Jodi Benson Makes Shock Go to to ‘Little Mermaid’ Present at Disney World: Watch

Jodi Benson is grateful to Walt Disney World for all the time making The Little Mermaid part of their world.

The actress, 63 — who provided the voice for Ariel within the standard animated movie — not too long ago stunned the solid and crew of the brand new “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” present at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

In a behind-the-scenes video, Benson may be seen strolling out from backstage to greet these working onerous on the brand new present, which is scheduled to start performances on Could 27, on the Orlando, Fla., theme park.

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“On behalf of me and Ariel and everyone from our authentic movie, thanks for telling our story,” Benson mentioned, earlier than clips of her studying extra about how the present got here to be performed.

In the direction of the tip of the video, Benson’s response to seeing the stage present for the primary time is proven. Talking by tears, the star exclaimed, “I am overwhelmed. That was unbelievable. … It was a once-in-a-lifetime state of affairs for us, and that is very particular and really emotional to be right here with all of you.”

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Benson voiced Ariel in 1989’s The Little Mermaid and different associated tasks, together with a 2000 sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, and a direct-to-video prequel, 2008’s The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Starting, plus a prequel animated collection.

She additionally made a cameo within the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, which was launched in 2023 and noticed Halle Bailey tackle the function of Ariel, who desires of changing into human and falls in love with a prince.

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The Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey will recount Ariel’s story and — in fact — function a few of the hottest songs from the beloved movie, together with “Part of Your World,” “Beneath the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Kiss the Girl.”

Disney provides that the “fin-tastic story is enhanced with beautiful set items and cutting-edge results that seize Ariel’s creativeness and feelings.”

The present venue is situated within the Animation Courtyard on the theme park. It beforehand housed the “Voyage of The Little Mermaid” present, which opened in 1992.