Disclosure: I attended the #DisneyPlanesPremiere and #LittleMermaidEvent. My flight, lodging and expenses were all covered by Disney. However, all opinions are my own.
It was truly amazing being able to meet real life Disney Princess when I was at the #LittleMermaidEvent a few months ago. With the remastering and releasing of The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack on October 1st. We were able to see first hand some extra unseen part of The Little Mermaid. Our group of blogger had the chance to sit down with Ron Clements and John Musker which was astonishing. The icing on the cake was the interview with Jodi Benson the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid.
Getting to Know Jodi Benson
I can say from the short time we spent with Jodi Benson is that she seemed kind, caring, involved and loving. She was easy to talk too about many things, even though she is a Disney Princess. In our interview with Jodi, she explained how she interviewed for the part of Ariel. Jodi mentioned that she lived close to the east coast, while Disney studios offices were on the west coast. She made a couple trips in the interview process, and felt she did well. It did take some time before she finally received confirmation that she landed the part of the leading role in a animated feature.
Jodi Benson was kind enough to answer a few questions from our group.
What does your kids think of mom being Ariel? Jodi explained that her son struggled a little sharing Mommy (Jodi) with others in public. He felt that Mommies singing was for him, and that public events she could not sing. Jodi Benson’s daughter on the other hand understood what Mommy was doing making appearances and singing.
One of the questions for Jodi Benson was would you give up your voice for true love or your husband? Singing is such a huge part of my life, but I would give it away for my husband.
Since we all have defining movies in our childhood like The Little Mermaid, what is your favorite movie? It would be Cinderella, cause she comes from one area in life and wants more in life. Jodi explained that is probably what every little child wants.
What are some of the benefits of being a Disney Princess? It is simply amazing, and hard to grasp the concept that you are a character that is going to long out live you. When I stop and think about it, it takes my breath away with all the opportunities. Grateful is the word I stop to come up with when I think about me playing Ariel.
Jodi Benson Part of your World
Towards the last part of our Q&A session Jodi Benson was asked if she would share, and sing a little. She wasted no time, and started belting out Part of Your World right there in front of all of us.
I believe meeting Ron, John and Jodi gave The Little Mermaid a whole new feeling to me. I can’t wait to see the Diamond Edition of The Little Mermaid with over 3 hours of extra bonus features. Be sure to reserve your copy of The Little Mermaid now!
That is so neat! Our family is going to see a theatrical performance of the Little Mermaid at the end of the month but it won’t be the same without the classic voice of Jodi Benson. Also, I still need to see Disney’s Planes. I think my son will love it!