Disney on Ice

One of the best things about these shows is the quality of the production. It’s truly Disney – from costuming to sets, special effects, and music. These shows typically run about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, with a short intermission in the middle. Disney on Ice produces several different shows, allowing for lots of variety. We have most recently seen 100 Years of Magic, Princesses & Heroes, Treasure Trove, and Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey, to name a few. (We were actually in Disney World when Frozen came, so we’ll be heading to Boston to see that one soon!)

I love that each production has some classic characters – always Mickey & Minnie- and showcases other stories. They usually include 10-15 minute versions of their classic fairytales, including stories from Pixar and Disney Junior. I don’t feel they’re biased toward girls even when they princesses make their appearances. And even when a story like Rapunzel’s is told in one production, if she’s back in another, the story is told differently with different choreography, supporting characters, and sets, so that you’re seeing original material. They change up the pieces of the stories that they tell and we’re always impressed by how they can tell the same story differently, yet so accurately. Different parts of the stories are rotated, which is refreshing. At the end of the shows, all of the main characters make an appearance in the finale.

We most recently saw Princesses & Heroes, which included performances by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Belle; Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie; Tiana and Prince Naveen, Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder; Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff; and appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Tinker Bell. There was a large set at the back of the ice rink that served as the background for most of these stories – with lighting changes, some special effects, and additional props – it worked for each one.

Another bonus for getting your Disney fix from Disney on Ice shows is the price. Compared to Disney prices when in Walt Disney World, these shows are a bargain. We typically don’t pay more than $20-25 per ticket (after coupon/promo codes) for a show. There are lots of presale and promo code options out there for these events. Our venue is small and while I don’t think any seat could be really bad, we know where we like to sit and will get the front row of the cheapest section! Of course, if you don’t go armed with your own glow-sticks and popcorn, they will get you for concessions at Disney pricing! They also sell Disney merchandise at these events. Nothing is especially unique compared to what you can purchase from DisneyStore.com, except perhaps an overpriced event program or coloring book.

Of course, we can’t forget the skating. Performing any of these numbers on skates is pretty amazing to me. Often the lead characters will have a duet and dazzle you with some of their jumps & spins. If you’ve never been to a Disney on Ice show, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. We’ve also been to some Disney Live shows and find the Disney on Ice show a much better value. Again, the quality is there, and you can really get a good deal on tickets. In our area, the show is regularly around in September, December, and June, which translates to birthday, Christmas, and maybe even Easter basket gifts for our girls!

If I had to pick anything to rate as subpar, it would be the lip-syncing that occurs. If you don’t focus on it, it’s not that bothersome, and of course the cast members are moving around so quickly and the lighting and sets keep you preoccupied, but it’s definitely a lip-synced performance. I imagine whenever Disney “voices” are in play, that’s what happens. I think I’d rather hear authentic character voices anyway. Otherwise, everything is done at the “Disney level” – these are truly the characters we see when in Disney World. They’re fully in Disney character both in costume and mannerisms. It’s like we’ve opened a little window and stepped inside Disney World for those two hours, which makes us very happy!

Disney on Ice - Be Our Guest Scene

About the Author: Jocelyn is a working mom who tells her girls when they complain about her having to go to work, that it's to save money for Disney!  Having visited throughout her lifetime, her most special trips have been getting engaged to her husband in front of Cinderella Castle, and visiting each year with her daughters to experience it with them.