Echoes of the Past

At Disney’s Submarine Voyage, four women channel their inner sea sirens, waving cheerfully at the camera while donning colorful plastic mermaid tails. This playful nod to underwater fantasy recreates the charm of a once-real spectacle at the park. In the early years, live mermaids were actually part of the attraction, swimming gracefully among the submarines to delight guests.

However, due to practical concerns, including the health and safety of the performers—challenges with cold water, uncomfortable interactions with overzealous guests, and the physical demands of swimming in chlorinated water for extended periods—Disney decided to discontinue the use of live mermaids, turning the lore into nostalgic memories of the park’s history.