Disney on Ice review

It was always going to be difficult to impress the cynic in me with Disney on Ice. The idea of a load of massive cartoon characters larking around on a slippery rink seemed absurd. And as much as I appreciate the animations, I am a bit of a grump when it comes to all the saccharine dreaminess and merchandise that comes with it.

The atmosphere was electric as thousands of Belles and Buzz Lightyears sat waiting, wriggling and waving their flashing wands. When the lights dimmed and Mickey Mouse and friends burst through the fairytale castle set and on to the rink, the children were all mesmerised.

This wasn't about impressing me though, it was about impressing my four-year-old son. With a toppling stack of classic videos and an off-by-heart knowledge of the Toy Story script, he considers himself something of a Disney expert. Disney on Ice – 100 Years of Magic celebrates the centenary of the ubiquitous animation company with a skating spectacular starring 65 characters and spanning 18 different stories.

I suspect Tom wasn't the only Disney expert in the MEN last night. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of Belles and Buzz Lightyears sat waiting, wriggling and waving their flashing wands. When the lights dimmed and Mickey Mouse and friends burst through the fairytale castle set and on to the rink, the children were all mesmerised. What followed was a non-stop, expertly-choreographed show. The princesses looked pretty as they danced and twirled in their twinkly dresses, but I was far more impressed by the sight of a seven foot beast gliding effortlessly across the ice.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse compered the evening (assisted by Donald Duck and Goofy – who had his fair share of obligatory comedy falls.) Almost everyone made the line-up – from old favourites Snow White and Pinocchio, through to modern legends like The Incredibles and Lilo and Stitch. There were fireworks, lights and music and each story ran seamlessly into the next. Tom adored the Toy Story sequence and so did the rest of the crowd, wowed by Woody and Jess the Cowgirl and a flawless march from a troupe of life-size toy soldiers. The show did lose the attention of Tom and several other children nearby when a big chunk was given over to Mulan – a great story but not an obvious Disney hit. It wasn't long before the talented cast had everyone sitting up and watching again though. The costumes were sometimes bizarre but always wonderful: Nemo the clownfish's eyes peeking out of a skater's chest were a sight to behold.

The evening was let down by the snack situation. We'd had our bags searched by MEN security staff on the way in and been told that we weren't allowed our own food or drink. Fair enough, but what child isn't going to be utterly tempted by the lure of candy floss with free Mickey Mouse crown, or day-glow ice slush served in a Minnie's head cup? Each colourful snack cost £7.50. Sickly sweet indeed. My son asked for a branded bucket of popcorn but I managed to appease him with the promise of a bag of the same stuff to share on the bus on the way home. Call me tight, but I object to paying ten times the value of something just because it bears a name.

I would have liked to have seen the cast of the Jungle Book make an appearance, but presumably cramming 100 years of animated films into one show is no easy task. It was a magical evening for children and I was pleased that it ended with a classic from Disney's animal kingdom – The Lion King. Pumba the warthog stole the show, like a clumsy overstuffed pantomime horse with a wild look in his eyes. The children loved it when he fell on his back and I laughed out loud too, declaring that he was my favourite.

This morning, I was woken early by Tom. “Look Mum,” he said, “I’m putting your favourite character-on-ice on your bedside table.” There, staring at me with his silly face, was a tiny plastic Pumba.

Disney on Ice was the main topic of conversation all the way to school this morning. As I sat down at my desk ahead of a stressful day, I heard myself humming a familiar tune. I recognised it from somewhere, but I wasn't sure where. Then the words came: “Hakuna Matata”.