Princess Character
Ariel
Birthday Parties
in Chicago & Northern Illinois
“Dive into an underwater birthday adventure.”
Ariel brings the wonder of the sea to your child's celebration. Curious, kind, and full of magical stories from beneath the waves, she captivates children with her shimmering costume and joyful spirit.
5.0 on Google & Facebook · 41 reviews mention Ariel · 7 days a week
Real Ariel Parties
I believe it was my daughters 5th birthday party, so 4 years ago we had "Ariel" show up to her birthday. … Thank you so much for all you do to bring the magic and helping to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Three ways to invite her
Pick the visit that fits your party
All include up to 15 children, $10 for each additional child. Travel not included in base pricing. Keepsake portraits, what every party includes, and common questions →
Your choice of 15-60 minutes · Up to 15 children included in pricing
- ★ Active games — classic childhood games with a themed twist, because enjoying something they already love invites children to feel confident and connected
- ★ All their favorite songs, woven into conversation and throughout the games — and sung together face-to-face
- ★ Photo ops at the end, because by then they are hugging a friend, not smiling on cue
- ★ Silver is simply this: friendship with their hero, while their favorite movie comes to life before their eyes
90 minutes · Up to 15 children included in pricing
- ★ Every child goes home with a printed 4x6 portrait. A party favor that's meaningful and personal.
- ★ Portraits are taken near the end of the party, after we become friends. Taking a picture together is a playful experience on its own!
- ★ Portrait equipment requires no outlet and has a small footprint with no cords for kids to trip on — it works well literally anywhere!
- ★ A soft-focus background — so your party space will photograph well, whether it is decorated or not
- ★ Edited digitals follow within two weeks, included in the package price
- ★ Everything in Silver
120 minutes · Up to 15 children included in pricing
- ★ Your choice: makeovers, or decorating a frame for the portrait
- ★ Makeovers include no-mess iridescent biodegradable glitter roots, face gems, and rainbow clip-in tinsel — fancy and one of a kind.
- ★ A high quality metal beaded best-friends bracelet, because a tangible, wearable token of their new friendship is a gift that will keep the memories close
- ★ Marked with the character initial, so they can look down and remember whose friend they are
- ★ Thirty more minutes together, and everything in Silver and Gold
Travel fees apply based on distance from Sycamore, IL. Contact for a custom quote.
A note from the owner
Before you book, meet Jess
Before you book, I'd love to introduce myself and share a little about why I do this work.
Afterward
What families say about Ariel
Overall rating
I believe it was my daughters 5th birthday party, so 4 years ago we had "Ariel" show up to her birthday. It was such a great time my daughter still talks about her birthday and having ariel there. She talks about the treasure hunt, ariel playing on the playground with her and all of her friends! "Ariel" gave my daughter the shell necklace that held ariel's voice and my daughter had treasured that so much. Unfortunately, an accident happen where it had broke. My daughter was devestated, so i reached out to see if we could somehow get another one made, and jessica was sweet enough to make another necklace and write a note from ariel to her. My daughter was so excited to find that ariel had delivered her an extra special gift and her necklace was made whole again. She was so excited with giggles and smiles and immediately put it on. I also still get compliments to that birthday party from the parents that were there. She does an amazing job and also cares so much about the kids she brings joy to! Thank you so much for all you do to bring the magic and helping to make memories that will last a lifetime!
E Elisabeth N. on Google We hired Princess Ariel 🧜♀️ for our daughter's fourth birthday party. She was incredible beyond words!! We were really astonished by her gorgeous singing voice. Also, she looked just like the real Princess Ariel! All of the guests were ecstatic! My daughter won't stop talking about her. We had one little guest cry when she left. That's how thrilled the kids were to have her.🤗 This princess goes above and beyond for her clients. We will absolutely hire her again in the future.
Y Yasmeen M. on Google We had the absolute best experience having Rumi join us for my daughter’s 5th birthday party over the summer! She was wonderful from start to finish and did such an amazing job bringing the character to life. My daughter and her friends were so excited to see Rumi! She was engaging, sweet, energetic, and did a fantastic job keeping the kids entertained. She made the birthday feel extra special and created memories that my daughter will never forget. The attention to detail and commitment to the character were incredible! We would highly recommend booking Jeff for any birthday party or special event. She truly made my daughter’s 5th birthday magical!
