Get to know Ariel in a brand new way. Disney Jr’s preschool series introduces us to an eight-year-old Ariel and the audience truly gets to see just how Ariel becomes the one we all know and love in The Little Mermaid. I got to attend a special event ahead of the series premiere of Disney Junior’s Ariel with the creative team behind bringing Ariel and Atlantica to life.

Welcome to Atlantica

Set in the Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows young mermaid princess Ariel (Mykal-Michelle Harris) as she embarks on underwater adventures with her family and friends, including King Triton (Taye Diggs), Ursula (Amber Riley), Flounder (Gracen Newton) and mer-friends Fernie (Cruz Flateau) and Lucia (Elizabeth Phoenix Caro).

I will admit that I teared up watching the first episode of the show. The younger me couldn’t stop smiling and laughing throughout. Knowing that the next generation can see themselves represented in this way.  The importance of our hair culture and seeing an eight-year-old Ariel with locs, her twin sisters Alanna and Ayanna with Bantu knots and twists, and Ursula’s gorgeous finger waves was beautiful to see. The amount of work and detail the creative team put forth to make sure the authenticity was there. The show is Caribbean-inspired and it really reflects in the characters as well to show how multicultural the Caribbean is.

Meet Old and New Characters

Disney Jr. hosted a special screening and Q&A panel event with the creative team of “Disney Jr. Ariel” at NeueHouse in Hollywood, CA, on Wednesday, June 5. One of the changes in this series is, “The entire show is underwater.” Southerland told the audience during the Q&A. Ariel will not be visiting the human world in the series. Ursula went into a little shaping through the show. The strong yet frightening character has more of a warmth to her as Ariel’s auntie. “Tante” as Ariel likes to call her in the local lingo. Her magic is still as strong as ever as she helps those who come to her apothecary. We also meet Ariel’s two best friends Lucia and Fernie along with her twin sisters Alanna and Ayanna respectively.

Music is Universal 

Music plays an integral role in the series, with original songs inspired by the diverse genres of Caribbean music. The acclaimed songwriting teams are comprised of Anthony M. Jones (Tone), Sofia Quinn, Olivia Waithe, Chantry Johnson, Michelle Zarlenga, and Rosemarie Tan. Emmy® Award winner Christopher Willis serves as composer. Sean Skeete, dean of the Professional Performance division at Berklee College of Music, is the Caribbean music consultant.

What You Should Take Away

Each episode highlights themes of self-expression, curiosity, and resourcefulness and celebrates the multicultural elements of the Caribbean through food, fashion, language and folklore. Dr. Patricia Saunders, professor of English and hemispheric Caribbean studies and director of graduate studies at the University of Miami, serves as cultural consultant on the series.

While it is made for pre-schoolers, families, and adults can also find something to take away from this show.

“Disney Junior’s Ariel” Inspired by “The Little Mermaid” the series will debut on June 27 on Disney Junior (9:00 a.m. EDT/PDT) and air on Disney Channel later that day, with an initial batch of eight episodes available on Disney+ the following day, June 28.