I will proudly admit that my new favorite fragrance is the DefineMe Ariel Disney Princess Perfume! It’s fresh, sweet, and woodsy, infused with Disney magic in every spritz!
DefineMe Fragrances has answered every Disney fan prayers by creating a beautiful fragrance that embodies Disney’s most iconic princess: Ariel!
Ariel’s adventurous spirit and yearning to explore the world above is captured in this fragrance perfectly!
The best way to describe the DefineMe Ariel Disney Princess Perfume is the ocean waves crashing against a rocky shoreline on a warm summer’s day. It’s top is a sweet citrus neroli and bergamot. The center notes are jasmine and lilac. While the bottom notes are tonka bean, coconut, and driftwood.
Fragrance Notes for DefineMe Ariel Disney Princess Perfume
The combination of the woodsy, floral, and citrous isn’t a combination you see everyday in fragrances. And for that reason, the Ariel Disney Princess Perfume evokes the sense of the ocean (woodsy notes), curiosity (floral notes), and adventure (citrus notes). Just like Ariel!
Every fragrance by DefineMe Fragrances is unisex, gluten-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and Made in the USA.
With every purchase from DefineMe Fragrances, they will donate $1 to empower and educate women in developing countries.
DefineMe Ariel Disney PrincessFragrance
Every time I wear my Ariel Disney Princess Perfume, I feel like a Disney Princess!
It’s a must-have fragrance for fans Princess Ariel!
Digital Illustration by Fernl2606 of a comfy Prince Eric, Ariel, and Max
Fernl2606 is a very popular digital artist on Instagram, whose is best known for his digital illustrations of all things Disney. Most notably, The Little Mermaid.
His passion for Disney, mermaids, and digital art is prevalent in his work.
Fernl2606 describes himself as an amateur artist, but you would never know it, by looking at his work. His work is the epitome of professional and captures your heart and imagination instantaneously.
Digital Illustration of Ariel rescuing Prince Eric by Fernl2606
Fernl2606 use of color, contrast, saturation, and lighting brings his drawings to life. What is most impressive about his work, is without a doubt, his details. Fernl2606 use of details is exquisite, making sure that no detail is too small.
Neverland Mermaids digital illustration by Fernl2606
I highly recommend, that if you aren’t following Fernl2606 on Instagram or Facebook, that you should.
Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson) in Disney’s The Little Mermaid
On November 14th, 1989, Disney’s The Little Mermaid premiered and it was the hit that the Walt Disney Studio’s desperately needed.
In the 1980’s the Walt Disney Studios wasn’t what it was today. It was a sinking ship, on the verge of bankruptcy with tanked films such as The Black Cauldron (1985), The Great Mouse Detective (1986), and Oliver and Company (1988).
So, the Walt Disney Studio’s brought in the creative forces of Michael Eisner as the new CEO and Jeffrey Katzenburg in charge of the Animation Division. Their mission was to bring the Walt Disney Studio’s back to life!
The idea to make an animated film of The Little Mermaid was from Ron Clements, who went to a bookstore and read the classic fairy of the same name, written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837. He pitched the idea at Jeffrey Katazeberg’s ‘gong show’ for the screenwriters to share their idea. Initially, The Little Mermaid was rejected for being too similar to Touchstone’s Splash. But that all changed, when Jeffrey read the two page treatment (synopsis) and wanted to expand on the story.
Ron Clements teamed with John Musker to write the script, but they knew they were missing an essential element to any Disney film: Music!
So, Disney recruited Howard Ashman and Alan Menken to write the music for The Little Mermaid. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, both had a musical theatre background. They had written Little Shop of Horrors in 1982, which was a smash success!
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken started writing the music for The Little Mermaid in 1988. They wrote all the iconic music in the soundtrack and gave Disney a revitalized broadway-treatment to it’s music. Howard Ashman incorporated the “want song” for the Disney heroine, that is now a key-part of the Disney musical storytelling, conveying what the female lead wanted most in life and how the audience roots for her to get to happy ending!
