Review: Disney on Ice presents Dream Big for a feel-good princess-themed family show

Yesterday it looked like the outfit in vogue was a big sparkly dress, ideally in a warm yellow tone, purple or turquoise. We had made it to The O2 for breakfast together with a large number of other families.

Disney on Ice presents Dream Big at The O2, which we had been invited to review, was pulling in sparkly-dressed young princess fans to the Greenwich venue, getting us out of our pyjama days and back into the rhythm of exploring our city.

With the promise of seeing hosts Mickey and Minnie and princesses on the ice, it had been easy to get our own children away from Christmas presents and out of the house. Big Girl had also been well-informed about the fact that the show represents Moana and Maui’s ice debut in the UK, and we were all excited to see the popular heroine and her friend.

In the first act, we laughed when Maui opened with his phrase: “Yes, it’s me. Soak it in,” and we joined in the clapping when Moana made her first appearance. At the end of Maui’s song, Big Boy decided to show off his film knowledge and shouted out: “And thank you!”

The show line-up also included Disney favourites like Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Tangled, and I found this production particularly fast-paced and varied despite being clearly themed around Disney princesses. In fact, the ending represented the first time we’ve seen nine Disney princesses on the ice together.

The large ensembles were the highlights, and I’m not surprised Under the Sea was a favourite with the family. With colourful costumes, a feel-good tune and bubbles falling from the ceiling at the edge of the ice rink, this was a sure crowd-pleaser. I also really wanted to capture Cinderella’s entrance to share with friends going to the show, as she arrived in true princess-style in a stunning carriage.

In addition, I keep being amazed with the figure skating at Disney on Ice shows, and this time we particularly enjoyed watching Anna in Frozen, who’s charm I’m sure can inspire an interest in ice skating.

Another feature that makes Disney on Ice stand out is the use of special effects, and in the interval we were talking about how they can use heat but still keep the ice rink intact.

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big made for an enjoyable morning out with upbeat music, impressive ice skating and a good doze of Disney magic.

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is running at The O2 until 6 January.

Tags: Christmas 2018, Disney, Disney on Ice, Review, The O2