Did you know that Ariel has 6 sisters? It just so happens that I am friends with one of them and I met her right here on the DIS in 2006. My nickname for her is Peanut and she has a heart of gold.
When Peanut found out I was going to WDW again in 2007, she asked me if the girls would be interested in meeting her sister Ariel! What? Are you kidding me I told her - of course!!! You're probably wondering what the big deal is because anyone can go to Ariel's Grotto and meet the lovely Mermaid. However, since I knew her sister personally, we were able to bypass the line-up and go see Ariel through the secret back entrance
I was really looking forward to meeting Ariel as I had heard so much about her from Peanut. I also wanted to leave a good impression because apparently Ariel worries about Peanut and her online friends which is what good sisters should do!
We made our way to the secret entrance and said to the character handler, "Hi! We're friends of Ariel and she's expecting us!" The character handler said, "Yes she is, come this way."
A few bystanders were watching us with envy and that made us feel very important! It was a special moment that the girls & I will treasure for always.
Once inside we were lead to Ariel and I immediately passed on a message from Peanut. "Peanut says hi and told me to give you a hug!" At that point I was a little embarrassed.........
because remember those BLACK pirate shirts I made everyone wear? Ugh...I was hot and sweaty and I realized a hug was going to be .... shall we say.....ICKY.
Ariel was very gracious and appeared not to be bothered by it. She seemed genuinely happy to see us and was a BIG hit with the girls.
After taking a dozen or so photos and getting signatures for their shirts we said good-bye and thanked her for the private meet. I will always be grateful to Peanut for that opportunity. It definately pays to have connections!!!!!!
Up Next: JoJo Finally Meets Her Hero!