Jodi Benson, the Original Ariel, Reveals Why Her Appreciation for the Character Has ‘Deepened’ Over Time (Exclusive)

Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the original The Little Mermaid, says she and the character have a lifelong connection.

Benson, 63, caught up with PEOPLE exclusively while attending World Princess Week Celebration at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 26. During the conversation, the actress and singer revealed that her appreciation for Ariel has only “deepened” over the years.

“Because we kind of are one and the same now,” Benson says. “We’re going [almost 40] years of having this character, and I know her — and she is me — and we’re kind of combined … so it still just kind of amazes me that I have the privilege to be this character.”

“It still just blows me away,” she continued. “Especially when I meet kids, meet the younger generation, and what the character means to them. It’s such a gift.”

The 1989 animated classic was a huge critical and commercial success for Disney, ushering in a decade of major animated hits for the studio. 

Benson also shared with PEOPLE that she has become close with several other iconic Disney princesses over the years — especially Susan Egan, who voiced Megara in Disney’s Hercules, and Paige O’Hara, who voiced Belle in the original Beauty and the Beast.

“Susan is amazing,” Benson tells PEOPLE. “We’ve been friends for a really long time. I’ve been friends with Paige for 45 years. I’ve been friends with Susan for 35 years. So it’s a long time, these are long relationships, and we get to work together [at Disney events], and this is a huge gift.”

As for her favorite princess-related memory? Benson said it was backstage during an event for the animated movie Ralph Breaks the Internet — a film which featured a variety of Disney princesses in a single scene.

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“That was incredible because we never get together,” she says. “But it was incredible to see us all on the screen together and watching it as ourselves, watching our characters come to life. It was really magical, and I’ll always remember that day.”

Benson went on to talk about her personal legacy outside of Disney, specifically saying she hopes to be remembered for her service to others.

“I hope my legacy will be that I helped others well,” the star reflects. “I think that’s really important to me. How to love and serve others. Think less about myself and more about others, which is challenging for all of us.”

“I’m thinking about tonight, I’m thinking about myself, I’m thinking about my hair and makeup, but if I can stop and really realize this gift and opportunity for us when we’re all together,” she says, referring to the other Disney actresses in attendance, including Egan, O’Hara and Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White in Once Upon a Time), among others.

“Thinking about them and loving them and encouraging them when we’re together,” she added.