12 things you probably didn't know about 'The Little Mermaid'

Marilyn La JeunesseNov 13, 2020, 20:53 IST

"The Little Mermaid" is one of Disney's most popular films.Disney

Disney's "The Little Mermaid" was released on November 13, 1989, but even superfans still might not know all these interesting facts.
The popular song "Part of Your World" was almost cut from the film.
Iconic characters like Goofy and Mickey Mouse make super-short cameos in "The Little Mermaid."
Ursula's look was inspired by a famous drag queen, and the villain is not an octopus.

After 31 years, Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is still an animated classic.

But even fans who've seen it dozens of times may not know all the hidden surprises and pieces of trivia that can be found throughout the movie.

Read on for some interesting facts about "The Little Mermaid."

The idea for the film was initially shut down.

We almost didn't have one the most beloved Disney movies. Disney

The character's style took after a famous actress/drag queen. Disney

Bea Arthur's agent wasn't on board with her voicing Ursula. Associated Press

The villain only has six tentacles. Disney

There are some familiar things in Ariel's cave of wonders. Disney

Ariel's solo almost wasn't in the film. Disney

The bubbles may have been tricky to animate. Disney

Alyssa Milano inspired Ariel's look. Fred Prouser/Reuters

Ariel and Hercules are both related to gods. Disney

Alan Menken won two Oscars for "The Little Mermaid." John Barr/Liaison/Getty Images

Goofy appears in the film. Disney

There's a hidden Mickey on the shelf behind the chef. Disney