Showing posts with label ice skating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ice skating. Show all posts

Friday, October 11, 2013

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


Disney On Ice Let's Celebrate! Ice Skating Mickey Mouse Minnie Mouse Walt Disney World Philips Arena

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! Ice Skating Mickey Mouse Minnie Mouse Walt Disney World Philips Arena Lilo Stitch



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!) 



Disney On Ice Let's Celebrate! Ice Skating Mickey Mouse Minnie Mouse Walt Disney World Philips Arena Lilo Stitch Villains Jack Skellington


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! Ice Skating Mickey Mouse Minnie Mouse Walt Disney World Philips Arena Lilo Stitch Villains Jack Skellington Christmas sled Finale
 
*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.




Saturday, September 21, 2013

Win Tickets to See Disney On Ice in Atlanta!



Here we go again!

Time for another Feld Entertainment Disney On Ice contest celebration!  Are you ready to enter?

Entering is easy and this contest will be short, so make sure you enter quick if you want to win a set of FOUR tickets to see Disney On Ice this October at Philips Arena in Atlanta!
"It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.  Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown."
(The winning tickets will be for the 7:30PM performance on Thursday, October 10th.  Please do not enter if you cannot use the tickets!)

*If you'd rather not enter our contest or Lady Luck does not side with you, readers of our blog can still receive a 20% discount courtesy of Gas South!  Visit the Ticketmaster website and use the code GASSOUTH when checking out.

Click on the rafflecopter box below to get started and get clicking!  GOOD LUCK and don't let these Disney Villains deter you!


Visit our sister blog, Day Late Dollar Short, to enter now!



Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Disney On Ice - Let's Celebrate Returns to Atlanta!



Well, it's time, and we've been waiting patiently since last Winter!

Disney on Ice is finally returning to the Atlanta area for another fantastic performance.  This time, we will see Disney on Ice's, "Let's Celebrate" production:
"It's one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends!  Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains; a Very Merry UNbirthday party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine's Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie, and Buzz; and more in this magical medley of holidays, celebrations, and festivals from around the globe!"
Disney On Ice's, "Let's Celebrate" will play Philips Arena October 9 through the 13th.  Performance times will be as follows:
  • Wed., Oct. 9 - 7:30PM
  • Thursday, Oct. 10 - 7:30PM
  • Friday, Oct. 11 - 10:30AM; 7:30PM
  • Saturday, Oct. 12 - 11:00AM; 2:30PM; 6:30PM
  • Sunday, Oct. 13 - 1:00PM; 5:00PM
Ticket prices range from $15 to $75.  However...you can receive a 20% discount as one of our readers!  Just use the code GASSOUTH when checking out!  (Visit the Ticketmaster website to purchase your tickets.)

You can also visit and "Like" Disney on Ice on facebook and twitter (#DOIAtlanta).  They have some fabulous information and pictures there.

I am so excited about this production!  I love the Disney villains and Alice in Wonderland.

Stay tuned for exciting contest information where you can win up to four (4) tickets to see this fabulous production.  You may also follow us and our coverage of this event through our other two accounts and websites:  TeenDisney and Day Late Dollar Short!



Saturday, May 4, 2013

REVIEW - Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Fantasy

*Courtesy Teen Disney

Fun.

If I could pick one word that sums up Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, it would be FUN.

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy is a little over two hours long (with one intermission) and goes by fast!

I guess time flies when you are having fun, right? 

Get your food and souvenirs early, before the show begins.  Crowds were thick opening night, so I would suggest giving yourself enough time to stand in line to get inside your venue, grab some food (if eating on-site), and buying your souvenirs.  This gives you time to soak in the Disney magic and get prepared for the show.


Jessee Snow Cones courtesy of Teen Disney

The show opens up with our favorite mice, Mickey and Minnie, entering the ice rink in a red, convertible jalopy.  Unfortunately, the jalopy has a hard time running, and Mickey and Minnie need a little help from all their Disney friends.


