[First lines; three seagulls fly through gray clouds then swoop down over the ocean. Below, a pod of smiling dolphins leap through the waves in arcing jumps and are swimming happily. The dolphins stop and a seagull flies beside them on the surface. Behind them, a sailing ship looms through the mist, crashing through the waves. The CGI ship's huge wooden prowl heads straight towards the viewers and cruises past. On board, burly sailors haul in a net full of fish from the water.]
S Sailors
[Singing]
I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue And it's hey to the starboard, heave ho Look out, lad, a mermaid be waitin' for you In mysterious fathoms below.
Prince Eric [A dark-haired young man named Prince Eric stands on deck.]
Isn't this great? The salty sea air, the wind blowing in your face... [Eric's dog Max barks as the wind blows in their faces.] a perfect day to be at sea!
[his face is green from obvious seasickness and he is leaning over the side of the ship to throw up]
Oh yes... delightful...
S1 Sailor 1
A fine strong wind and a following sea. King Triton must be in a friendly-type mood.
Prince Eric King Triton?
S2 Sailor 2
Why, ruler of the merpeople, lad. Thought every good sailor knew about him.
Merpeople! Eric, pay no attention to this nautical nonsense.
S2 Sailor 2
[wildly waving a fish in Grimsby's face]
But it ain't nonsense, it's the truth! I'm tellin' ya, down in the depths o' the ocean they live.
S Sailors
[singing]
Heave, ho. Heave, ho. In mysterious fathoms below.
[Ariel swims out of the grotto and up towards a ship. Above the surface, fireworks explode in the sky around ship. Ariel gasps and looks on, amazed. Sebastian and Flounder surface beside her.]
Ariel, what - what are you- [gasping] Jumpin' jellyfish! [Ariel leaps to the ship.] Ariel, Ariel! Please come back!
[Ariel climbs up the ship and watches a party on board eye-level at the deck. Three sailors play music as the others dance a jig. Max, a shaggy sheepdog barks and scampers around the dancers.] Prince Eric: [whistles] Max, here, boy. [Max runs to Eric. Ariel touches her cheek where Max licked her.] Hey, come on, mutt, whatcha doin', huh Max? Good boy, good boy.
[Max jumps on Eric and barks. Ariel sees him and is lovestruck. Scuttle flaps down towards her, speaking loudly.]
Hey, there, sweetie! Quite a show, eh?
Scuttle, be quiet! They'll hear you.
Oooh, I gotcha, I gotcha. We're bein' intrepidatious. WE'RE OUT TO DISCOVER!
[grabs his beak and looking around and sees Prince Eric]
I've never seen a human this close before. Oh- He's very handsome, isn't he?
[looking at Max]
I dunno; he looks kinda hairy and slobbery to me.
[laughs]
Not that one! The one playing the snarfblatt!
[holding his arms out]
Silence! Silence! It is now my honor and privilege to present our esteemed Prince Eric with a very special, very expensive, very large birthday present.
Prince Eric [Grimsby gestures towards a large object covered in cloth and tied with a red ribbon.] [knocking Grimsby on the back]
Ah, Grimsby - ya old beanpole, you shouldn't have.
[Sailors cheer and whistle.]
I know. Happy birthday, Eric!
Prince Eric [A large, gaudy statue of Eric, holding a sword and stepping atop a giant royal crest is revealed. Max growls.]
Gee, Grim. It's, uh, it's, uh - it's really somethin'.
Yes, I commissioned it myself. Of course, I had hoped it would be a wedding present, but...
Prince Eric [grabbing the telescope from Grimsby]
Aw, come on, Grim, don't start. Look, you're not still sore because I didn't fall for the princess of Glowerhaven, are you?
[Eric looks out of the telescope for a second before tossing it back to Grimsby, who catches it clumsily.]
Oh, Eric, it isn't me alone. The entire kingdom wants to see you happily settled down with the right girl.
Prince Eric [Eric sits on the railing of the ship looking out towards the sea.]
Well, she's out there somewhere. I just - I just haven't found her yet.
Well, perhaps you haven't been looking hard enough.
Prince Eric Believe me, Grim, when I find her, I'll know - without a doubt. It'll just - bam! - hit me - like lightning.
S Sailor
[Grimsby and Eric look up to the sky as thick clouds of lightning and thunder appear and the sky grows dark turned green for a hurricane.]
HURRICANE A'COMIN'! STAND FAST! SECURE THE RIGGIN'!
[Thunder rumbling, Eric and the sailors run to different parts of the deck as rain starts to fall and giant waves swell up, rocking the ship. The crew pulls hard on ropes tied to a sail.] [In the ocean, a wave crashes over Flounder and Sebastian. On board, Scuttle holds onto a rope.]
