I definitely thought "Small Worldish" in the Under the Sea room. But of course, it's a small world was the pioneer in "exhibit-type" environments that went on to populate Epcot. The idea was not to create a completely enveloping environment, but to suggest one and allow the (obviously practical) elements of walls and ceilings to exist and be noticed.
Pirates is not quite the same, imo. Though it's pretty obvious there are walls and ceilings, I don't believe office-standard ceiling tile is visible (or, if so, was not attempted to be hidden or softened at all). And the cloud projections are clearly meant to mitigate the "room" effect of walls and ceilings on that ride.
I'm fine with some real-world walls and ceilings on a dark ride. But, nitpick though it may be, I would have rather they'd gone with a fantastic ceiling in the underwater spectacular room of Under the Sea.
I love the Little Mermaid ride. Can't wait till the wait times are manageable. It will be a part of every foray into DCA. It's rad.
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