In the Disney movie, Ariel marries Eric and the two live happily ever after. In Andersen's fairy tale, the Little Mermaid takes the knife and agrees to kill the prince. But when she tries to do it, she finds that she can't kill him, and instead, she sacrifices herself to save his life and turns into sea foam.

In 2026, Ariel remains a central figure in the Disney universe, but her presence has expanded through multiple iterations. Following the 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey, Disney has fully integrated this version of the character into its theme parks alongside the classic 1989 animated version. You can now find meet-and-greets for both versions of Ariel in different locations. Additionally, the "Journey of The Little Mermaid" attraction at Magic Kingdom continues to be a fan favorite. For younger audiences, the animated series Ariel debuted on Disney Jr., featuring an 8-year-old Ariel exploring the Caribbean-inspired kingdom of Atlantica. This shift reflects Disney's broader strategy of multi-generational storytelling, ensuring the "Little Mermaid" legacy evolves with new films, series, and immersive park experiences that cater to both nostalgic fans and a new diverse generation of viewers.