Earlier this year, Disney has announced that it would be releasing a new animated series called “Disney Junior’s Ariel,” which is an animated musical series for preschoolers inspired by the beloved story of “The Little Mermaid.”

Set in the fantastical Caribbean-inspired underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows Ariel as she embarks on fun-filled, action-packed mermaid adventures with her friends. Driven by a deep and unending curiosity about the world around her, Ariel discovers land treasures, like a big floppy hat, squeaky rubber ducky and whisk, that she collects and keeps safe in her crystal cavern. Sometimes, Ariel uses the treasures to help solve problems. With each discovery, Ariel is filled with joy, and her mermaid tail, which changes colors depending on her emotions, lights up and shimmers. Full of charm, big ideas and a powerful voice, “Disney Junior’s Ariel” is coming into her own, learning how to discover and appreciate the world around her and use her voice to inspire others.

Throughout the series, the multicultural diversity of the Caribbean is highlighted through music, food, festivals, fashion, language and folklore. Dr. Patricia Saunders, professor of English and hemispheric Caribbean studies and director of graduate studies at the University of Miami and author of two books, serves as cultural consultant on the series. Sean Skeete, chair of Berklee College of Music’s ensemble department, is the Caribbean music consultant.

Today, during the “Disney Junior & Friends Playdate” event at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, it was announced that Mykal-Michelle Harris (“Raven’s Home”) has been cast in the lead role of Ariel in “Disney Junior’s Ariel.”

Broadway, film and television stars Taye Diggs (“Rent”) and Amber Riley (“Glee”) will voice King Triton and Ursula in the series.  In addition to Harris, Diggs and Riley, the series stars Elizabeth Phoenix Caro (“The Christmas Chronicles”) and Cruz Flateau (“SuperKitties”) as Ariel’s friends Lucia and Fernie, respectively, and Gracen Newton (“Puppy Dog Pals”) as Flounder.

“Disney Junior’s Ariel” is executive produced by Lynne Southerland (“Mulan II,” “Happily Ever After”). Norma P. Sepulveda (“Elena of Avalor”) and Keith Wagner (“TrollsTopia”) are the story editors. Ezra Edmond (“Disney+ Draw Me a Story”) is producer. Kuni Tomita Bowen (“Dora the Explorer”) is supervising director, and Chrystin Garland (“Solar Opposites”) is art director. The series is produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior.

“Disney Junior’s Ariel” is set to debut on Disney platforms worldwide in 2024.

Are you looking forward to the debut of “Ariel”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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