Whoa! The wind's all of a sudden on the move here!
[A gust of wind blows Scuttle away.]
Yo! Ariel!
Prince Eric [On board, the captain tries to jump onto the ship's wheel, but it spins out of his hands. The ship crashes through storm and a wave passes over the deck. Eric runs to the wheel and grabs it.] [On the side of the ship, Ariel loses her grip on the ropes and falls into the water. Swimming underneath, she swims up the stern and sees a flash of lightning hit a sail. A fire breaks out smells like barbecue, and the ship looms towards jutting rocks. Ariel gasps.] [pointing ahead]
Look out!
Prince Eric [The ship rams into the rocks and all are thrown overboard, except Max. Eric's statue sinks down below the waves beside Grimsby coughing, who flaps his arms about.]
Grim, hang on! [Eric pulls him into a lifeboat, then sees Max still on the ship. The dog barks as flames flash in front of him.] Max! [Eric dives back into the water and climbs up the side of the burning ship smelling like barbecue. As he leaps onto the deck, one of the masts breaks and crashes down. Eric leaps out of the way. Flames spread.]
Eric!
[Eric looks over deck. The flames reach a barrel of gunpowder, and the ship explodes. The sailors and Grimsby and Max look on from their lifeboat, staring in horror. Ariel swims to the ship to find Eric. He floats on a board, unconscious and rolls off, sinking into the water. Ariel dives down to grab him and swims to the surface. On the beach, Eric lies on his back, unconscious, with Ariel leaning over him. Scuttle lands beside them.]
[Scuttle opens Eric's eyelid.]
It's hard to say.
[Scuttle puts his head up against Eric's foot.]
Oh, I - I can't make out a heartbeat.
No, look! He's breathing. [moving his hair from his face] He's so beautiful.
[Sebastian and Flounder have washed up. They watch as Ariel caresses Eric's cheek and sings longingly. Sebastian drops his jaw in disbelief and Scuttle closes it.]
What would I give to live where you are? / What would I pay to stay here beside you? / What would I do to see you smiling at me? / Where would we walk, where would we run / If we could stay all day in the sun? / Just you and me, and I could be / Part of your world.
[The sun parts through the gray clouds and Eric's eyes flutter open as he touches Ariel's hand, only seeing her waist up. He watches as the golden sunlight lights up behind her. Max barks and runs to lick Eric's face. Grimsby approaches and she dives into the water.]
Eric! Oh, Eric. You really delight in these sadistic strains on my blood pressure, don't you?
Prince Eric [Grimsby helps Eric up and he shakes his head.]
A girl - rescued me... She was - singing... she had the most - beautiful voice.
Ah, Eric, I think you've swallowed a bit too much seawater. Off we go. Come on, Max.
[Max stands in the water, barking towards Ariel and her friends.] [to Flounder]
We just gotta forget this whole ting ever happened. The Sea King will never know. You won't tell him, I won't tell him. I will stay in one piece.
[Ariel hoists herself upon a rock to watch Eric leave. Behind her, Flotsam and Jetsam rise from the water.]
I don't know when, I don't know how / But I know something's starting right now / Watch and you'll see, someday I'll be / Part of your world
[Cuts to Ursula's lair.] [Ursula watches Ariel through a magical bubble.]
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. I can't stand it - it's too easy. The child is in love with a human. And not just any human - a prince! [sarcastically] Her Daddy'll love that. King Triton's headstrong, lovesick girl would make a charming addition to my little garden.
[Attached to the floor, hundreds of sad shriveled merfolk squirm and shake. Ursula laughs evilly.]
Prince Eric [Cuts to the shore.] [Eric leans his back on his seaside castle and plays the flute. Max is beside him.]
That voice. I can't get it out of my head. I've looked everywhere, Max - where could she be?
[n a cove further along the shoreline, Ariel lays on a rock. Sebastian and Flounder pant, exhausted. Ariel pushes her hair out of her face and sits up. She sees her legs and is amazed. She lifts her foot in the air and wiggles her toes.]
Well, look at what the catfish dragged in! [Scuttle lands on her leg.] Look at ya! Look at ya! There's somethin' different. Don't tell me - I got it. It's your hairdo, right? [Ariel shakes her head.] You've been usin' the dinglehopper, right? No? No huh, well let me see. New... seashells? No new seashells. [Ariel shakes the leg Scuttle is perched on to give him a clue.] I gotta admit, I can't put my foot on it right now, but if I just stand here long enough, I know that I'll -
[shouting]
She's got legs, you idiot! She traded her voice to the Sea Witch and got legs. Jeez, man...
Ariel's been turned into a human. She's gotta make the prince fall in love with her, and he's gotta ki- he's gotta kiss her.
[Ariel's legs wobble as she tries to stand up.]