*Courtesy of Teen Disney and Glenn Briggs

This is where we get to visit the many different realms of Disney's fantasy worlds.

There are four different Worlds of Fantasy:
  • Cars
  • The Little Mermaid
  • Pixie Hollow
  • Toy Story 3
The first three worlds take up the first half of the show, and Toy Story 3 is given the entire second half.

Personally, Cars is one of my family's favorite movies and collection objects, so for me this was my favorite part of the show.  I loved seeing life-size Lightning, Mater, Sally, Flo, and Ramone cars on the ice!  What's really a treat is that Sally, Flo, and Ramone are rarely (if ever) seen anywhere else (even on Disney property in Florida and California)!

*Courtesy Teen Disney and Glenn Briggs


*Courtesy Teen Disney
 Soon after the Cars characters depart the ice, we are treated to a rousing and abbreviated version of The Little Mermaid.  Ariel was splendid, as always, and Ursula always captivates the littlest Disney fans.  Was so much fun hearing everyone sing along to The Little Mermaid songs we all know and love:




(The video above is not from our performance, but it does give you an idea of the show and Ariel's performance.)

Next up - Pixie Hollow and Tinkerbell.  I will be shorter than usual here - I don't enjoy Pixie Hollow, and I don't enjoy Tinkerbell, so I was disappointed in this segment of the show.  There are so many classic Disney stories and characters to choose from, so why pick Tinkerbell?

I know, I know.  Tink is very popular with today's young Disney fans, and Disney has been more than happy to oblige them by marketing Disney and her fairies to the point of - well - overkill (in my opinion).

Again, I will say that I was very disappointed that Disney chose to give Pixie Hollow what appeared to be the longest segment of the first half.  I saw almost all the adults around me playing with their phones during this segment.  I think it's partly because the characters are new and not quite as charming or enduring to us or that we just don't know them as well as the older characters.  But, then again, I did take my 16-year old, who kept whispering to me, "This is so stupid!  Why would they put Pixie Hollow in the show?"

Next up, intermission and then the "meat" of the show - TOY STORY!

Of course, everyone loves Toy Story.  It is amazing to me that Toy Story now has three movies to it's credit (with another one rumored to be in the works) and each one is just as popular as the ones preceding it.

Disney on Ice presents World of Fantasy proved that point.  People sang along, children stared wide-eyed with jaws dropped, and we all cheered (or jeered) at the appropriate parts.  The stories are tried and true, and we all know them by heart.

That's why we love the characters from Toy Story so much.  They each have their own personality and character, and we are endured to them.  To this day (and I've seen this three times so far), my favorite Disney on Ice Toy Story segment is Ken and Barbie.  I love the interaction between these two toys, I love the "Dream Weaver" bit, and I love Ken showing Barbie his wardrobe through the decades:


(Again, this clip was not from our show, but will give you an idea...)

*Courtesy of Teen Disney and Glenn Briggs

To end the night and to wind up Disney on Ice presents World of Fantasy, Disney treats us to a rousing Grand Finale of  "Move It Shake It" by most of the show characters and brings back our Fabulous Five - Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. 

It's always a lot of fun watching the Green Army Men, Mickey, and other Disney on Ice characters do the Running Man and the Sprinkler.  It gets the crowd smiling and clapping before heading home:


All in all, I would not have missed this show.  I am a self-proclaimed Disney addict and any time Disney comes to town, I am usually there to greet it.

This show is great for all ages - the littlest Disney fans, the adults (like myself), and I actually saw a lot of teens there on dates!  It's a fun, family entertainment show that everyone can enjoy (plus it's pretty amazing to see what these athletes can do on ice skates)!

Another thing -- If you're going, feel free to take your Mickey Ears (if you got 'em) and dress accordingly.  I saw a lot of people with Mickey Ears adorned and plenty of little girls in Princess dresses and tiaras.

When Disney comes to town, it's always special.

