For some, Disney on Ice is something of a rite of passage. I have vague memories of going to see it with my grandparents when I was little. Time has made the overall experience and what I witnessed fade, but I still at least have the memory of seeing what at that time was the Ice Follies, at least that’s what I assume as it wasn’t until 1981 where the iconic Disney name and character were attached. Many families however do consider taking their children to see Disney on Ice just as important a trip to a Disney park.
2018 sees Disney on Ice return once again, this time in the form of Dare to Dream. This has been a rather big ad campaign for Disney for the past year or so as they have been really marketing towards young girls which makes sense as the princesses have always been one of the biggest parts of the Disney animated feature films and many have become just as iconic as what Mickey, Donald, and Goofy have become over the decades. Dare to Dream has also become something of a slogan, trying to show young girls that despite what they may see in the world, they can accomplish just about anything they dream.
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream sticks with that same premise. After a brief introduction and a pre-show appearance by Miguel from Coco, the only Pixar character to be included in this event, the show itself gets underway by of course brining Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy to the ice for a few humorous antics. This is a very brief moment however as the rest of the show focuses on the princess theme and the recurring theme of Dare to Dream. This means presenting some new and classic Disney stories in a rather condensed version but more importantly it shows each of the princesses in a light that looks at the heroic aspects of the characters. While it might not necessarily seem as though this is the case, there are in fact aspects to a few of the Disney princesses that are in fact breaking away from the traditional vision that many have.
The show starts with a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, a portion of the show that my daughter and I missed in part due to us having come in as media and needing to find our seats after I spent the first fifteen minutes of the show taking photos from a different vantage point. Next Dare to Dream brings Cinderella to the ice. This is the oldest of the Disney princess films which is presented here although prior to the release of the movie in 1950, there was only one Disney princess and that was Snow White. As far as the heroics, it’s something that many probably may not have considered and that is Cinderella breaking away from the abuse of her step-mother and step-sisters.
The modern princesses however do tend to show more heroics than those of the past. Those which have been included are Rapunzel from Tangled and Disney definitely had a different approach taken with the story than what the traditional version of the fairy tale features. One of Disney’s biggest animated feature films, Frozen, is also included in the mix and for most parents that probably will come as no surprise. This however also means that you’re going to have to hear “Let It Go” for about the millionth time. The finale of the show features Moana although her being a princess is something which has been debated including onscreen.
The overall production of Disney on Ice is quite amazing. The skaters and storytellers do a great job at distracting the audience from things such as scenery changes as you’re so involved in what is going on you might miss other things which are happening on the ice to get everything ready for the next segment. There was one moment however that my daughter found frightening and that was the use of fire towards the end of the Moana portion. While it isn’t anywhere near the audience, the mere fact that suddenly the ice had burning fire resulted in her crying but she quickly got over it. Aside from the performance of the skaters, every bit of technical magic that could be mustered is brought to the presentation. There is outstanding choreography, not just with the show but also the visuals that are brought to the show as well. There are some perfectly timed lights and even minor fireworks that help bring the animated features to life. Dare to Dream also brings with it all of the familiar classic songs from the Disney films meaning that in most cases, you’ll hear a choir of little voices from the crowd singing along.
Dare to Dream isn’t a short-lived live tour and in fact this Disney on Ice presentation has planned appearances across the United States scheduled up through April of next year in most major metropolitan markets meaning that most will undoubtedly have the opportunity to experience this latest showcase. Although the focus may be on princesses it’s the type of show that even young boys should enjoy just as much as girls just like how if one of the Marvel Live events passed through the area again, my daughter would have no issues attending it because she absolutely loves super heroes. Disney on Ice: Dare of Dream is one of those magical Disney moments that you don’t have to be at a park to enjoy and is certain to thrill fans of all ages and provide fond memories for years to come.
Mike is the resident reviewer for Couponing to Disney and his own site Underland Online. He has a toddler daughter and is obsessed with Haunted Mansion and all things Disney. You can read Mike’s complete bio here.