An Enchanting Encounter with Jodi Benson: The Enduring Magic of Disney’s Ariel

*Disney provided me with hotel accommodations, airfare, and meals to attend this press junket. Images were taken by myself with the permission of Disney. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.*

Some of the most cherished memories from my childhood unfolded in the simple embrace of my own backyard, particularly on my trusty swing set. I recall the sheer exhilaration of pumping my legs, soaring higher and higher towards the sky, all the while belting out my favorite Disney tunes. Among these, the songs performed by Ariel from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” held a special place in my heart. Even at a tender age, I was aware of the talented actress who breathed life into the inquisitive mermaid: Jodi Benson. I even have faint recollections of watching behind-the-scenes interviews, captivated by her genuine warmth and incredible talent.

My passion for singing blossomed from these early experiences, leading me to join school choirs from kindergarten through seventh grade. After a brief hiatus, I eagerly rejoined in ninth grade and continued until my senior year. While I no longer perform publicly, the joy of live music remains a profound pleasure in my life. I seize every available opportunity to attend a musical theater production or a concert, allowing myself to be swept away by the power of performance. This deep-seated appreciation for music and storytelling has, without a doubt, been influenced by the magic of Disney and the iconic voices that shaped my formative years.

Now, I have the immense joy of raising a little girl of my own, who, much like her mother, is utterly enchanted by mermaids, Ariel, and the boundless world of Disney. Watching her, I often see glimpses of my younger self, especially when I catch her singing softly to herself during bath time or engrossed in play. She crafts her own delightful melodies, but one tune I frequently hear echoing through our home is the poignant melody Ariel sings when she makes the ultimate sacrifice, relinquishing her voice to Ursula in pursuit of true love. It’s a powerful reminder of the timeless themes that resonate across generations.

An Unforgettable Encounter with a Legend: Meeting Jodi Benson

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would have the privilege of meeting my childhood idol in person. To hear her sing my favorite “The Little Mermaid” song live seemed an impossibility, a fantasy too grand to ever materialize. Yet, in what still feels like a dream, both extraordinary events actually happened! The journey began with a mediated panel discussion where Jodi Benson, alongside the visionary directors Ron Clements and John Musker, shared fascinating insights into the creation and enduring legacy of “The Little Mermaid.” Their stories painted a vivid picture of the meticulous artistry and boundless passion that brought Ariel’s world to life.

As the panel drew to a close, a question from the audience transformed the atmosphere from informative to utterly magical: someone asked Jodi Benson if she would grace us with a song. I remember being so completely stunned – despite my fervent wish to hear her sing, I would never have summoned the courage to ask myself – that I couldn’t react quickly enough to get my video recording device ready. Instead, I simply leaned back, utterly captivated, as a profound silence descended upon the room. Chills ran up and down my spine as she began to sing. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Jodi’s voice was as vibrant, as confident, and as full of hopeful yearning as it was on the day she first recorded “Part of Your World” for “The Little Mermaid.” It was an experience that transcended mere performance, becoming a deeply personal connection to a cherished piece of my past.

The Flounder Group interviewing Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid

Jodi Benson: A True Role Model Beyond the Voice

A few minutes later, our group was ushered into a room, eagerly awaiting the start of our interview. I hadn’t realized that Jodi Benson would be the first person we would meet. When she walked in, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. However, her radiant smile, coupled with her warm and genuinely friendly demeanor, immediately put me at ease. I found myself relaxing into the moment, even managing to ask two questions of my own during our brief but incredibly insightful time with her. I’ve already shared some of my personal stories that illustrate why I admire Jodi Benson so deeply, but her impact extends far beyond my own childhood memories. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why Jodi Benson stands out as an exceptional role model for women, young and old, across the globe:

Embracing the Power of True Love

One of the most creative and insightful questions posed to Jodi was whether she believed in true love and if she would elaborate on her perspective. With a sweet smile and not a moment of hesitation, Jodi responded, “Yes, yes…I’ve been with my husband—we’ve been married for—I think we’re coming up on thirty. Our anniversary will be next May.” Her unwavering conviction in the strength and longevity of her own relationship served as a powerful testament to her belief. The follow-up question, mirroring Ariel’s own pivotal choice, was whether she, too, would give up her voice for love. Again, her answer was immediate and resolute: “Yes, I would. It would be very hard because singing is such a huge part of my life, the way I communicate. Yes, for my husband, I would do it.” This profound declaration highlighted her dedication not just to her art, but to the deep, abiding connection she shares with her family, proving that the magic of true love is very much a part of her real life.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Dreamers