And she's only got three days. [Ariel falls over, splashing her friends.] Just look at her. On legs. On human legs! My nerves are shot. This is a catastrophe! What would her father say! I'll tell you what her father'd say! [grabbing Flounder's face] He'd say he's gonna kill himself a crab, that's what her father'd say! [marching away] I'm gonna march meself straight home right now and tell him just like I shoulda done de minute- [Ariel picks up Sebastian and holds him in his hands. He wags his claw at her as she shakes her head.] And don't you shake your head at me, Little Lady! Maybe there's still time. If we could get that witch to give you back your voice, you could go home with all the normal fish, and just be... just be... just be miserable for the rest of your life. All right, all right, we'll help you find dat prince. [Ariel smiles and kisses Sebastian's head. She sets him down.] Boy. What a soft-shell I'm turning out to be.
[Scuttle lands beside wreckage.]
Now, Ariel, I'm tellin' ya, if you wanna be a human the first thing you gotta do is dress like one. Now lemme see. [He picks up a sail.]
Prince Eric [Eric walks along the shore with Max. He sniffs and raises his brow. He barks and hops around excitedly. He runs down the beach.]
Max? Huh... what, Max?
[Eric follows Max. Scuttle whistles.]
Ya look great, kid. Ya look - sensational.
Prince Eric [Ariel wears the sail tied with ropes. She's alarmed by Max's barking. Flounder splashes back into the sea and Sebastian skitters away hopping behind a rock. Ariel climbs onto the rock and Max licks her face.]
Max... Max - Quiet, Max! [Max tugs at Eric's leg.] What's gotten into you fella? [seeing Ariel] Oh... Oh, I see. Are you O.K., miss? I'm sorry if this knucklehead scared you. He's harmless, really - [Eric gazes at her face and points at her.] You... seem very familiar... to me. Have we met? [Ariel nods.] We have met? [Max comes between them and barks.] I knew it! [grabbing Ariel's hands] You're the one - the one I've been looking for! What's your name? [Ariel tries to answer, but no sound comes out of her mouth. She touches her throat, disappointed.] What's wrong? What is it? [Ariel taps her throat.] You can't speak? [Ariel shakes her head. Oh, oh. Then you couldn't be who I thought. [Ariel and Max let out frustrated sighs. Ariel waves her arms in an attempt to pantomime]. What is it? You're hurt? No, No... You need help. [Ariel falls into his arms. Eric holds her, helping her stand.] Whoa, whoa, careful - careful - easy. Gee, you must have really been through something. Don't worry, I'll help you. Come on... Come on, you'll be okay.
C Carlotta
[Eric leads her away. Scuttle gives a thumbs up and Flounder grins.] [In a magnificent 1820s bathroom, Ariel sits in a water tub of bubbles.]
Washed up from a shipwreck. Oh, the poor thing. We'll have you feeling better in no time. [Carlotta splashes a bucket of water on top of her head. Sebastian peeks out from where he's been hiding in Ariel's makeshift dress. Carlotta picks it up, grimacing.] I'll just - I'll just get this washed for you.
W1 Woman 1
[Sebastian sits in a tub of soapy water as women surround it and wash.]
Well, you must have at least heard about this girl.
W2 Woman 2
Well, Gertrude says...
W2 Woman 2
[The woman rungs the dress down a washboard and Sebastian is pulled along with it.]
...since when has Gertrude got anything right. [Sebastian burps with bubbles] I mean really, this girl shows up in rags and doesn't speak-[Sebastian is pulled through a wringer with a shirt.] Not my idea of a princess. If Eric's looking for a girl, I know a couple of highly available ones right here...
[Sebastian crawls into the pocket of shirt that is hung to dry. As the shirt slides past a window, he falls in headfirst. His eyes bug out as he sees dead fish on a chopping block, a boiling pot of sea creatures, and a platter of stuffed crabs. He faints.]
[Grimsby sits at the head of the table as Eric gazes out the windows, which stretch from floor to ceiling, at the ocean.]
Oh, Eric, be reasonable. Nice young ladies just don't - swim around rescuing people in the middle of the ocean and then - flutter off into oblivion, like some -
Prince Eric I'm tellin' you, Grim, she was real! I'm gonna find that girl - and I'm gonna marry her.
C Carlotta
Ha Ha. Come on honey. Don't be shy.
[Carlotta and Ariel come through the entrance. Ariel wears a long sleeve pink gown with pink high heels.]
Oh, Eric, isn't she a vision?
Prince Eric Uh, you look - wonderful.