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy is in Atlanta through Sunday, May 5th.  Tickets are available through the box office at the Arena at Gwinnett Center or via phone (1.800.745.3000).

You can discover more about Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy at their website or on their facebook page.




*Special thanks to Feld Entertainment for providing an opportunity to promote and review this show.  In exchange for promotion and review, we were given tickets to preview the show while in Atlanta.  All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect any organization I may be associated with.




Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Disney on Ice - Worlds of Fantasy - Welcome to Radiator Springs!



Disney characters and artwork, © Disney.  Disney/Pixar characters and artwork © Disney/Pixar.

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy
Takes Families on a Whirlwind Tour of
Contemporary and Classic Disney Tales

Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, whisks audiences on a captivating adventure to four magical locations, including the auto-racing terrain of Cars and a visit to Andy’s bedroom for some fun with the stars of Toy Story 3.


This production delights audiences with a journey under the sea to Ariel’s world from The Little Mermaid and then into the mystical land of Pixie Hollow for a presentation of Tinker Bell. 

The on-ice excitement begins when an adventurous Mickey Mouse embarks on a journey with Minnie Mouse to uncover each world of fantasy, but the plan goes awry when their cherry red roadster unexpectedly breaks down.  Although Donald Duck and Goofy try, it takes the assistance of the coolest cars on the ice to get the pistons firing again.  Direct from Radiator Springs, Mater, Lightning McQueen, and Sally speed into action, zipping and zooming around the frozen highway in an effort to re-energize the roadster.


The life-sized Cars characters were developed by the innovative minds of the prop team led by Feld Entertainment Vice President of Scenic Elements Rick Papineau.  Each car took 2,000 man hours to build and is outfitted with custom animatronics including blinking eyes and hydraulic lifts that bounce to the beat of the music.  Mater and McQueen even come complete with moving mouths, enabling their dynamic personalities to shine through each time they speak.  “The cars are going to be a big surprise because no one will expect them to be so animated, so large or so realistic,” says Papineau.



As Mickey and Minnie’s “road trip” continues, Production Designer Jeremy Railton’s whimsical scenery transforms the arena into an environment that captures the essence of each unique world to follow.  Fluorescent coral and clam shell drums embody Ariel’s world in The Little Mermaid and audiences enter the colorful fantasy land of fairies for the Tinker Bell segment.

Did You Know - Interesting and Fun Facts
  • It takes 12.5 hours to set up this production?
  • It takes 3.5 - 4 hours to tear it down?
  • Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy does 300 performances a year?
  • It takes 13 trucks each with a 52-ft. trailer to haul the equipment?
  • The average size of the ice-skating surface is 120' (L) x 70' W?
  • Production management uses six (6) computers?
Want to Go?

Show times:
  • Wednesday, May 1 -- 7:30PM
  • Thursday, May 2 -- 7:30PM
  • Friday, May 3 -- 10:30AM, 7:30PM
  • Saturday, May 4, 11AM, 3PM, 7PM
  • Sunday, May 5, 1PM, 5PM
Ticket prices:
  • VIP Dining (ticket includes food) -- $95
  • Rinkside -- $75
  • VIP -- $50
  • 4th -- $30
  • 5th -- $25

Tickets are available at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or via phone (Ticketmaster, 800.745.3000).

*Special discount for our readers!  Use the code BLOGD29 and receive $5 off tickets for the Thursday 7:30PM, Saturday 11:30AM, and Sunday 5:00PM shows (internet and phone orders)!

 
* * * * *

To find out more about Disney on Ice, please visit their website, facebook page, or YouTube channel.



Want more Disney fun?  Enjoy this special treat from Disney on IceA maze game featuring some of your favorite characters!

    



Thursday, April 4, 2013

Disney on Ice - Our Newest Giveaway! Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to the Atlanta Show!



Disney characters and artwork, © Disney.  Disney/Pixar characters and artwork © Disney/Pixar.

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy Takes Families on a
Whirlwind Tour of Contemporary and Classic Disney Tales


I told you.  Our next giveaway was going to be a doozie, and it is!