M Megan K. on Google My daughter was SO HAPPY to see Elsa she cannot stop talking about her. Gave her such a good experience with her favorite Disney character
K Katelyn L. on Facebook After reading all the rave reviews of Parties with Character, I chose to book Jessica as Ariel for my daughter’s 6th birthday. She was amazing! Ariel was in character the entire time. I was very impressed with how patient and kind she was with all the kids. I had several parents come up to me and rave about how wonderful Ariel was. She gave my daughter and every child there an amazing experience. Thank you Jessica for making my daughter’s birthday magical!
L Liz B. on Google We hired parties with character to play Ariel for my niece’s 6th birthday. She did an amazing job from start to finish. She kept my niece occupied with fun crafts and activities all while staying in character and answering my niece’s MANY questions. She was wonderful and my niece will remember this forever. Highly recommended!
M Maria E. on Facebook Rumi was absolutely amazing. A lot of kids were in attendance of my daughter’s 8th birthday and Rumi did an awesome job of being fully engaged with all the kids. They all felt seen and enjoyed everything from the cool photos that Rumi instantly printed, to the games she played with them. Don’t even get me started on the singing. It was a concert of little ones singing their favorite songs. Thnx Rumi. Would highly recommend.
D David A. on Google She made more daughters birthday the best day of her life, she never once broke character. She event tended to my special needs nephew 10/10
D Daekwon M. on Google We had Jessica join us as Princess Ariel for our daughter’s birthday party, and she truly made dreams come true! Her stunning voice instantly captivated the kids, and her warmth and charm brought the character to life in the most magical way. She kept everyone entertained with songs, treasure hunt, and so much joy. We captured gorgeous photos that we'll treasure forever. Jessica didn’t just play a princess—she was a princess. She added a magical touch to the party and made the day unforgettable. Highly, highly recommend! 💙
N Nathalie T. on Facebook My daughter had a great time at a birthday party this weekend, where Jessica came as Ariel. She was so wonderful with all the children & plan on having her be a part of my daughter’s upcoming birthday as well.
L laura t. on Google Jessica was amazing! We had Rumi come to my daughter’s birthday party, and she not only dressed the part perfectly but was fully in character the whole time - in the conversations she had with the kids, and with singing their favorite K-pop demon hunter songs! The kids were singing along and dancing, and she even taught them some simple dance moves to do together. She added such a positive energy to the party and was so adaptable in working with the kids and helping with the party. As my first time working with her, I was glad to see she was communicative, timely, and just so easy to work with. Highly recommend!
L LM on Google We have used Parties with Character for the past 2 years for our daughter's 4th and 5th birthday parties. It is truly a magical experience that captures the true happiness of a child. Jessica portrays the characters with such enthusiasm and passion. We can't wait for our next party!
C caitlin k. on Google Before you ask
Ariel party questions
What does Ariel from The Little Mermaid do at a birthday party?
Ariel brings oceanic storytelling, interactive games, singing, and individual moments with each child — all in her shimmering mermaid costume. Kids absolutely love her curiosity and wonder.
What age group loves Ariel most?
Children ages 2–9 go absolutely wild for Ariel. Her shimmering costume and storytelling captivate even the shyest kids.
Does Ariel sing?
She does! Musical moments are part of every visit and always a crowd favorite.
Can Ariel perform indoors?
Yes! She performs beautifully indoors — homes, party venues, community centers, and more. No ocean required!
Is Ariel available in Chicago and suburbs?
Yes — she visits families throughout Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, Evanston, Arlington Heights, and the broader Northern Illinois area.
How long does an Ariel visit last?
Visit lengths depend on the package you choose — from 15 minutes up to 2 hours. Check the packages page for full details.
Available near you
Ariel visits homes, parks, and venues throughout the Chicago area and Northern Illinois.
Don't see your city? Send a message — we serve many more communities throughout Illinois.
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Ready to book
your party?
Dates fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your party date today and give your child the birthday they've always dreamed of. Appearances available 7 days/week.