Disney on Ice outdoes itself with ‘Dare to Dream’

By Mariana Azuero for Fairfax Family Fun

Disney. It’s a name that everyone knows, a name that puts a smile on your face and that is always attached to happy memories. Last Friday, I had the amazing opportunity to take my daughters (ages 4 and 6) to Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream, and once again, Disney did not disappoint. (Note: the next shows are October 6-8, 2017.)

The show starts off with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy greeting the audience and talking about princesses who “dared to dream” and who fought through obstacles for their dreams. The first princess to perform was Belle. The backdrops changing from the Beast’s castle to the little French town was beautifully done, and the characters singing “Be Our Guest” as cupcakes and spoons danced around with Belle had everyone singing.

Next was Cinderella, who came out in a gorgeous pumpkin carriage on her way to the Royal Ball. The story went on to show her dance with Prince Charming while her evil step-mother and step sisters watched, and Cinderella having to rush home at midnight, leaving once glass slipper behind. The audience was able to participate as the prince looked for the foot that fit the slipper, and everyone cheered when it fit Cinderella.

Now, Rapunzel was one of my favorites. I have been to Disney on Ice every year for the past five years, and this performance was by far the best one yet. After Rapunzel escapes her tower, she is overjoyed while singing “When Will My Life Begin.” In this part of the show, Rapunzel and Eugene soar through the air while holding on to aerial silks, displaying amazing acrobat skills. The Festival of Lights scene was another one very beautifully performed. There were lit lanterns hanging from the ceiling while Rapunzel and Eugene danced to “I See the Light.”  Absolutely stunning.

Frozen. I know, I know… By now everyone is pretty much done with Frozen, and I thought I was, too! But, when the songs started playing and the characters started coming out, it was almost like seeing an old friend. It felt fun and familiar. Snow began to fall from the ceiling, and Elsa’s “Let it Go” had all of the little girls in the audience singing along. Anna saved her sister, Elsa, with an act of true love and the land of Arendelle slowly changed from an ice-covered town to a beautiful sunny place filled with flowers, proving “love will thaw.”

Finally, and the absolute best part of the show, MOANA!!!! I’ll admit, I was having a big freak-out moment. It started with Moana singing with the village people, and her sweet grandma helping her find her way. Moana sings “How Far I’ll Go” (another moment in the show that all of the little girls in the audience sang their little hearts out), and then Maui sings “You’re Welcome” (my husbands favorite song, haha). The backdrops were stunning, the dancing was perfect, and at times the dancing even included Haka war dance moves! The scene that has Moana confront the volcano and gives back the heart of Tafiti was very well done, with fire on the ice! Yes… FIRE ON THE ICE! Amazing!

I think it goes without saying, Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream is a must-see production. Whether you have never been to one of these shows, or you think you have seen them all, Disney on Ice has definitely outdone itself. The ice skating was impeccable and the special effects, acrobats and backdrops were mouth dropping. Trust me, do not miss out on going. Come on, dare to dream.

Photos by Mariana Azuero

Disclosure: This site participates in the Feld Family Ambassador program and in exchange for our time and efforts to promote this show we receive complimentary tickets for our use and to give away, and special invitations to exclusive events. The opinions expressed in this post are those of the individual author.