Why didn't Ariel's Prince Eric recognize her?

“So, Ariel is completely flipping literate and, in point of fact, has excellent penmanship! I had to give her the benefit of the doubt and think, well maybe she didn't want to explain herself cause she was trying to be a cool water fish about the whole deal and take her game to the next level. read more

Along with what Elaine said, the only time he opens his eyes himself (not because of Scuttle prying one open), he sees Ariel and the sun is behind her, shadowing her face and somewhat blinding him. read more

We know that Ariel can sign her name, as she signs a contract with Ursula, and regularly signs autographs in all of the Disney Parks. We also know that written material is "a thing" in Atlantica, though not necessarily common, because Sebastian uses sheet music. read more

As an avid fan of The Little Mermaid since childhood, it pains me to say that Prince Eric is actually the worst. Fans remember Ariel's dashing suitor as a handsome prince who invited the lovelorn mermaid-turned-human to live with him in his opulent castle after finding her stranded and mute on the beach. read more