Jodi proudly mentioned that on an upcoming Friday, she and her family would be performing together in a concert. She spoke with immense joy about her daughter, describing her as a “nonstop singer.” “She just turned twelve. She’s making her debut this Friday night in this concert. She’s going to sing and play the piano for herself. It’s neat to get to watch your children get this passion going in them that I’ve had ever since I was a little girl.” This shared passion for music, blossoming within her own family, beautifully illustrates how Jodi’s creative spirit extends beyond her professional life, inspiring her children to embrace their own talents and pursue their dreams. It’s a testament to the power of leading by example, fostering an environment where artistic expression can flourish and be celebrated.

The Timeless Magic of “Part of Your World”

It’s almost unfathomable to think that “Part of Your World,” a song now synonymous with “The Little Mermaid” and the very essence of Ariel’s longing, was nearly cut from the film. Jodi Benson revealed her determination, stating she was ready to walk away from the project if the song were to be excluded. For many, including myself, “The Little Mermaid” simply wouldn’t possess the same enchanting depth without that iconic melody. Jodi’s enduring affection for the song is palpable: “I love getting to share my story … I love getting in front of a huge group of kids and singing the songs and just watching their reactions and their faces and their parents and their grandparents, who are going through all their emotions with it as well … I never get tired of singing the song; I sing it all the time. And it’s always fresh and new; it’s like the day I recorded it.” Her ability to consistently connect with the song, making it feel new and vibrant each time, speaks volumes about her dedication and the timeless appeal of Ariel’s journey.

The Enduring Legacy of a Disney Princess

Jodi Benson’s perspective on her role as a Disney Princess is deeply moving, stemming from the immense joy and wonder it brings to countless others. She reflected on the incredible impact: “It’s kind of hard to grasp the impact of portraying a character that’s going to live long past you … It takes my breath away to think of the experiences I’ve had … Walking through the airport and seeing a little girl in a T-shirt and seeing the dolls in someone’s hand, or going to the pool and seeing a little girl in an Ariel swimsuit swimming with her doll … what an amazing heavenly gift that I’m able to be a part of.” Her words convey a profound humility and gratitude for being entrusted with a character who continues to inspire and delight new generations. These everyday encounters highlight the pervasive and heartwarming influence Ariel holds in the hearts of children worldwide, a legacy Jodi cherishes deeply.

A Voice That Heals and Transforms Lives

I concluded the interview with a question that elicited one of the most unexpected and profoundly powerful answers of the entire conversation. I asked if she had any fan stories that revealed how “The Little Mermaid” had truly impacted or transformed lives. Her response was humbling and heartbreaking, yet ultimately inspiring. “I’ve made unfortunately several calls to children before they pass away. Those are hard, especially when the parent puts you on the phone and goes, ‘they won’t be able to speak, but they can hear you.’ Those are heartwrenching … and then when you follow up with them and they say, ‘yes, she died peacefully.’ … Certain songs and certain characters soothe children to get through their painful procedures … I’ve got several kids throughout the years I’ve met face to face, who actually speak now. And will tell, or their parent will tell me, that they learned how to speak from [my] film … Those are the kind of stories that you kind of wish that people knew more about than this just an animated film … when you get behind the scenes and you start to hear the impact of that, that really blows your mind.” These stories reveal the extraordinary power of animation and voice acting, demonstrating how a beloved character can provide comfort in the darkest hours and even inspire miraculous healing and development. Jodi Benson’s voice, beyond its musical beauty, serves as a beacon of hope and solace, impacting lives in ways few could ever imagine.

Jodi Benson’s handprints and signature on the wall outside of Disney Animation Studios

Bring Home the Magic: The Little Mermaid on Blu-ray

Relive the enchantment and wonder of Ariel’s timeless adventure! Disney’s The Little Mermaid is available to own on Blu-ray: Diamond Edition (complete with DVD and Digital Copy) for the perfect family movie night. Get your copy and immerse yourselves in the magic on October 1st, 2013.