The music, wasn’t Howard’s only forte when it came to storytelling. Upon Howard’s arrival to the Walt Disney Studio’s, he had a meeting with the animators about how musical theatre and the Disney film were very much alike. The animators were so energized and revitalized by Howard’s speech that they were ready to prove themselves.
It was Howard Ashman’s idea to change the Sebastian’s ethnicity from British to Pacific Islander. He collaborated with John Musker and Ron Clements on storytelling elements for The Little Mermaid, including the film’s ending.
Jodi Benson had worked with Howard on the Broadway musical, Smile in 1986. He thought that she would be perfect to voice The Little Mermaid‘s headstrong heroine, Ariel. She auditioned and got the iconic role of Ariel, a year later.
Shortly after hearing Jodi Benson sing Part of Your World, Glen Keane, went to the studio and demanded that he draw Ariel. At first, the studio was hesitant to give him the position, but after some pushing, the studio agreed.
During an early screening of The Little Mermaid, a child had spilled their popcorn during Part of Your World. Jeffrey wanted to pull the song, thinking it would be a flop, Howard famously told him, “Over my dead body!” Yet, when Glen spoke to Jeffrey about keeping the song in the film, Jeffrey listened to him and Part of Your World stayed in the film.
The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, a adventurous, strong-headed, fiercely independent mermaid whose fascinated with the human world. Her father, King Triton is the ruler of Atlantica. He has a deep hatred for the human world and is overly protective of his daughter, Ariel.
When Ariel goes to the surface and rescues the handsome Prince Eric from a terrible storm out at sea, she is more determined then ever before to be human, so she could be with him. She visits the conniving and sassy sea-witch Ursula, who makes a lofty deal with her, so she could be human. Ariel has three days on land to be with Prince Eric, but she must give Ursula her voice. The only way for Ariel to remain human and stay on land with Prince Eric is through the “kiss of true love”. Ariel agrees to the deal and becomes human.
Meanwhile, on land, Eric is searching for the girl who rescued him and is disappointed that he hasn’t found her yet. Thankfully, his trusty dog, Max sniffs out Ariel in her human form and leads Eric to her.
Upon meeting Ariel, Eric is certain that’s met her before, but he can’t remember where. So, he invites her to his palace to stay. They have an instant connection and Eric is smitten with Ariel, despite the fact that she can’t speak.
Three days pass, and Ursula comes to land, disguised as Vanessa to collect Ariel and to steal her ever after. Eric is elated to discover that Ariel had rescued him and risks his life to save her. Ariel’s father, King Triton is alerted by Sebastian and Flounder of Ursula’s plan and he confronts her, demanding his daughter back. To save Ariel, King Triton trades his power to rescue his daughter. Ariel, Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder work together to try and defeat Ursula. With Eric’s quick-thinking, he impales Ursula.
Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson) and Prince Eric (voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes) in Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Shortly after the battle, King Triton is once again the ruler of the sea and he sees just how much Ariel and Eric love each other. So, he transforms Ariel into a human. Eric is elated that she’s returned him. They happy couple gets married and they lived happily ever after.
The Little Mermaid premiered in 1989 and was an instant success. It grossed $84 million dollars at the box office.The film went on to win two Academy Awards for Original Score and Original Song (Under the Sea) in 1990.
The Little Mermaid revitalized the Walt Disney Studio’s, bringing it back to life, and launching the Disney Renaissance! It’s astonishing to think, that if it wasn’t for The Little Mermaid, we wouldn’t be streaming Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian on Disney+ today!
Cosplayer Traci Hines as Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Cosplayer. Singer. Actress. Model. Traci Hines does it all.
What Traci is best known for are her music videos as one of Disney’s most iconic heroines, Ariel, from The Little Mermaid. Traci puts her soul (and her voice) into her music videos and it feels like you’re watching the animated films, coming to life.
It’s obvious, by watching the music videos, that music and cosplay are Traci’s passions. Which is an inspiring thing to see!
Traci’s videos blossomed on Youtube, where she took her love of singing and cosplay and blended the two seamlessly. After every music video, Traci personally thanks everyone who made it possible. Which makes them all the more special.
She embraces her fans with a whole heart and even takes their requests for her music videos.