[taking Ariel]
Come come come, you must be famished. Let me help you my dear. [Grimsby and Eric settle Ariel into a chair.] There we go - ah - quite comfy? Uh. It's - It's not often that we have such a lovely dinner guest, eh Eric? [Ariel sees a fork on the table and picks it up, combing her hair. Eric holds a goblet and raises an eyebrow. Grimsby looks perplexed. She puts it down, embarrassed] Uh, do you like it? It is rather a fine one...
C Carlotta
[She blows into it, covering Grimsby's face in ashes by Ariel. Eric laughs.]
Oh, my!
Prince Eric Ahem, so sorry, Grim.
C Carlotta
Why, Eric, that's the first time I've seen you smile in weeks.
[Ariel smiles at this. Grimsby wipes his face.]
Oh, very amusing. Carlotta, my dear, what's for dinner?
C Carlotta
Ooo, you're gonna love it. Chef's been fixing his specialty, stuffed crab.
CL Chef Louis
[Sebastian watches Chef Louis take out a bowl of dead fish. He sings to himself as he cooks.]
Nouvelle Cuisine / Les Champs-Elysées / Maurice Chevalier / Les poissons, les poissons / How I love les poissons / Love to chop and to serve little fish / First I cut off their heads / Zen I pull out their bones / Ah mais oui, ça c'est toujours délice / Les poissons, les poissons / Hee hee hee, haw haw haw / With the cleaver I hack zem in two / I pull out what's inside [pulls out the guts from the fish and throws it in a pot] / And I serve it up fried / 'Cause I love little fishes, don't you? / Here's something for tempting ze palate [Sebastian quivers and hides as Louis brutalizes the sea creatures.] [A fish's head lands in front a mortified Sebastian. He hides under a leaf of lettuce to escape] / Prepared in the classic technique / [But as Louis clangs down on the table with a cleaver, Sebastian is jolted into the air.] First you pound the fish flat with a mallet / Then you slash through the skin / Give the belly a slice / Then you rub some salt in / 'Cause that makes it taste nice. [Louis raises the leaf and sees Sebastian.] Zut alors, I have missed one! [Louis picks up Sebastian.] Sacre bleu! What is this? How on earth could I miss such a sweet little succulent crab? Quel dommage, what a loss! Here we go in the sauce. [He throws him in a sauce bowl with Polynesian sauce and throws flour on him.] Now some flour-I think just a dab. [Sebastian sneezes.] Now I stuff you with bread. [Louis stuffs Sebastian's shells with lettuce and bread.] It don't hurt, 'cause you're dead And you're certainly lucky you are. [he spits it out.] 'Cause it's gonna be hot in my big silver pot. Tootle-loo, mon poisson, au revoir! [He tosses Sebastian into the boiling pot, with one of the hot bubbles popping at him changing him back to red and tossing him out of the pot and on the counter. Chef Louis notices him. He picks him up with a fork.] What is this?
C Carlotta
[Sebastian pinches his nose and Sebastian flies away, landing on the handle of a saucepan. Louis tries to grab him again and his hand goes on the stove. Yowling, he reels back in pain. A pan lands on his foot and he hops about.] [He grabs knives from a knife block and throws them towards Sebastian, who scampers through a small hole in the cabinet. On the counter he drops a bowl with food onto Louis' head. He runs under the cabinet again as the chef lifts an enormous knife and chops it in half.] [Sebastian dashes across the floor as a knife lands in front of him. He runs between Louis' legs towards a cabinet with dishes. Louis runs screaming toward the cabinet as Sebastian takes cover, he jumps to the cabinet with a hammer.] [Crashing noises are heard.]
I think I'd better go see what Louis is up to.
CL Chef Louis
[The kitchen is in total disarray as Louis digs around looking for Sebastian.]
Come out, you little pipsqueak, and FIGHT LIKE A MAN!!!
C Carlotta
[losing control of her rage and yelling at Louis]
LOUIS!
C Carlotta
[Louis bangs his head. Carlotta puts her hands on her hips.]
What are you doing?!
CL Chef Louis
Well - I - I was just - er, er, I'm sorry, Madame. [Extinguishes the flame on his mustache]
[Carlotta carries out the dinner plates in a huff.]
You know, Eric, perhaps our young guest might enjoy seeing some of the sights of the kingdom. Something in the way of a tour?
Prince Eric [Carlotta sets their plates down. Eric gazes at Ariel, head in hand.]
I'm sorry, Grim, what was that?
You can't spend all your time moping about, you need to get out. Do something, have a life.
[Grimsby lifts his plate's cover to reveal Sebastian cowering in the salad. He motions "shh."]
Get your mind off -
Prince Eric [Ariel beckons him to hide in her plate.]
It's not a bad idea, if she's interested.
Prince Eric [Sebastian runs to Ariel's plate, and she covers it.]
Well - whaddaya say? Would you like to join me on a tour of my kingdom tomorrow?
