Christmas and Disney are a strong combination. Not only is there a blockbuster from the film studios in the cinemas every year around the Christmas holidays. The magic also comes alive on the ice. This Christmas holiday you can visit the beautiful Disney On Ice 100 years of Magic in both Utrecht and Amsterdam. In recent years we have been present every year and this year we were also at the first show in Utrecht.
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As a little girl, I was first introduced to the magic of Disney in the cinema. My first film was Dumbo, the flying elephant (who doesn't?). I still remember everything. How I went by train to the 'big city' with my parents and sister during the Christmas holidays. The soft red chairs. The moving story. More than 35 years later I am back on the train to the 'big city'. The Christmas break has just started and my kids are enjoying the magic of Disney. Disney On Ice 100 years of Magic that is.
Youngest daughter is wearing her Elsa dress. “We're going to Frozen on ice.” Her brother corrects her immediately. “No, it's Disney on Ice, with all Disney characters and not just your Elsa.”
Read also: review Disney on Ice Silver Anniversary Celebration
He's right, there have been many more great stories told by Disney in the past 100 years. And we can see an impression of that, a show with more than 50 beloved Disney characters. On the way to the fair we see more princesses walking. In the large reception hall we can get completely into Disney and Christmas atmosphere. Atmospheric Christmas trees are interspersed with stalls full of Disney merchandise. “Can I have an Elsa doll? Oh mommy, come on?” I dodge the question by saying that the show is about to start. We are looking for our seats in the stands.
The coats are off. I expected it to be cold in the hall with the large ice rink, but it's not that bad. The first skaters come to warm up the audience. Until it's time for the main characters:Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. They want to make a film, but are still looking for a good story.
For that we go far back in time, to Pinocchio. "Mom, those aren't dolls, they're real people." I enjoy the amazement of my children. I mustn't look to the side for too long, otherwise I'll miss the action on the ice. Beautiful jumps and pirouettes; everything is shown at a rapid pace.
After this age-old story, it's time for a more modern adventure. Nemo swims onto the ice. Funny how the famous fish Nemo, Dorry and Marly are depicted. The decor, the skaters' suits, it's all beautifully made.
The most beautiful skating work comes from the princesses. Cinderella, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Ariel, Tiana and Snow White are quickly swinging across the ice with their princes. Terrifying elevators and technically clever figures provide loud applause. The show of Disney On Ice 100 years of Magic seems to be working towards a climax.
And there she is. Elsa. She clearly has a lot of fans in the room. The story of Frozen is a big part of this show. “This piece takes quite a long time”, my son remarks soberly. He doesn't mind, Olaf is funny and the skaters' jumps impress him. We use the short break that follows to go to the toilet. It's so crowded there, we have to run to see the rest of the show. "We just missed something from Aladin, Mom." My son had been out of the boys' room before and had quickly looked at what was on the ice.
When soldiers come up, I don't know what Disney story we're dealing with for a while. Besides me they have no idea either. “Yes I know, with all those toys!” Oh yes, Toy Story. Then comes Mulan, Beauty and the Beast and of course the Lion King should not be missing. When all skaters get on the ice for the final I have the feeling that we are just getting back on track. As far as I'm concerned, the intermission could have been scheduled a little earlier in the show. And maybe Frozen as a closing? That's the only point of criticism I can think of. The show is well put together, the skaters are professional, the costumes are beautiful and the decor is well done. Yes, Disney On Ice 100 years of Magic is a fantastic Christmas outing for the whole family.
Just like more than 35 years ago, I now walk back to the train enjoying the Disney magic. “I want to go to Frozen on ice again tomorrow.” I'm not the only one who enjoyed it. "Yeah, it's a shame it's over so quickly." My son has a solution. “We can watch all the movies from the show this Christmas break!” Disney and Christmas; a very strong combination.
Do you also love Disney and Christmas? Have you ever been to Disney on Ice?
We already gave away tickets for Disney on Ice 2016 earlier this year, but unfortunately all giveaways are now over. Do you still want to go (which we can definitely recommend) then read on!
Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic can be seen until December 26 in the Jaarbeurs and then from December 28 to 31, 2016 in the RAI in Amsterdam. There are still tickets for the shows. You can choose from different ranks with prices starting at 20 euros. Diamant are chairs around the ice, Gold the first rows of the stands, and with Silver and Bronze you sit a little higher in the stands. There is also a distinction between the main stand and the side stands. We sat in the side stand, about halfway up the stand, and had a great view of the ice rink.
Tickets can still be ordered here!