Traci encourages her fans to share their voice to be unafraid to do so. Which is powerful. When we find our voice, we find our inner power and believe in yourself. Traci understands, that everyone’s journey has its own ups and downs, and is always willing to be a beacon of light, hope, and inspiration in her Instagram stories and posts. She’s unfiltered and raw in her own struggles and is there for her fans, reading every comment and always encouraging her fans to chase their dreams. That’s a blessing!
Traci is truly gifted in the art of storytelling with her music videos and cosplays. To be honest, the cosplay world, wouldn’t be the same without her.
Thank you Traci, for blessing us with your voice, music videos, and cosplays! You’re an inspiration to all of us!
Sierra Boggess as Ariel in the Broadway Adaptation of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. Production Photo by Joan Marcus.
For those who truly know me, know that Sierra Boggess has been an inspiration of mine since 2008. That year, Sierra originated the role as Ariel and made her Broadway debut in Disney’s stage musical adaption of The Little Mermaid.
Something in my heart, knew that my life would change forever when I purchased the soundtrack (compact disc) at Border’s Bookstore. And it did. The soundtrack changed my life and to this day, it’s always on repeat. But more importantly, Sierra’s message of:
You are Enough.
You are so Enough.
It’s Unbelievable how Enough You are!
Sierra and her voice, has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams, when I had many telling me I couldn’t or I wasn’t good enough. Whenever I listen to her sing Part of Your World or If Only (Quartet), I’m reminded that our dreams are worth striving for, regardless of what others say and that making sacrifices is part of that journey.
I personally use my Light Lessons by Sierra Boggess as motivation and inspiration daily. Sierra’s Light Lesson’s are daily reminders that you can change the world with kindness and gratitude practice. That we can all lift each other up, by showing the world, our best selves and recognizing our enoughness!
So how did Sierra Boggess land the iconic role of Ariel on Broadway?
Sierra Boggess as Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Las Vegas Production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian Hotel. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.
In 2006, Sierra went to New York to audition for a new production of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas. Before she had boarded her flight, Sierra got a call that she had landed the role of Christine. It was a role of a lifetime!
As an alternate Christine, she would perform alongside Brent Barrett and Anthony Crivello as her Phantom’s. This production was directed by Hal Prince. The show opened on June 24th, 2006.
Sierra dazzled the Las Vegas stage as Christine, embodying the character’s innocence, empathy, and strength, unlike any other actress before her.
Sierra Boggess as Ariel and Sean Palmer as Prince Eric in the Disney 2008 Broadway Production of The Little Mermaid. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.
In October 2006, Sierra returned to New York to audition for Disney’s new musical The Little Mermaid for the role of Ariel. The musical would be based off of Disney’s animated film version of The Little Mermaid. Sierra unfortunately, didn’t receive a call-back for the audition, so she returned to Las Vegas, and continued to play Christine in The Phantom of the Opera.
While she was attending a yoga class in January 2007, Sierra received a call from her agent telling her to “fly to NYC in three days for a final callback for The Little Mermaid. “And that is how she got the iconic role of Ariel on Broadway!
Norm Lewis as King Triton and Sierra Boggess as Ariel in Disney’s Broadway adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.
On November 3rd, 2007 the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in NYC, Sierra Boggess made her Broadway debut as Ariel! The official opening night for the production of The Little Mermaid was January 10th, 2008.
As a fan of Sierra’s, since her Broadway debut, I don’t think she understood the impact, she would later have on musical theater and on the lives of many. I have fond memories of watching Sierra sing Part of Your World on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Tony Awards, and so many other TV programs, desperately wishing I could someday see her perform live.
Sierra received nominations from Drama Desk and Drama League and won the Broadway.com Favorite Breakthrough Performance for her role as Ariel!
Thank you Sierra Boggess, for inspiring so many and to embrace who they are! You are a true inspiration and incredible performer! And remember…You are Enough. You are so Enough. It’s unbelievable how Enough You Are!
Disney Legend Jodi Benson at Walt Disney Studio’s in Burbank, California
This particular article is dedicated to Disney Legend: Jodi Benson, whose changed and inspired the lives of many.
