Arielcon Atlantica 2008 January 24, 2008

What is it?
A (very modest) Ariel fan convention at Walt Disney World.

Arielcon is a twice-yearly gathering of fans of Ariel, the star of Disney's animated movie version of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. Arielcon Atlantica is held at Walt Disney World in January, and Arielcon Pacifica is at Disneyland in October.

Arielcon started when members of the Arielholics Anonymous mailing list wanted to meet each other at Disney World. Even today, the first step to attending is to join the mailing list at the link below.

When is it?
January 25-27, 2008

What will happen?
The itinerary has not been announced yet (it is always a last-minute thing). You know there will be time in the Magic Kingdom meeting Ariel in her grotto, and a stop in Disney - MGM Studios for Voyage of the Little Mermaid, but everything else is in the air. Visits to Animal Kingdom or Epcot depend on the likelihood of seeing Ariel there. In the daytime maybe a scavenger hunt or photo contest or trivia contest, and of course attending any parades that have Ariel. In the evenings, there will be viewings of The Little Mermaid and gift exchanges, probably in the lobby of All-Star Music (the unofficial hotel). Sunday will probably be just goodbyes and prizes in the morning. But this is all guesswork!

There are guests?
Maybe. Arielcon Pacifica gets better guests because it is closer to Hollywood, but Atlantica has had guests too. I will let everyone know as soon as I find out!

Does it cost anything?
Yes, there will be an organization fee. It hasn't been announced yet, but it will be in the $20-40 range. It goes to Anita, the Arielcon's organizer, to pay for the goody bag and contest prizes. Also, you need to bring an Ariel gift in the $10 range for the gift exchange.

Separate from the above, you have to pay for park tickets, hotel rooms & airfare yourself.

How do I sign up?
1) Join the Arielholics Anonymous mailing list. You need to do this to make sure you get all the latest news, including the itinerary. Instructions at link below.
2) Send Anita an email to let her know you are coming. But don't do it now -- she hasn't asked for the headcount yet. As soon as she does, I will share her email address.

Any other rules?
Unless you are coming with a parent or guardian, you must be over 18.

As usual I recommend staying at the All Star Music or any of the All Star Hotels are close enough together to work.

EDIT 1/18/2008: It's time for a headcount. So if you are planning on attending, please send Anita an email at:
AFJ1 at WORLDNET dot ATT dot NET

EDIT 1/23/2008:
Here's the itinerary, direct from Anita:

Official Website: http://shadz.homestead.com/files/Arielholics.html