Just a quick reminder: The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning will be available for a limited time starting August 26th!

I watched the sneak peak, and it looks pretty good…not to give too much of the plot away, but apparently there is a ban on all music in the kingdom of Triton and Ariel is once again breaking rules by sneaking away to underground(water?) octopus calypso club. There was also a slight hint that perhaps Ariel’s mom died in a music-related tragedy, and I appreciate the attempt to explain her absence. Additionally, the animation is really great, so adults will find that The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning is both tolerable and enjoyable.

Like I mentioned earlier, this Little Mermaid DVD won’t be around forever, so pre-order it soon and score big at holiday gift giving time!

In honor of my oldest niece’s 6th birthday, I have decided to chronicle the history of her obsession with the Disney Princesses, one Disney Princess at a time.

1. Princess Ariel: I believe the obsession with Princess Ariel began in the womb, since Ariel is also my sister’s favorite Disney heroine. Ariel is a cool independent thinker so I encouraged my niece’s interest in Ariel. I also like the catchy songs and Sebastian the Crab in The Little Mermaid. Seriously, who can’t appreciate the calypso rhythms of Under the Sea?

A quick guide to Disney Princess Ariel-related gifts:

• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning limited release DVD will be released on August 26, 2008. Great for fall birthdays and Christmas stocking stuffers!
• Ariel’s Undersea Adventure for Nintendo DS
• The Little Mermaid pajamas
• Beware of Shimmering Lights Ariel!

This isn’t totally Princess Ariel-related, but if you want to really impress the little girl in your life, sign up for the inaugural Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend, March 6-8, 2009. Registration just opened on Monday, May 5th, but I have a feeling it will fill up quickly. I am sure many of the Disney Princesses will be there in person to cheer the racers, especially the kids races on Saturday, March 7.