[Ariel nods vigorously, leaning heavily on her plate's cover.]
Wonderful, now let's eat, before this crab wanders off my plate.
Prince Eric [He stabs his fork at an empty plate.] [Ariel leans on her balcony, wearing a long sleeve pink nightgown. She watches as Eric plays with Max on the lawn.]
Come here, boy! Grrr...
[Max licks Eric's face and Eric ruffles his fur. He sees Ariel and waves. She waves shyly and backs into her room.] [Ariel brushes her hair with a fork and Sebastian sits on a table.]
This has got to be, without a doubt, the single most humiliating day of my life. [Sebastian picks a lettuce leaf off his head. Ariel passes him and pats his head] I hope you appreciate what I go through for you, young lady. [Ariel sinks into her bed.] Now - we got to make a plan to get that boy to kiss you. Tomorrow, when he takes you for that ride, you gotta look your best. You gotta bat your eyes - like this. You gotta pucker up your lips - like this. [Sebastian demonstrates to Ariel. He sees Ariel has fallen asleep. Smiling, he blows out a candle on the nightstand and hops onto the pillow beside her.] Hmm. You are hopeless child. You know dat? Completely hopeless...
[The seahorse swims hurriedly to the throne room, where King Triton swims back and forth with his hands behind his back.]
Any sign of them?
No, Your Majesty. We've searched everywhere. We've found no trace of your daughter - or Sebastian.
[angrily; losing patience]
Well, keep looking. Leave no shell unturned, no coral unexplored. Let no one in this kingdom sleep until she's safe at home.
[The seahorse bows and leaves. Triton sits in his throne.]
Oh, what have I done? What have I done?
[The sun rises. Carlotta and Grimsby wave goodbye to Eric and Ariel as they ride away in a horse-drawn buggy. They take a road leading to town and Ariel points excitedly. Ariel leans over the side of the buggy to watch the ground and the horse's feet clopping.] [As they pass over a canal, Flounder leaps through the water. Sebastian peers out over the buggy.]
Has he kissed her yet?
[In the bustling town square, Ariel watches a man push a cart of clucking chickens. Two puppets perform on a small stage. Ariel pulls one off, revealing the puppeteer's hand. She pulls Eric's hand to the dance area. He twirls her and lifts her into the air.] [Scuttle flies overhead as Flounder swims in the canal.]
Yo, Flounder! Any kissing?
Hmm. Well, they - they better get crackin'.
[In the buggy, Eric and Ariel ride out of town. Ariel wears a hat and holds bread, a bouquet of flowers, and a pair of boots. Eric offers Ariel the reins. She eagerly snaps them and the buggy races forward. Eric gasps, seeing a wide gulley ahead. Ariel speeds and they soar across to the other side. Eric peeks up from the floor of the buggy. As they rise off into the countryside, Eric relaxes, folding his hands behind his head.]
[Eric rows himself and Ariel out on the lagoon.]
Move over - move your big feathers. I can't see a thing.
Nothing, is happening... Only one day left, and that boy ain't puckered up once. O.K. All right, this calls for a little vocal romantic stimulation. Stand back.
Prince Eric [Scuttle lands on a branch and sings horribly.]
Wow. Somebody should find that poor animal and put it out of its misery.
[Ariel grimaces and puts her head in her hands as Scuttle signals "A OK." Sebastian covers his ears.]
Jeez, man, I'm surrounded by amateurs! [He dives down into the water and picks a reed.] You want something done, you've got to do it yourself. First, we got to create the mood. [Ducks appear and turtles turn over on their backs.] Percussion... [The ducks tap the turtle's bellies as if they were drums.] Strings...[Sebastian conducts crickets, who rub their legs together] Winds... [The wind blows through the reeds.] Words. [singing] There you see her / Sitting there across the way / She don't got a lot to say / But there's something about her / And you don't know why / But you're dyin' to try / You wanna kiss the girl
Prince Eric [turning to look back]
Did you hear something?
[Ariel shrugs.] [Sebastian and the lagoon creatures continue singing, disappointed that Eric hasn't kissed Ariel.]
Yes, you want her / Look at her, you know you do / Possible she wants you too / There is one way to ask her / It don't take a word / Not a single word / Go on and kiss the girl / Sing with me now / Sha-la-la-la-la-la / My oh my / Look like the boy too shy / Ain't gonna kiss the girl / Sha-la-la-la-la-la / Ain't that sad? / Ain't it a shame? / Too bad, he gonna miss the girl
Prince Eric You know, I feel really bad not knowing your name. Heh - maybe I could guess. Is it, uh, Mildred? [Ariel sticks out her tongue in disgust.] O.K., no. How 'bout - Diana? [Ariel shakes her head.] Rachel?
[whispering]
Ariel. Her name is Ariel.
