Little Mermaid Original Script/Gallery

Theories
Here we have three images, each depicting a different stage of the design process. The first being one of Ursula's disguise, (Vanessa) standing over a puddle in shock as her reflection reveals her true form. Being that this picture is so highly detailed, we can guess that this is a production drawing; the earliest drawings made in the design process, meant to capture the most important moments of the script. From this, we can theorize this original ending was made from the original drafts which Ron Clements and John Musker developed.

From the second concept drawing, we see Ursula in a rockfish form, about to attack an early design of Eric holding a crossbow. What's most important about this is the little Ariel to the bottom and the fact she is releasing bubbles from her mouth. In most drawings where characters would have their mouths open underwater bubbles never form from their mouths. From this, we could theorize that during this drawing, Ariel still doesn't have her voice back, which may support even further that this ending had stuck through the majority of the design process.

The third and final drawing however, supports the idea that this change of ending was a last minute decision. It is a drawing of Ursula with the trident in her possession, and the shell locket still hanging on her. Her design is the finalized version for the movie as well, supporting this theory even further.

Storyboards
These storyboards depict the later half of the ending, released for the DVD. Lines that were present in the script were left out during this cut, showing that this was to be the final stage of the story process, until Jeffery Katzenburg changed the story.