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Disney On Ice Returns in a BIG Way to ATL and Celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

You have two days left -- today and tomorrow -- to help Disney and Disney on Ice ("DOI") celebrate 100 Years of Magic.

...and you don't want to miss out on this celebration.

I have seen a lot of Disney on Ice shows over the years, and each one has been special.  However, after you have seen quite a few of them, you start to see a number here or there that is repeated in different shows.  Well -- let me tell you something -- Wednesday night, I had the privilege of previewing Feld Entertainment's newest Disney on Ice creation, "100 Years of Magic," and magic it was!

This is truly a show you will want to see.  I know these shows come to our area a lot, but this one is a bit more special.  It doesn't just focus on a specific area or cater to the girls (as a lot of Disney shows seem to do).  It truly does focus on the company as a whole, highlighting some of their most glorious achievements - even bringing the Disney Parks and Disney's television history into the mix.  (One piece of Disney history I did find missing, however, was Steamboat Willie.  I would have loved to have seen Mickey in black and white skating around the area and kicking the celebration off.  I mean, isn't that how Disney started off to begin with?  ...Or maybe even a nod to Oswald...)

Oh well, let's get started.  (I will have just a few basic pictures to share with you in this blog post.  I took a photographer with me, and I am hoping to get those stills posted here soon!)

As usual, DOI started out with our favorite Fab 5 entering the rink and setting up the show for us -- Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto (although I'm not sure Pluto is in the mix for this particular show opening).

From there, we are treated to a few highlights from the Disney and Pixar family treasure box -- Aladdin, Finding Nemo, the Disney family of Princesses (although this is a rather "classic" set; no newer Disney Princesses included in this show); and Toy Story (a much shorter version than what is presented in other DOI shows):

Credit:  Internet David Oppenheimer

Up next was the final number to wrap up the first half of the show.  This - to me - was the crowning jewel of this particular show.

I swear, being a Disney geek, I just about teared up when I saw what came out on the ice.  At first, all we saw was a CLOCK FACE (see picture below), highlighted in the spotlight - nothing else.  I immediately screamed, "IT'S A SMALL WORLD!"  (Yes, I said screamed.  Sorry, folks around me.  I couldn't contain myself.  It just happens sometimes...)

Next up in the 100 Years of Magic celebration was a tribute to the one ride that is iconic to all Disney parks around the world -- IT'S A SMALL WORLD ("IASW").  Yes, I said that -- they did a tribute to IT'S A SMALL WORLD!!
If you absolutely hate the song (as a lot of people do), then this would be a good time to start your intermission, but I'm telling you -- if you leave for this segment -- you are going to be missing out on one of the grandest presentations Disney on Ice has ever done.  Flat out.  Period.

Not only did Feld Entertainment replicate in it's entirety and in all its splendor the It's a Small World ride facade:

...but when those double doors at the bottom opened...the skaters emerged dressed as the dolls from the ride and singing the iconic tune.  (Yes.  THAT iconic tune...)

It's a lovely little piece with several of the countries getting their turn in the spotlight.  I swear -- I almost cried.  THEN...it got even better and Feld Entertainment pushed it UP a notch (in my little and humble opinion)...

Those same double doors opened AGAIN, and yes -- hang on -- the music from the MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PARADE ("MSEP") begins.  I swear (yes, I am swearing a lot during this post) - I jumped up from my seat, started yelling, and the Dad in front of me (holding his two-year old) turned around and gave me the oddest look....(Oh well, small price to pay for Disney geekdom...)

And do you know what came OUT of those doors while the music was playing?  Nope.  Not the MSEP floats, but floats of the IASW ride!  Tying both events and iconic Disney Parks items into one beautiful scene!  For instance, do you remember this scene from the IASW:

Feld Entertainment has beautifully recreated it in "float" form for this scene in DOI.  (It's very hard to find good images of this on the internet, so you will just have to trust me on this one!)

To cap off the first half of DOI before intermission, Mickey comes down in the hot air balloon that graces us in the white room of the IASW ride inside the Disney Parks.  What a glorious way to end the first half!

