I found myself hot-footing it to the AO Arena this week, ready for a magical dose of fun and cheer, courtesy of some of the biggest hitters from the most loved Disney stories. Disney on Ice is back in Manchester for its annual tour, showing off its talented skaters, beautiful stage sets and out of this world costumes in the latest family entertainment show, Dream Big.
Excited children are bouncing off the walls when we arrive, including my nieces, five-year-old Darcie and three-year-old Evie, a brief encounter with Mickey Mouse taking their energy levels soaring.
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Once inside the belly of the arena, flashing lights, wands and headbands lead the way, and children’s high pitched chatter and laughter can be heard in every direction.
As the lights dim and Mickey and Minnie make their grand entrance the arena goes crazy, opening up with an Aladdin sketch and a cleverly appearing genie - the crowd lapping it up.
My mini princesses were excitedly bouncing about in their seats, while watching the action unfolding within the giant rink, they also looked for clues to try and guess who would be taking centre stage next.
Mickey and Minnie are joined by their friends, each ready to take the crowd with them on their own little adventures.
In the show, Moana and Maui bravely restore the heart of Te Fiti, Anna and Elsa save their kingdom and show that love and loyalty always saves the day, while Disney Princesses Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel (from Tangled) tell stories of strength, determination and kindness.
Ariel, Sebastien and Flounder delight the crowds dancing along to everyone’s favourite ‘Under the Sea’, moving and skating with some amazing sea creatures. All of the ingredients that make a perfect Disney film are evident on the rink, and the children in the crowd love seeing their icons in real life.
Dream Big has all the elements needed to keep even the littlest ones entertained. Bright lights, pyrotechnics, and speedy talented ice skaters hidden in amazing costumes - the show is well put together and perfectly executed.
The rink takes up a lot of the arena floor space, and the choreography is well planned so all areas are used during the show, meaning whichever part of the arena you are sitting in, you get a decent view.
There's plenty of crowd interaction as well. Watching the characters wave to the children in the crowds, with them excitedly waving back while screaming their names is an adorable sight.
And with a 15-minute interval, you have time to stock up on all the Disney merchandise on offer - if your bank balance can handle it that is. £14 for a snow cone (a Disney character plastic cup full of ice and flavouring), or candy floss with a Mickey Mouse crown not much cheaper, but it’s quality merchandise, and it’s Disney! Merchandising is one of their many fortes after all.
So if you are going to go, you should try to either avoid the stalls altogether, or maybe brace yourself and treat your little one to at least one overpriced token of their wonderful trip.
Dream Big is running at the Ao Arena in Manchester until November 6. To book tickets, visit the website here.
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