Originally Posted By DlandDug >>It's kind of strange how it looks like there is steel framing for a first floor, but all the walls are on the second story. Will the ride [Little Mermaid] be up there, or are they just building it in an unusual way?<< My guess is that they have to build the whole thing above the water table. In DCA the boarding level is at the ground, and after the first turn the clamshells "plunge" underwater, then enter the two-story-high center section for the big "Under the Sea" scene. There are other scenes along the way at various heights, until you ride back up to the "surface" for "Kiss the Girl" and the finale. In California the profile of the building is kept low, and the center section is excavated down. In Florida they have to build up high (high water table, and possible conflict with existing utility tunnels). As I recall, the facade is the cliffs and structure of Eric's palace. Guests will walk UP to the "ground level" to board, and when they "plunge below the surface," they will actually return to the actual ground level. Eventually they will rise up to the surface, bringing them level with the MK's Little Mermaid second level exit. I hope this is clear!
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt Makes sense Doug. Scale is another thing to consider as well. The MK has a lot more space than the DLR resort parks do. Just look at how large the Fantasyland expansion area is.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer Interesting post, Doug! Certainly seems like a accurate and educated prediction.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Good sleuthing Dug! That seems like an amazingly logical explination for it. I had wondered why the WDW version looked so much larger and a little imposing, when the concept art was released, but it makes sense now. If they want to get really clever, I suppose the space under the attraction can be used for additional space as well, in the finest Disney fashion. Instead of simply holding mechanics for the ride (which is entirely possible), it could be used as part of an extended indoor queue (to avoid the rain and humidity), Ariel meet and greet, or even a shop (though a store in the cliffs would be tough to theme). Some of the neatest classic Disney features are because of multi-level buildings (PeopleMover, Alice/Toad, Pirates, World of Motion/TestTrack postshow), so I hope that they take advantage of their opportunity!