I could have just gone home after that first half, but Feld had more in store for us to help celebrate.  Kicking off the second half of this show, we were treated to a nod to Disney's television past - the Mickey Mouse Club show from the 1950s!  So great to see Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck "marching" and singing along with all of us in the audience.  Again, I think I teared up a time or two during this number...

From here on out, it was back to the movies -- Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Mulan (my favorite Princess), Pixar's The Incredibles, and The Lion King (the iconic Circle of Life moment).

To wrap up this fabulous show in a neat little bow, Feld and Disney bowed down to Disney's iconic musical number, "Circle of Life."  While the song played, all the characters from the two-hour show reappeared and dance and sang together.  ...and in true Disney on Ice tradition, Mickey and Minnie ended the show by taking their respective bows and thanking us for attending and helping them celebrate:

If you have the chance and live in or close to North Atlanta, I highly encourage you to go and see this Disney on Ice celebration.  As I said above, I've seen a lot of these shows, but this one tops them all.  I am quite sure it has to do with their nods to the Disney Parks and their television history.  I wish more Disney on Ice productions would include nods like these.  It pulls at all our heart strings, not just the children's, and it makes for so much more of an enjoyable experience.

I feel that if Feld Entertainment and Disney touched on these experiences and the vast array of material they have available to them (i.e., Tiki Tiki Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise; The Wonderful World of Disney tv show), their audience size could at least double.  Disney and Feld Entertainment are missing out on a whole audience!  So many adults (without children or with grown children) could easily be pulled into these shows if they encompassed so much more than just what is popular to children today.  Tug on our heart strings Disney!  You certainly possess the ability and knowledge of how to do it!  I, for one, would welcome these additions to your Disney on Ice family!

If you'd like more information on how to see Disney on Ice while it is in town and save $5 on your tickets, click here.  Under Promotions & Special Offers, click "Buy Offer" and enter code M100. The code is good for the following performance:  Sunday at 5:00pm.  Savings will apply to the $30 and $25 price levels.

Feld Entertainment's Disney on Ice plays through Sunday at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

*Tickets for this event were provided to this website in lieu for promotion and review purposes only.  All opinions are unbiased and strictly our own.

DISNEY ON ICE: Let's Celebrate! A Review!

A few nights ago, our blogs had the opportunity to attend Disney On Ice:  Let's Celebrate at Philips Arena here in Atlanta.  I was lucky enough to have a Guest with me that (hopefully) will be joining our family of websites, as a future writer and contributor.

Please help me in welcoming, Lindsey, to our family of sites, as she presents her very first review for us!  Take it away Lindsey!

Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate lives up to its title - in itself, the show is a reason to celebrate!  The show featured different segments on reasons to celebrate, including a Very Merry Unbirthday with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Halloween Town celebration with Jack Skellington and the Disney Villains; Valentine's Day with the Princesses and their Princes; summer vacation in Hawaii with Nani, David, Lilo, and Stitch, which lead to Japan with Minnie, and China with Mickey, Mulan, and Li Shang; Mardi Gras with Tiana and Naveen; and finally, Christmas with Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and friends.  If you're feeling homesick for the happiest place on earth, I highly recommend Let's Celebrate!  Fun for the entire family, it is the perfect touch of the Disney Parks close to home.  If you're seated close to the ice, the characters may interact with you!  Even if you are seated far away from the arena, the characters on ice still make attempts to bring the audience into the show, such as saying the magic words with Fairy Godmother (Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!) or saying "Aloha!" along with Lilo and friends to kick off the Luau in Hawaii.

Some underappreciated characters made an appearance, including Pinocchio, Geppetto, and the Blue Fairy; Mowgli and Baloo; Jack Skellington; Alice and Mad Hatter; Cruella De Ville; and many others.   It was nostalgic to see the characters that aren't often included.  The Halloween Town party was haunting in the most theatrical and fun-filled way.  The Jack Skellington figure skater was phenomenal - the movements were whimsical, fun, and daring, much like Jack himself.  The Valentine's Day segment with the Princesses was gorgeous.  All of the Princesses were included, with the exception of Pocahontas, Aurora, Rapunzel, and Merida.  The princesses had an individual dance to a contemporary remix of their signature song with their prince.  The final dance with everyone was to Enchanted's "That's How You Know," which had everyone wanting to clap and sing along.  After a short intermission, the show returned with summer vacation in Hawaii.  The theatrics in this were amazing.  Be surprised for some daring stunts and pyrotechnics from David.  The best part of summer vacation was the very end - Louisiana with Tiana and Naveen had everyone clapping along and having a great time.  The bluesy melody of The Princess and the Frog soundtrack along with the fast paced skating and dancing was well received by all.  The final Christmas segment had kids of all ages in the audience enthusiastic - "The toys are back in town!" Toy Story is a timeless classic, and I loved seeing them out on the ice!  I was most impressed by the costumes for Hamm and Rex.  Their costumes were very cumbersome, but they still engaged with the audience (Hamm let the kids pet him!) 

