Little Mermaid-Inspired Resort Experiences for Aspiring Ariels


To ‘shell-ebrate’ the much-anticipated release of The Little Mermaid live-action movie, starring actress Halle Berry, premiering on May 26, we’re excited to share experiential ‘under the sea’-inspired programming available at five resorts in honor of Ariel’s return to the big screen.

From magical mermaid meet-and-greets and fin-flipping lessons to aquatic academies for mermaids-in-training, these experiences are true treasures that are ‘shore’ to be waves of memory-making fun for families.

‘Mermaid Mania’ is expected to sweep the nation and inspire family fun this summer!

Marriott Harbor Beach Resort – Fort Lauderdale, FL

‘Under the Sea’ Mermaid Meet & Greets

Available May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2023

Families can make a splash – and memories – at Fort Lauderdale’s Marriott Harbor Beach Resort with interactive ‘Under the Sea’ experiences that ‘shell-ebrate’ the return of everyone’s favorite little mermaid to the big screen. Throughout May, young guests can join the sea princess for waves of fun, including exclusive experiences like mermaid meet-and-greet and photo opportunities, along with activities designed to delight little guests – like fanciful fin-flipping lessons, sing-alongs to classic songs, story time to share tales of under-the-sea adventures, starfish face painting, games, and special take-home souvenirs. For the grand ‘fin’ale, jump into the resort’s 8,000 square-foot Tropical Lagoon Pool for a dive-in movie screening of the classic version of the hit as you’re transported to be ‘part of that world.’ With an expansive variety of programming and activities, an unmatched collection of culinary experiences and a picture-perfect setting that offers an escape from the everyday, South Florida’s largest private beach beckons families to its sparkling shores to create magical memories.

Hawks Cay Resort – Duck Key, FL

Mermaid In-Training 

Available Fridays throughout the Summer

Flip your fins in the Florida sun at Hawks Cay Resort where mermaids in the making can learn how to swim like a mermaid from a real live mermaid! In a one-on-one session with the resort’s very own Koral the Mermaid, Hawks Cay’s “Mermaids in Training” receive a lesson in the basics of being a mermaid complete with a special mermaid makeover to become a Certified Hawks Cay Mermaid. Splash around in the resort’s pirate ship pool and explore life under the sea in the Mermaid Grotto, purchase your own monofin to swim and enjoy a whale of a tale from Koral at Poolside Mermaid Storytime. Hawks Cay’s Mermaid Training Program is available Fridays throughout the summer for $85/child ($200/child with the purchase of a mermaid fin). Mermaid Storytime and the family pool featuring a pirate ship and Mermaid Grotto are free for resort guests. For more information or to book your stay, visit hawkscay.com.

Turtle Bay Resort – Kahuku, HI

Mermaid Academy 

Available Each Friday, Year Round

Live out your Little Mermaid dreams this summer with a fin-tastic experience like no other at Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, HI. Join Turtle Bay’s very own Mermaid Kariel every Friday for “The Brave Mermaid Show”, where Kariel regales listeners poolside with tales of her adventures at sea and shows off her own shimmering tail as she splashes around the pool. For a deeper dive into Kariel’s experience as a mermaid and to become a certified Turtle Bay Mermaid, kids from ages 4 to 12 can enroll in Kariel’s Mermaid Academy. Little mermaids in-training receive swim fins and unique tails designed with art by Mermaid Kariel before hopping into the water for a lesson in the basics of being a mermaid. Available every Friday at Turtle Bay, The Brave Mermaid show is complimentary for resort guests and enrollment in Kariel’s Mermaid Academy can be booked online for $200 per participant. Don’t forget to bring the camera and snap a photo to show friends and family back home how you met a mermaid at Turtle Bay!

Henderson Beach Resort – Destin, FL

Mermaid Memories’ Experience 

Available Throughout April – September

This summer, Henderson Beach Resort is shell-ebrating the much-anticipated release of Disney’s new live-action Little Mermaid with an over-the-top swim with a mermaid experience at Destin’s only luxury family resort. Start your family vacation off with a splash when you visit Henderson’s very own mermaid by the pool where children can dive under the sea and swim with a mermaid. Various fin-tastic surprises can be found across the property including sea creature plush toys at the gift shop, mermaid tale costumes at the activities desk and colorful ice cream creations at Sprinkles Café. Watch as your child’s inner mermaid comes swimming to the surface and creates memories to last a lifetime. Rates starting at $499 per night. For more information or to book a stay at Henderson, please visit hendersonbeachresort.com or call 855.741.2777.

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort – Myrtle Beach, SC

Little MYR-maid Event 

Available May 27, 2023

Is there a little mermaid in your family, or swimming around in your heart, and you long to be part of the world of a great Myrtle Beach vacation? Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is a swimming setting for family vacations at the shore! Dive into a day full of fun on May 27th and experience a Little MYR-maid event like no other to celebrate the release of the new Little Mermaid live action movie. Book with the exclusive Catch a Wave rate for the most affordable oceanfront vacation!