Jodi is best-known for providing the talking and singing voice of Ariel in Disney’s 1989 film, The Little Mermaid.
For many of us, growing up in the 90’s, Ariel was a part of our childhood’s and memories. We danced to the unforgettable soundtrack on a cassette tape, pretended to be mermaid’s in the pool, and begged our parent’s to take us to Disney Parks, just to catch a glimpse of Ariel or if we were lucky enough, to meet her.
Ariel was one of our earliest role models, before many of us knew, what a role model was. We desired Ariel’s life, the same way, Ariel desired to explore the human world and to be on land. Jodi’s influence has transcended for a lot of fans, beyond childhood. We see Jodi Benson as an icon, inspiration, friend, and mentor. She’s helped shape the lives of many, by being as vocal, strong, and determined as Ariel. We are forever blessed to have Jodi be a part of our world. There are many of us, who are eternally grateful to Jodi, in ways, that mere words cannot describe.
If it wasn’t for Jodi Benson voicing Ariel, this blog, wouldn’t exist. It’s because of Ariel, that I became interested in mermaid’s. Ariel was and forever will be, my favorite Disney Princess and will continue to inspire me in all aspects of my life. For me, no trip to any Disney Park is complete without visiting Ariel. And there are many other fans, who would say the exact same thing.
So, how did Jodi land the iconic role of Ariel?
Howard Ashman and Jodi Benson
Short answer. Howard Ashman.
Back in 1986, Jodi Benson starred in the ill-fated musical Smile at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, that only ran for 48 performances and closed January 1987. The lyrics and book for Smile were written by Howard Ashman.
After the show closed, Howard offered an audition to Jodi and the other girl’s in Smile for another project he was working on with Alan Menken. That film was Disney’s The Little Mermaid. He gave Jodi a snippet of the script and a cassette recording of him singing Part of Your World.
A year later, Jodi would get a phone call that would change her life forever. She got the part of Ariel.
The Little Mermaid would be Disney’s first fairy tale film in 30 years. The film is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s, The Little Mermaid that was published in 1837. Many fans, would consider Disney’s version of The Little Mermaid as their introduction to the classic fairy tale and to mermaids.
As we grew up, so did Disney’s The Little Mermaid franchise. Jodi voiced Ariel in video games, TV Shows, sequels and prequels, and so much more. The franchise itself, would be nothing without her.
Thanks Jodi for being Part of Our World! We love you!
Dimitris Karakousis is a very talented digital artist and illustrator, from Greece. His illustrations of mermaid’s are vibrant, hypnotizing, and beautiful.
“Part of Your World” by Dimitris Karakousis
Dimitris would describe his illustrations as magical realism. And it is!
His use of light and dark, bring his illustrations to life.
Dimitris has gained a large following of devoted fans on social media, primarily Instagram. On Instagram, Dimitris is known as DimDraws, where he posts his original sketches and completed illustrations.
“The World Above” by Dimitris Karakousis
“Halle Bailey as Ariel” by Dimitris Karakousis
“King Triton” by Dimitris Karakousis
“Purple Mermaid” by Dimitris Karakousis
“Pink Mermaid” by Dimitris Karakousis
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His illustrations in mermaid’s vary from “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” to that of his own creation. It’s apparent, that Dimitris is passionate about mermaid’s and will continue to draw them, for many years to come.
Disney celebrated it’s 30th anniversary for it’s beloved film “The Little Mermaid” with a special live-action/animation hybrid event with “The Little Mermaid Live”.
“The Little Mermaid Live” starred Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, Queen Latifah as Ursula, Shaggy as Sebastion, and John Stamos as Chef Louis.
The highly-anticipated trailer, featured the cast in their rehearsal costumes with Auli’i singing in the background. It may only be 30 seconds in length, but it’s full of exceptional detail, depicting iconic places and scenes in the original 1989 film of “The Little Mermaid”.
Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid LiveGraham Phillips as Prince Eric in The Wonderful World of Disney The Little Mermaid LiveShaggy as Sebastion in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid LiveQueen Latifah as Ursula in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid LiveJohn Stamos as Chef Louis in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
