When it comes to Disney villains, few are as unforgettable as Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989). With her bold design, booming voice, and wicked sense of humor, Ursula swam straight into Disney history as one of the most iconic villains ever created. For many of us who grew up in the golden age of Disney animation, she wasn’t just scary — she was fascinating.

In this post, I’m diving deep into Ursula’s character: her design, her role in Disney history, and why she still captivates audiences today.

The Making of a Villain
Ursula was created during Disney’s renaissance era, when the studio was reclaiming its place at the top of animation. Unlike earlier villains who often leaned on gothic horror or icy elegance, Ursula was brash, flamboyant, and larger-than-life.

Animator Glen Keane based her movements on sea creatures — particularly the undulating arms of an octopus. Her makeup and styling were famously inspired by the drag queen Divine, giving her a camp sensibility that made her both funny and fearsome.

Disney nostalgia fans often point out that Ursula stands out because she feels modern in a way other villains do not. She’s not just evil for the sake of evil — she’s theatrical, witty, and almost like an entertainer in her own right.

Poor Unfortunate Souls
Ursula’s lair is one of the most memorable villain settings in the Disney canon. Surrounded by eerie green light, bubbling cauldrons, and the haunting forms of poor unfortunate souls, her underwater grotto captures the gothic, carnival-like energy that defines her.

Her big number, “Poor Unfortunate Souls”, is more than a song — it’s a performance. She manipulates Ariel with charm, persuasion, and that booming laugh that echoes long after the credits roll. The combination of catchy lyrics, dazzling animation, and Pat Carroll’s unforgettable voice work cemented Ursula as a Disney legend.

A Feminine Twist on Power
While many villains in Disney history rely on brute force or cold intimidation, Ursula uses wit and manipulation. She represents a darker, more complex kind of villainy — one rooted in temptation and bargains. She doesn’t need an army to conquer; she simply waits for the desperate to come to her.

This makes her especially unique in Disney history. She embodies the idea of the deal-maker, a role rarely given to female characters at the time. Ursula’s confidence, humor, and unapologetic ambition made her unlike any villain Disney had animated before.

Why We Still Love Her
Part of the reason Ursula endures is because she’s more than scary — she’s entertaining. Disney fans of all ages still quote her lines, cosplay her look, and belt out her songs at every opportunity.

In fact, she’s become a symbol of empowerment for many fans. Her confidence, boldness, and refusal to shrink herself make her a kind of anti-hero in today’s culture. Even though she’s a villain, there’s something undeniably magnetic about her.

Ursula’s Legacy in Disney Nostalgia
For those of us who grew up in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Ursula is part of our Disney nostalgia core memories. She represents a turning point when Disney villains became bigger, louder, and more complex. Without Ursula, we might not have had characters like Hades (Hercules) or Dr. Facilier (The Princess and the Frog).

Whether you first met her in a darkened movie theater in 1989, or later on VHS tapes, or even through Disney Parks merchandise and shows, Ursula remains one of those villains who lingers in our imagination.

Ursula is more than just the sea witch of The Little Mermaid. She is proof of Disney’s ability to craft villains that are as beloved as the heroes. Her impact goes beyond her film — into Broadway adaptations, park appearances, and even the way we think about villains today.

She reminds us that sometimes the most powerful characters are the ones who dare to steal the show.

Ursula Stole Our Voices: A Walk Through the Sorcerer’s Workshop at Disney California Adventure

When I think back on the early days of Disney California Adventure, one of the most enchanting hidden gems wasn’t a ride at all — it was tucked inside the Animation Building, where you could wander from room to room and lose yourself in Disney magic. Long before Bugs Land was cleared away, my daughter and I stepped inside and discovered an experience that felt like it had been made just for us: Ursula’s Grotto in the Sorcerer’s Workshop.

Meeting Ursula in Her Grotto
The Sorcerer’s Workshop was divided into themed rooms — each one offering a different interactive way to experience Disney animation. You could try your hand at drawing, step into the Beast’s Library where enchanted books revealed your personality, or meet the Magic Mirror, who always seemed just a little too good at knowing things about you.

But it was Ursula who captured our attention. Her cavernous grotto, complete with Flotsam and Jetsam lurking on either side, invited us to sit down and give her our voices. And that’s exactly what we did.

Hakuna Matata — With Our Own Voices
My daughter and I picked “Hakuna Matata” from the list of songs. A microphone popped up, and we began to sing. The system recorded our voices — grainy but joyful — and then replayed the Disney film clip with us singing instead of Timon and Pumbaa.

We laughed so hard when we heard it back. The whole idea was that Ursula had “stolen” our voices (just as she had done to Ariel in The Little Mermaid) and inserted them into Disney classics. It was delightfully silly and unforgettable.

I remember that there was also an Alice in Wonderland option — where guests could sing “The Unbirthday Song.” We didn’t try that one, but it was fun to watch others play along.

Remembering What’s Lost
The Sorcerer’s Workshop in its original form feels like one of those Lost Disneyland (or in this case, Lost DCA) experiences that quietly slipped away while everyone’s attention was on the bigger rides. Today, the Animation Building has shifted focus to exhibits and character meet-and-greets, but Ursula no longer steals voices the way she once did.

For families like mine, though, those moments remain priceless. I’ll never forget standing beside my daughter, both of us giggling as our voices came out of Timon and Pumbaa’s mouths. To this day, whenever I hear “Hakuna Matata,” I remember Ursula’s Grotto — and the day we willingly gave our voices to the sea witch.

Why It Matters
These small, interactive corners of the park hold as much magic as the grand attractions. They invited guests to participate, to be part of the story, to laugh at themselves. And sometimes, like in our case, they created memories strong enough to last decades.

Because in the end, it isn’t just about the rides — it’s about the moments when Disney asks you to play along. And when Ursula asks for your voice, how can you possibly say no?