not be complete without riding all of the classic rides and attractions at the four theme parks. From Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom to Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests will find a vast collection of incredible experiences around every turn.

However, live shows are another cornerstone of the Disney theme park experience, with Walt Disney World preparing to bring back its live stage show based on The Little Mermaid. 

Disney’s original Voyage of the Little Mermaid stage show debuted on January 7, 1992, and remained part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park for decades. The attraction temporarily closed during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, but the attraction never reopened.

In the years since, the attraction has sat empty and abandoned, though Disney recently revealed its plans to bring the show back to life in a new experience called The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure.

As Disney continues to work on this new attraction, casting calls have been sent out, and the positions have been opened to both cisgender and transgender performers.

Related: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Closed at Magic Kingdom for July 4

According to the new casting call, Disney is currently searching for roles in the new show, including Ariel and Prince Eric as leads. A call for auditions in New York reveals that Disney explicitly includes transgender men and women, a departure from its past casting calls.

The specific listing for Ariel is for an 18 to 30-year-old white woman and notes that the performer can be transgender. Disney is looking for someone between 5’2″ and 5’6″ tall for Ariel and requires the performer to have soprano vocal abilities with a belt to C.

For Prince Eric, the casting call is similar, with Disney seeking an 18 to 30-year-old white man. The performer can also be transgender and must be between 5’10” and 6’0″. This role does not require any singing.

Related: Presidential Mandate Rattles Disney Travelers Nationwide

The new show will debut later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will undoubtedly be an exciting addition to the park’s list of rides and attractions.

Given the popularity of Disney’s original The Little Mermaid film and its live-action remake starring Halle Bailey, it’s a no-brainer for Disney to have an attraction based on Princess Ariel.

During their Walt Disney World vacation, guests can immerse themselves in the world of The Little Mermaid in various ways. Magic Kingdom features a dark ride based on the underwater princess called The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

Are you excited to experience this new Ariel attraction? What’s your favorite show at Walt Disney World?