Prince Eric [Eric looks back, confused.]
Ariel? [Ariel nods enthusiastically.] Ariel? [Ariel takes his hand] Well, that's kinda pretty. O.K. - Ariel...
[Sebastian and the lagoon creatures continue serenading them as they float along. Two pelicans pull back the leaves of a willow tree as Eric and Ariel pass through.]
Now's your moment (ya, ya, ya) / Floating in a blue lagoon (ya, ya, ya) / Boy, you better do it soon / No time will be better (ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya) / She don't say a word / And she won't say a word / Until you kiss the girl [Fish circle under the boat, turning it slowly.] / Sha-la-la-la-la-la / Don't be scared (sha-la, sha-la-la ya, ya, ya) / You got the mood prepared (woah, woah) / Go on and kiss the girl [Fireflies surround the boat.] / Sha-la-la-la-la-la / Don't stop now (sha-la, sha-la-la ya, ya, ya) / Don't try to hide it how / You wanna kiss the girl (whoa, whoa) / [As Scuttle begins to sing, flamingos shut him up.] Sha-la-la-la-la-la / Float along (sha-la, sha-la-la) / And listen to the song / The song say kiss the girl (whoa, whoa) [Fish, including Flounder, surround the boat and spurt water from their lips, creating a fountain effect. The animals whisper to kiss Ariel.] / Sha-la-la-la-la-la / The music play (ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya) / Do what the music say / You got to kiss the girl [Eric leans in and gazes into her eyes. Ariel closes her eyes and puckers her lips in anticipation.]/ You've got to kiss the girl / Oh, don't you wanna kiss the girl / You've gotta kiss the girl / Go on and kiss the girl
Prince Eric [Eric closes his eyes as well and their lips nearly touch before they are knocked out of the rowboat, which flips thanks to Flotsam and Jetsam, then Eric and Ariel fall into the water.] [Sebastian hits his head and Scuttle looks mortified.]
Whoa, hang on - I've gotcha.
[The lagoon creatures skitter away as Flotsam and Jetsam rise and slap their tails in the style of a high-five and snicker.] [Ursula watches Ariel and Eric through a bubble.]
Nice work, boys. That was a close one. Too close. The little tramp! Oh, she's better than I thought. At this rate, he'll be kissing her by sunset for sure. [Ursula swims to her shelf of ingredients and smashes them aside, picking up some ingredients. Well, it's time Ursula took matters into her own tentacles! [Ursula smashes ingredients into the cauldron, sending puffs of smoke in the water.] Triton's daughter will be mine! And then I'll make him writhe. I'll see him wriggle like a worm on a hook! [Laughing, she clutches her nautilus shell around her neck. A golden light emanates from behind her transitioning into the moon. Ursula transforms into a human and her voice becomes Ariel's.]
[The moon shines bright. On a terrace, Eric plays the melody of "Part of Your World (Reprise)" on his flute. He gazes out to sea, contemplating as Grimsby approaches.] [putting an arm around Eric]
Eric, if I may say, far better than any dream girl, is one of flesh and blood, one warm and caring, and right before your eyes.
[Eric glances up at a window where Ariel stands in her nightgown, combing her hair with a fork. Eric smiles towards her. He looks sadly at his flute. Gazing firmly at it, he stakes a step back and throws it out into the water. He looks towards Ariel's window and begins to stride towards it, but stops.] [He hears Ariel's voice vocalizing "Ahhh." He leans over the edge of the terrace to see a woman walking along the shore, Ursula in disguise. Eric strains to see her clearly. The shell necklace hangs around her neck, glowing brightly. An eerie golden mist winds through the air towards Eric. It fills his eyes, enchanting him.] [Scuttle swoops over the castle, flying to Ariel's window.]
Ariel! Ariel, wake up! Wake up! I just heard the news. Congratulations, kiddo, we did it!
[Scuttle shakes Ariel's hand as she sits up, still half-asleep. Sebastian yawns and tries to go back to sleep.]
What is this idiot babbling about?!
Right - as if you two didn't know, uh? The whole town's buzzin' about the Prince gettin' himself hitched this afternoon! You know, he's gettin' married!
[Scuttle picks up Sebastian and rubs his head.]
You silly sidewalker! [to Ariel] I just wanted to wish you luck. I'll catch you later, I wouldn't miss it!
[Scuttle flies out the window. Ariel's eyes grow wide. Leaping out of bed, she scoops up Sebastian, twirls him around and gives him a kiss on the head. She fluffs her hair and rushes out the room and down the stairs. Sebastian gets out of bed and follows her]
Well, uh - err, Eric. I-it appears that I was mistaken. [Ariel stops, flabbergasted. She hides behind a beam and listens on.] This mystery maiden of yours does - in fact exist. And - and she is lovely. [holding Vanessa's hand] Congratulations, my dear.
