Overview
- Effective October 28, the live-action Ariel meet-and-greet shifted from Walt Disney Presents to a temporary spot along Echo Lake across from 50's Prime Time Café.
- Walt Disney World lists the change as temporary with no end date, and some outlets expect the Echo Lake setup to last through Disney Jollywood Nights, which is not officially confirmed.
- The My Disney Experience app indicates Walt Disney Presents will host Santa Claus during regular hours and Santa Duffy for Jollywood Nights, replacing Ariel in that space.
- Coverage notes inconsistencies between on-site operations and digital listings, with the app still referencing Walt Disney Presents for Ariel and varying schedules reported, including intermittent sets and some outlets citing 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Reporters link the move to active work in Animation Courtyard ahead of the return of The Magic of Disney Animation, and they note the new location’s higher visibility could draw longer lines.