The spectacular DISNEY ON ICE is back in the capital entertaining families of all ages through till Saturday. We were there at the opening performance, and as long-standing Disney fan, I pretty much knew what we were in for. What is always the best surprise however, is the audience.
As you look around at kids, wide-eyed at the spectacle on ice, and the parents equally joyful faces as they all bond over this shared experience, you really do believe that Disney has some special magic.
So, that’s where we begin, with reaction from last nights audience at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff…..
The show kicks off with a visit from Tinkerbell and then our star hosts, Mickey and Minnie, who take us through some of Disney’s most classic tales, all told in bite-sized form. This is the best of musical theatre, with the thrill of some of the best skaters you’ll see anywhere.
Disney on Ice: Dream Big is not only filled with our favourite characters and brilliant skating but also some of our most loved Disney classics, which we all were singing along with from start to finish.
Think Beauty & The Beast, Encanto, Finding Nemo, Cinderella, and of course Frozen, and you really are watching Disney’s greatest hits on ice. Even us Dad’s in the audience couldn’t resist a little sing song, which went perfectly with all the Disney memorabilia as well – who doesn’t love a good Disney hat?
The show is in segments, with each story getting its time to shine, and boy did they shine. With each routine the costumes and sets were bigger, brighter and more spectacular than the last. We had Moana and Maui sailing around the high seas, and when the opening beat of ‘You’re Welcome‘ began, the entire arena was joining in.
I’ve mentioned this already, but to see families bonding over a song and a dance was a joy to see, and something which is worth the price of the ticket alone.
There were as many Disney Princesses in the audience as there was in the show.
For me, I have to say I loved a bit of Aladdin and with a magical appearance from Genie I was more than ready for ‘Never Had a Friend Like Me‘. But then the next routine started, and that was my new favourite. As we went through story after story, with some of the most incredible costumes and sets, you become aware of the next-level skills of these skaters. The precision and daring they show is spectacular, and the fact you are right there, seeing it live, makes it even more impressive than on TV.
But like all good things it has to come to an end, and you can’t have a Disney on Ice show without a bit of Frozen. We had it all in the ten minute closing routine. The costumes, snow, Olaf and of course, our two most favourite Princesses.
The show itself is beautiful and a perfect showcase of all things Disney. From the moment you arrive at the Arena entrance you are in no doubt as to where you are, and it really is like entering a Magic Kingdom. You will smile from the second you enter, till long after you leave, with your tired, but hyper kids.
I’ll say this once again, to see hardened Welsh Dads melt at the sight of the joy spreading across their child’s face, is something only Disney can do. It wasn’t long before they were caught up in the magical of this spectacular show.
One other thing, believe me, you ain’t never seen a show like this for the biggest, meanest fire-breathing dragon – it was truly breathtaking.
It’s fair to say that DISNEY ON ICE: DREAM BIG is a wonderful family show. Dad’s and the lads will love it and Mum’s and their little Princess will even enjoy it too, but I think you already guessed that.
The show is at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff until Sunday 17th. There’s a variety of performances from 9:30 in the morning through to the evening shows at around 5:30pm. For fiull details, and to get tickets, go HERE.