Overall, Let's Celebrate is one of the most interesting Disney On Ice productions.  What appeals to the audience is that it's suitable for kids of all ages.  Parents and grandparents will enjoy it just as much as the little ones will.  The timing of the production is also convenient.  It's the perfect event to bring in the holiday season.  Regardless of holidays and celebration, it's the perfect event to get your fix of Disney (I know that I suffer from Disney withdrawls!) If it's coming to a city near you, don't miss out on the opportunity to see this production! Bring some good company, and Let's Celebrate!

 

*Disney On Ice:  Let's Celebrate will play Atlanta's Philips Arena through Sunday, October 13th.  There are still seats available, and all our readers can get a 20% discount by using the code GASSOUTH when checking out!  Visit the Ticketmaster website to purchase yours today.

DISNEY INSIDER - Best Apps!

*Courtesy Disney Insider

From Disney Insider:

"For many of us, summer is the season of free time and vacation fun. What better time to beat the heat with some cool apps for your iPhones and iPads? If you like to play games, draw, or share photos and videos with friends, we know some apps that you should definitely take a look at.

Where’s My Mickey?

Maybe you’ve heard of the award-winning puzzle game starring Swampy the alligator, Where’s My Water?  Now, our favorite animated mouse is getting in on the physics-based puzzle action with his own Where’s My Mickey?, an all new gaming experience that includes not only challenging puzzles, but also original animation.  Play through five unique episodes with their own funny stories—all drawn in the style of the recently released new Mickey cartoons.  You’ll want to beat the whole game to see how each of Mickey’s new adventures end.

Wake Up With Disney

You might not need to get up early while you’re enjoying your summer vacation, but this clever 3D alarm clock will give you a good excuse. Starting with Donald Duck, Wake Up With Disney will feature a number of popular Disney characters that you can customize and interact with.  It’ll even show you how the weather looks outside, so you can pack up your towel and sandals, or maybe rethink that trip to the beach altogether and check out movie times instead.

ScribbleMix: Monsters University Pack

Mike, Sulley, and the rest of the Monsters University universe have scared their way into the popular social drawing game, ScribbleMix.  The gameplay follows the same fun formula as in the past, in which you draw out silly phrases for your friends to guess, earning coins and treasure along the way.  But now you also get to dive into MU lore, with character bios, special edition Monsters colors, and more.

Story

Whether you’re on vacation in a far away place or staycation in the comforts of your own backyard, the times you enjoy are ready to be turned into stories of their own with Story.   This app takes the photos and videos captured with your phone and turns them into personalized storybooks that you can look back on later or share immediately with friends and family.

 Mickey Video

One way to relax with a good laugh is to sit back and enjoy Mickey Mouse cartoons from across the generations with the Mickey Video app.  The Fab Five of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto (with special appearances by some of their other friends) are all represented in the many Disney classics, remixed cartoons, and YouTube favorites available.  It’s also a great place to keep up with all of the new series Mickey cartoons that we just took a behind-the-scenes look at as they are released.  And, as the year goes on, additional content will make its way into the app, including seasonal collections for your post-summer pleasure. "

A Virtual Plunge down the Disney Magic AquaDunk!

*Courtesy DCL

"Facebook fans, we're giving you the first virtual ride on AquaDunk, the extreme thrill slide coming to the Disney Magic! Check out this video, and then "share" if you're courageous enough to take the near-vertical plunge!"

Visit the Disney Cruise Line facebook page to see the amazing artist's concept video.