Prince Eric We wish to be married as soon as possible.
Oh, yes - of course, Eric, but, er - but these things do take time, you know...
Prince Eric This afternoon, Grimsby. The wedding ship departs at sunset.
Oh, oh - very well, Eric - as you wish.
[Ariel is distraught and runs off crying. Vanessa touches her necklace and laughs as Eric stands stiffly, under a trance.]
V Vanessa
[The wedding boat departs from the dock. Ariel stands at the docks watching. She sinks to the ground, burying her head and cries. Sebastian looks up at her and sadly bows his head. A tear rolls down her cheek and falls in the water. Nearby, Flounder cries too. Over the ship, Scuttle swoops down over the sky.]
What a lovely little bride I'll make / My dear, I'll look divine [Scuttle peeks through a porthole to see "Vanessa" singing to herself.]/ Things are working out according / To my ultimate design [She throws a hairpin at the Angel figure in her mirror. He gulps, realizing the bride is not Ariel.] / Soon I'll have that little mermaid / And the ocean will be mine [Vanessa steps onto her vanity, crushing a bottle. She twirls around and pulls the mirror towards her. Scuttle sees her reflection is that of Ursula.]
The Sea Witch! Oh no... She's gotta- I gotta... [In a rush to leave, he bumps his head on the porthole. He flies back to Ariel.] Ariel! Ariel! Ariel, I was flying, I wa - of course I was flying - An' - I s- I saw that the watch - the witch was watchin' a mirror, and she was singin' with a stolen set o' pipes! [Scuttle picks up Sebastian and clanks him against the ground repeatedly.] Do you hear what I'm tellin' you?! The Prince is marrying the Sea Witch in disguise!
[Ariel drops her jaw, realizing that Eric is marrying Ursula in disguise.] [rubbing his head]
Are you sure about this?
Have I ever been wrong? I mean when it's important!
[Ariel looks to the setting sun and hears Ursula's voice in her head.]
Before the sun sets on the third day...
[Ariel leaps into the water and splashes around helplessly. Sebastian cuts free some barrels for Ariel to hang onto.]
Ariel, grab on to dat. Flounder, get her to that boat as fast as your fins can carry you!
[Flounder loops himself onto the rope and pulls Ariel along to the boat.]
I've gotta get to the sea king. He must know about this.
What - What about me? What about me?
You - find a way to stall dat wedding! [dives into the sea to find King Triton]
Stall the wedding. Wh- what am I - what - that's it! [Scuttle squawks and takes off for the lagoon, alerting the other birds. Bluebirds and flamingos follow him. Starfish, lobsters, dolphins, and sea lions look up. The animals follow Scuttle.] Move it! Let's go! We've got an emergency here!
B Bishop
[Cut to: Deck of Eric's boat] [Vanessa and Eric walk down the aisle. Max snarls at her as she passes by, and she kicks him. A short bishop stands at the end of the aisle.]
Dearly beloved...
[We cut to the Ocean] [Flounder pulls Ariel.]
Don't worry Ariel. Ugh…… we…… we're gonna make it. We're almost there.
B Bishop
[Cut to: Deck of Eric's boat]
Yes, um, do you Eric, take Vanessa, to be your lawfully wedded wife, for as long as you both shall live?
Prince Eric [Vanessa looks out to the sun, noticing it's almost set.]
I do.
B Bishop
[Scuttle squawks.]
Eh, and do you... [A squadron of bluebirds swoop down from the sky, led by Scuttle, aimed directly towards Vanessa. She ducks. They circle around and fly under her white dress. Max barks. Guests are alarmed as sea lions get on deck. Pelicans fly overhead and dump beaks full of water on Vanessa. A lobster pinches her nose and starfish smother her and screams.] [Oblivious to the commotion] then by the power invest-
V Vanessa
Get away from me you slimy little- [A sea lion tosses her in the air on his nose. Ariel arrives and climbs up the ship. The sea lions toss Vanessa into the wedding cake. She pops out, furious, and three dolphins squirt water in her face. Scuttle squawks in her face.] Oh, why you little- [Vanessa wrings Scuttle's neck. Max breaks free from his leash. Max bites Vanessa in the rear and Scuttle pulls at Vanessa's necklace, which goes flying through the air. The shell of Ursula's necklace was broken into pieces, and Ariel's voice was heard singing and inserted back into Ariel.]
Prince Eric Ariel?
Prince Eric [Max barks happily at her.]
You - you can talk. You're the one.
V Vanessa
[Eric runs to her and grasps her hands.] [now in Ursula's own voice]
Eric, get away from her!
Prince Eric [Ursula covers her mouth.]
It - it was you all the time.