This time, we have a Family 4-Pack of tickets to Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy at The Arena at Gwinnett Center!  If you win this Family 4-Pack, you can pick from any of the following dates:

  • Wednesday, May 1 -- 7:30PM
  • Thursday, May 2 -- 7:30PM
  • Friday, May 3 -- 10:30AM

"Get ready for nonstop fun with four of your favorite contemporary and classic Disney tales when Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy.  This action-packed ice spectacular showcases belowed characters from Disney*Pixar Cars and Toy Story 3 as well as Walt Disney Pictures' Tinker Bell and The Little Mermaid.
From wheels to waves, playtime to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects, and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories."

To find out more about Disney on Ice, you can visit their website, facebook page, or YouTube channel.


To enter, multiple times daily, follow the instructions in our Rafflecopter box below!  Good luck!  

 

* * * * *


*Contest begins Friday, April 5, and it will end Friday, April 12.

*Passes won are not tickets.  Each pass is good for one (1) top-priced (excluding Rinkside, Front Row, and VIP) reserved seats.  These passes must be exchanged for tickets at The Arena at Gwinnett Center's box office.

*Passes are redeemed for the best available seat at the time you visit the box office, so to secure the best seats selection, contest winner(s) must redeem passes as soon as possible!

*All entrants must verify that they are at least 18 years of age or older.

*The Coffee Blog is sole sponsor of this gift pack.  Feld Entertainment and The Walt Disney Company are not sponsors nor endorsers of this promotion.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disney on Ice - Worlds of Fantasy - Pixie Hollow!



Disney characters and artwork, © Disney.  Disney/Pixar characters and artwork © Disney/Pixar.

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy Takes Families on a
Whirlwind Tour of Contemporary and Classic Disney Tales

Production Features Live Adaptation of Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 and
Life-Sized Animated Characters from Disney/Pixar’s Cars 

Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, whisks audiences on a captivating adventure to four magical locations, including the auto-racing terrain of Cars and a visit to Andy’s bedroom for some fun with the stars of Toy Story 3.

This production delights audiences with a journey under the sea to Ariel’s world from The Little Mermaid and then into the mystical land of Pixie Hollow for a presentation of Tinker Bell.

“To be the first to introduce the Tinker Bell story live on ice and to be
entrusted with the beloved Toy Story characters is incredible, and we are
thrilled to bring these heartwarming tales to families across the United
States,” says producer Nicole Feld.


“The arena instantly transforms into Pixie Hollow as we show our audience
how the fairies prepare for spring with an explosion of color. To convey the
world of the toys and create the proper toy-to-human scale, we manipulated the size of the props and costumes to make live skaters – and even the audience – seem toy size,” she adds


Railton took particular care with Pixie Hollow. “Audiences are still getting
to know Pixie Hollow, so it was important to me to capture the lushness
and the scale detailed in the film,” says Railton.  Because fairies are
miniature in size, Railton used inflatable technology to create a giant tree
backdrop.  In the finale, larger than life butterflies float onto the ice as
oversized inflatable flowers bloom around the ice signifying the arrival of
spring.




Show times:
  • Wednesday, May 1 -- 7:30PM
  • Thursday, May 2 -- 7:30PM
  • Friday, May 3 -- 10:30AM, 7:30PM
  • Saturday, May 4, 11AM, 3PM, 7PM
  • Sunday, May 5, 1PM, 5PM

Ticket prices:
  • VIP Dining (ticket includes food) -- $95
  • Rinkside -- $75
  • VIP -- $50
  • 4th -- $30
  • 5th -- $25

Tickets are available at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or via phone (Ticketmaster, 800.745.3000).

To find out more about Disney on Ice, please visit their website, facebook page, or YouTube channel.

*Stay tuned, we will have some very exciting news concerning Disney on Ice next month!

* * * * * * * * * * 

In the meantime, enjoy this special treat from Disney on IceA word search page featuring some of your favorite characters!