The Little Mermaid is a timeless tale loved by many across generations. With its enchanting story, colorful characters, and unforgettable songs, it has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. From Ariel’s dream of becoming human to her adventures under the sea, this Disney classic has inspired countless fans. But how much do you really know about the making of this beloved film? There are fascinating facts and trivia that even the biggest fans might not be aware of!
Today, we will share some intriguing Little Mermaid trivia that will surprise you. Did you know that the film was inspired by a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen? Or that the voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, brought the character to life in a truly magical way? Get ready to learn fun facts about the production, characters, and the music that made this movie a masterpiece. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just starting to appreciate the story, these tidbits will add a new layer to your understanding of The Little Mermaid. Let’s make a splash with some trivia that will make you smile!
Little Mermaid Trivia
Mermaid Mysteries Unveiled
1. Who wrote the original fairy tale that inspired The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Hans Christian Andersen)
2. In what year was Disney’s The Little Mermaid released? (Answer: 1989)
3. What is the name of Ariel’s father? (Answer: King Triton)
4. Who is the sea witch that Ariel makes a deal with? (Answer: Ursula)
5. What animal is Flounder in The Little Mermaid? (Answer: A fish)
6. What color is Ariel’s hair? (Answer: Red)
7. What item does Ariel collect from shipwrecks? (Answer: Human artifacts)
8. How old is Ariel when the movie begins? (Answer: 16 years old)
9. What is the name of the prince Ariel falls in love with? (Answer: Prince Eric)
10. How does Ariel communicate with Prince Eric when she’s on land? (Answer: She can’t speak)
Under the Sea: Character Connections
1. What fish is known for being Ariel’s best friend? (Answer: Flounder)
2. Which character is a seagull that helps Ariel? (Answer: Scuttle)
3. What is Sebastian’s job in King Triton’s kingdom? (Answer: Court composer)
4. How does Ursula trick Ariel into giving up her voice? (Answer: By offering legs in exchange)
5. What instrument does Sebastian famously play? (Answer: A piano)
6. Who is the voice actor for Sebastian? (Answer: Samuel E. Wright)
7. What does Ariel want most in life? (Answer: To be human)
8. Who is the most loyal creature to King Triton? (Answer: Sebastian)
9. What spell does Ursula cast on herself to get Ariel’s voice? (Answer: A transformation spell)
10. How do Ariel’s sisters react to her fascination with the human world? (Answer: They are skeptical)
Music and Magic: A Melodic Journey
1. Who wrote the songs for The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Alan Menken and Howard Ashman)
2. What is the name of the famous song that Ariel sings while combing her hair? (Answer: “Part of Your World”)
3. What song do Sebastian and the other sea creatures sing to convince Ariel to embrace her underwater life? (Answer: “Under the Sea”)
4. Which song from The Little Mermaid won an Academy Award? (Answer: “Under the Sea”)
5. Who performs the song “Kiss the Girl” in the film? (Answer: Sebastian)
6. What type of fish sings “Under the Sea”? (Answer: Lobsters)
7. How many original songs are featured in The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Five)
8. What is the final song Ariel sings at the end of the film? (Answer: “A Part of Your World (Reprise)”)
9. Who voiced the character of Ariel and also sang her songs? (Answer: Jodi Benson)
10. What does Sebastian remind Ariel to appreciate about her underwater life? (Answer: The beauty of being a sea creature)
Production Secrets: Behind the Scenes
1. How many animators worked on The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Over 600)
2. What was the budget for The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Approximately $40 million)
3. Where was The Little Mermaid primarily animated? (Answer: Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios)
4. What technique did animators use to create Ariel’s flowing hair? (Answer: Computer-generated animation)
5. What industry impact did The Little Mermaid have upon its release? (Answer: Revived Disney’s animation success)
6. Who directed The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Ron Clements and John Musker)
7. What innovative method was used to color the animation cels? (Answer: A new method of painting)
8. How long did it take to animate The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Over three years)
9. What was unique about the character designs in the film? (Answer: They blended classic Disney and contemporary styles)
10. What was the original working title for The Little Mermaid? (Answer: The Young Mermaid)
Enchanting Elements: The World of The Little Mermaid
1. What fictional location serves as Ariel’s home? (Answer: Atlantica)
2. What magical object does Ariel trade for her legs? (Answer: Her voice)
3. What type of creature is Ursula? (Answer: A sea witch)
4. Which creature acts as Ursula’s sidekick? (Answer: Flotsam and Jetsam)
5. How do the underwater scenes differ from the scenes on land? (Answer: The colors are more vibrant underwater)
6. What is the significance of Ariel’s collection of human artifacts? (Answer: They represent her curiosity about the human world)
7. What color is the sea witch’s lair? (Answer: Purple)
8. What do mermaids usually do in the film’s universe? (Answer: Swim and explore)
9. How do the underwater creatures communicate? (Answer: Through singing and dialogue)
10. What other magical beings are mentioned in The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Merfolk and magical creatures)
Romantic Waves: Love Under the Sea
1. What does Ariel do to get Prince Eric’s attention? (Answer: Sings to him)
2. What does Ariel give up to pursue her love for Prince Eric? (Answer: Her voice)
3. How does Ursula manipulate Prince Eric? (Answer: Disguises herself as a beautiful woman)
4. What does Ariel do to express her feelings for Eric? (Answer: Saves him from drowning)
5. How does King Triton feel about Ariel’s relationship with Eric? (Answer: He disapproves)
6. Where do Ariel and Eric share their first romantic moment? (Answer: On a boat)
7. What unique feature does Eric’s ship have? (Answer: It’s a sailing ship with a love motif)
8. What happens to Ariel’s relationship when she loses her voice? (Answer: It becomes complicated)
9. How does the love story ultimately resolve in the film? (Answer: They get married)
10. What does Prince Eric learn about true love with Ariel? (Answer: That love is worth any sacrifice)
Legacy of the Ocean: The Little Mermaid’s Influence
1. What long-term effect did The Little Mermaid have on Disney animation? (Answer: It sparked the Disney Renaissance)
2. How many sequels or spin-offs followed The Little Mermaid? (Answer: Two sequels and a prequel)
3. What major theme is often highlighted in The Little Mermaid? (Answer: The desire for freedom)
4. How has The Little Mermaid influenced other Disney movies? (Answer: By increasing the focus on strong female leads)
5. What legacy of The Little Mermaid extends beyond film? (Answer: Broadway adaptations)
6. How has the character of Ariel been portrayed in merchandise? (Answer: As a symbol of curiosity and adventure)
7. In what ways do fans celebrate The Little Mermaid today? (Answer: Through events and merchandise)
8. How has Ariel’s character evolved in modern media? (Answer: More representation and empowerment)
9. What impact does The Little Mermaid have on environmental awareness? (Answer: Highlights ocean conservation)
10. How does the character of Ariel inspire people across generations? (Answer: By showing that dreams are achievable)
Final Thoughts
The Little Mermaid continues to enchant audiences of all ages with its unforgettable story, captivating characters, and beautiful music. From the magic of Ariel’s journey to her determined pursuit of love and freedom, this beloved film has made a lasting impact on popular culture. The trivia we explored showcases not only the creativity and dedication behind the scenes but also the influence The Little Mermaid has had in shaping modern animation and storytelling. So whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, remember that Ariel’s story is a timeless reminder that dreams can indeed come true.
If you enjoyed this trivia about The Little Mermaid, you might want to check out more interesting questions about princesses in our Princess Trivia or dive deeper into the adventures of another beloved series with Little House on the Prairie Trivia.