Oh, Eric, I - I wanted to tell you.
V Vanessa
[The sun sets as they are about to kiss, and her legs turn back into a tail.] [as Ariel turns back into a mermaid]
You’re too late! [cackles wickedly] YOU’RE TOO LATE!!!!
[Vanessa rips out of her dress and turns back into Ursula. The crowd gasps in shock and disgust.]
So long, Lover Boy.
Prince Eric [She slithers across the deck, grabs Ariel, and dives over the edge of the ship.]
Ariel!
Poor little princess, don't be frightened, it's not you I'm after. I've a much bigger fish to—
[Triton points his glowing trident at Ursula.]
Hmph!
Why, King Triton! Ha ha ha… How are you?
Not a chance, Triton! She's mine now. We made a deal. [as she shows Triton the glowing scroll as Flotsam and Jetsam restrain Ariel]
Daddy, I'm sorry! I—I-I didn't mean to. I didn't know—
[Triton zaps a beam at Ursula and the contract, which remain unharmed.]
You see? The contract's legal, binding and completely unbreakable… even for you. Of course, I always was a girl with an eye for a bargain. The daughter of the great sea king is a very precious commodity. [The contract is released by Ursula and its golden light swirls around Ariel] But - I might be willing to make an exchange for someone even better... [as she touches her tentacle to Triton's crown]
[We Cut to Eric's boat] [Eric rows a small boat out to sea.]
Eric! What are you doing?
Prince Eric Grim, I lost her once. I'm not gonna lose her again.
[We Cut to Back Under the water] [Ariel becomes increasingly small and shriveled to resemble the souls in Ursula's garden, presumably meaning that she’s turning a polyp. She holds out the contract.]
Now! Do we have a deal? [Triton looks away and signs over Ariel's signature using his trident.] Ha! It's done then! [The magical golden current holding Ariel releases her and takes over Triton, turning him into one of Ursula's souls.]
[Ursula cackles.] [Cut to above water] [Eric stands in his rowboat, harpoon in hand.] [Cut to: under water] [Only Triton's crown and trident remain.]
Oh, Your Majesty...
At last. [as she picks up the crown and puts it on.]
It's mine. [as she holds the trident and cackles to herself. Ariel angrily springs at her.]
You... [angrily swimming and attacks Ursula] YOU MONSTER!!!
[throws Ariel down and points the trident at her]
Don't fool with me ya little brat! Contract or no- Ahh!
[Eric's harpoon grazes Ursula's arm. He watches under water.]
Why, you little troll!
[to Flotsam and Jetsam]
After him!
[Flotsam and Jetsam chase Eric as he swims back to the surface. He reaches his boat, but they pull him back under water.]
Come on!
[Sebastian and Flounder attack. Sebastian pinches one eel's tail while Flounder flaps his fins in the other's face.]
Say goodbye to your sweetheart. [Ursula aims the trident at Eric, but Ariel yanks her hair, causing the beam of lightning to hit Flotsam and Jetsam, who burn to crisp, smelling like burning ash.] Babies! My poor, little poopsies.
[Ursula holds their remains and her eyes go wild. Seeing Ariel escaping, Ursula begins to grow, huff, and release a black cloud of ink. Flounder and Sebastian cower.] [Cut to: above water]
Eric, you've got to get away from here.
Prince Eric No, I won't leave you.
[A spike on Triton's crown comes between Eric and Ariel as a gigantic Ursula rises from the water, laughing manically. Eric and Ariel jump into the water and clutch each other, looking up to see Ursula towering over them.]
You pitiful, insignificant, fool!
Prince Eric [pointing]
Look out!
[One of Ursula's tentacles crashes down into the water.]
Now I am the ruler of all the ocean! The waves obey my every whim!
[Ursula raises the trident and swirls it, creating a storm with lightning. A wave sweeps Eric away.]
Eric!
The sea and all its spoils bow to my power! [She swirls the trident in the water, creating a whirlpool. The spinning funnel reaches the ocean floor, churning up sunken ships. Ariel dodges the wreckage. One of the ships veers towards Eric and he tries to swim away, but he is shoved under water. Gliding along the bottom of the ship, he grabs onto a rope and hoists himself up the side and onto the deck. She was cackling] So much for true love! [As Ursula is about to bring her trident down on Ariel, Eric steers the ship into her. She is impaled by the sharp bow. Ursula screams in pain. Her eyes flash and her body is filled with lightning as the ship goes down on top of her. Her tentacles writhe as the ship sinks into the sea.]
Cut to: under water
[The trident sinks down along with debris.] [Cut to: Ursula's Lair] [The shriveled souls of the Atlanticans trapped in Ursula's lair are set free and swim out of the lair. The trident falls back to Triton, who transforms back into himself.]
