Review: Disney On Ice at Echo Arena Liverpool

When I asked my 7-year-old niece if she fancied accompanying me to the Liverpool Echo Arena to see Disney On Ice, Disneyland Adventures, her little face lit up.

She was excited from the moment we entered the front doors and she didn't stop chatting about it until I dropped her off at home.

The atmosphere was amazing, as all the excited kids started to cheer and wave their flashing wands when the commentator announced that the show would be starting in 3 minutes.

Once the lights dimmed, the cheers got louder and louder as the well loved Disney characters appeared on the ice to the tune of 'Dancing In The Street'.

As if skating in full costume was not hard enough, the dancers managed to actually ride a two-seater bike around the ice rink without falling off. Not sure if the kids took much notice but it certainly did impress me.

The story started when Mickey, Minnie and the much loved gang including Donald and Daisy Duck, Pluto and Goofy decide to take a vacation and join in the famous parade, but things don't always go to plan, even in the world of Disney.

Their first port of call is the Jungle Cruise where we meet our friends 'Stitch' and Baloo' and boogie in the Tiki Room to the favourite tune of Jungle Book's 'I Wanna Be Like You'.

Space Mountain was next and as the arena fell into darkness, the ceiling transformed into a space scene as bright planets and twinkling stars appeared. This is where we met Buzz Lightyear. A firm favourite for the boys in the crowd, as most of them were dressed in Buzz outfits.

From there they went to Thunder Mountain, then on to a 'Haunted Mansion', the costumes and choreography were fantastic. They make it look astoundingly easy and after trying a bit of ice skating myself and failing miserably, the cast certainly do get my appreciation.

After leaving the ghoulish haunted house, Mickey and the gang pop along to Wonderland where they meet Alice and her friend the White Rabbit, who is busy fussing and singing "I'm Late, I'm Late." With spinning cups and saucers, two lucky kids were selected from the audience to have a ride in the cups as they twirled round and round.

As the parade begins, the crew meet up with Disney's famous Cinderella, Snow White and the cute Chip N Dale. At this point my niece was starry eyed to see all the lovable characters right in front of her and hardly took her eyes off the ice ring.

But, as in all stories, there is always a baddy, and Disney On Ice was no exception.

When she was not invited to the Parade, the evil Maleficent, the wicked dark fairy from the much loved Sleeping Beauty, decides to take her revenge on the vulnerable Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck, when she asked them to touch her spindle which puts a spell on then to sleep for 100 years.

Once captured in the evil castle and fast asleep, it is unto the others to help release their friends in time for the parade.

Who comes to the rescue? Yes, it's the Incredibles. In their tight red and black costumes the whizzed around the ice at great speed and promised Pluto and they gang that they would reuse their pals.

The audience were dizzy as we watched Mr and Mrs Incredible with Violet and son Dash bolt around the stage as fast as lightening. We were even entertained by Mr Incredible doing his sexy moves to Right Said Fred's I'm Too Sexy.

After the interval, during which we queued for some overly-priced candy floss (£7.50 a bag), the Incredibles are back - wondering where Maleficent has hidden their friends and start the search in A Small World, Adventureland and end up in the wicked fairy's castle.

With the help of the audience, The Incredibles manage to get past Maleficent minions guards break the spell and wake Minnie and Donald up just in time for the parade. Always a happy ending guaranteed.

Both myself and my niece were mesmerised when 'When You Wish Upon A Star' started playing while the famous castle and glass carriage appeared on the ice ring with all done in white lights as the cast of this fabulous production said their farewells.

It was a very enjoyable evening, and it doesn't matter how old you are, you are never too old to believe in the magic of Disney - where wishes do come true.

8/10

Disney On Ice Disneyland Adventure is currently showing at the Liverpool Echo Arena until Sunday 6th March.

Comments about Review: Disney On Ice at Echo Arena Liverpool