When I woke up this morning there were two things on my mind. The first was what to write for my next article and the second was if I should shoot my weatherman. You see it’s a well known fact that the weatherman controls the weather. Well mine has been down right stingy with the snow this year. In fact we’ve had no snow, not even a light dusting for Christmas. This weatherman should be tried for his crimes against humanity. Then somewhere in my half awake state of mind, while thinking of all the great ideas I have for this column and contemplating the ways this weatherman has wronged me by not sending snow or ice, it all became mixed up – Disney winter…Disney winter…Disney ice...Disney on Ice! In that instant I knew what to write about.
I have been to a few Disney on Ice shows, mostly as a kid, but I took my wife to see Toy Story 2 on ice a couple of years ago. It was great, classic Disney magic all the way. A brilliant performance by all performers and Mickey Mouse made an appearance too. I’d like to take a few moments now and give you a brief synopsis about each of the shows, taken directly from the site. There are 8 shows; however only 7 are currently on tour and 6 of them are touring in the US.
-Beauty and the Beast
This timeless Disney classic graces the ice in an elaborate spectacle with colorful sets, lavish costumes, soaring musical numbers, and champion skaters. Your entire family will enjoy this enchanting production starring Belle, Gaston, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and a whole cast of enchanted characters including the Beast himself.
-Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey
Join Mickey and Minnie as they travel the globe visiting magical lands on ice! Join Lilo & Stitch as they embrace 'ohana, the family spirit of Hawaii; fly away to Never Land with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell; escape with Ariel and Sebastian and go under the sea; and make tracks to London with 101 Dalmatians, all without leaving your hometown.
-Walt Disney 100 Years of Magic
Disney's captivating characters and unforgettable stories come to life in this commemorative celebration that salutes the legacy of Walt Disney. In grand Disney tradition, this production features the largest cast ever of lovable Disney stars - Donald Duck and the gang; Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio; and all of the beloved princesses - plus exciting moments from "The Lion King," "Mulan" and "Toy Story!"
-Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2
You and your family will have a blast at this spectacular production bursting with special effects. It's thrills-and-chills time as Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and all of Andy's toys take to the ice, coming face to face with rockets, airplanes, and a show-stopping traffic jam (rubber-neckers welcome). So round up the family and join us for the most exciting icy adventure in the solar system.
-Disney/Pixar's Monsters, Inc.
Take part in the monsterrific adventure as Sulley, Mike and their new friend Boo re-energize Monstropolis with mega-watt laughter, live in your hometown.
-Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo
Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo. Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with "super-dude" turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo's new friends -- the Tank Gang -- as they plot an escape from the dentist's aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!
-3 Jungle Adventures (Tarzan, Jungle Book, Lion King) (Currently touring Europe)
Characters from your favorite Disney jungle stories are roaring into your hometown. This high-energy, gravity-defying spectacular features popular hits like "You'll Be in My Heart," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," and a "Jungle Book" score set to a hip swing beat featuring "Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." The action gets wild with high-flying stunts and skaters who soar through the air, so get ready for a foot-stomping, chest-pounding great time for the whole family.
-Disney Princess Classics (not currently touring)
Get ready to visit spectacular enchanted castles and far-off lands in this magical, musical journey. This magnificent production is an amazing voyage to the fantasy worlds of your favorite Disney princesses. Experience the romance, fun, and adventure with Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Mulan as they bring the magic to your hometown in this royal skating extravaganza!
I have seen other ice shows, but none as well done or as captivating as Disney on Ice. It is a great way for the family to spend some time together away from the TV. For more information and dates/times, go to disneyonice.com.
NOTE: No weathermen were harmed in the writing of this article.
Well that’s an earful – until next time, I’m Scott Short
