Written by Dawn-Dwyer Pappas
When I was a little girl, the annual trip to a Disney On Ice show was the greatest anticipated event in my life and this is a tradition I’ve eagerly continued with my own kids. So, I was thrilled to take my daughter and niece (both 5 years old) and my mom to Disney on Ice’s Treasure Trove show at the Rogers Centre this weekend. A fun day out for 3 generations of my family and “just only for girls” (as my daughter kept telling me).
Now, my daughter is adorable, but she’s off the mark with this observation. Treasure Trove is most definitely not “just for girls” as evidenced by the rousing intro of “The Toys are Back in Town” with our favourite characters from Toy Story. Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the gang started the show with awesome energy that had the littles in the crowd on their feet. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy then welcomed us to the show and lead us down the rabbit hole to experience Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum…suddenly I was my 8 year-old self again, who’s only ambition was to be a figure skater.
Great, high-energy show that presented Disney Classics – Toy Story, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Lion King, Snow White, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Tangled and The Princess and the Frog, along with our hosts Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald. I loved the costumes and choreography in the Little Mermaid (neon and black light – simply stunning!) and Aladdin. My favourite Disney story (Peter Pan) was wonderful, as was the dance of the cards in Alice in Wonderland. Perfectly paced throughout.
As expected, Treasure Trove is a wonderful show, perfectly paced to keep the attention of both little kids and big kids at heart, while telling each story succinctly. Classic Disney stories are presented here, from Alice in Wonderland and Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, along my personal favourite, Peter Pan. No matter how old I get, I never tire of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell gliding above the crowd and the antics of Captain Hook and Smee.
Nods to newer hits include Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Aladdin. You’ll also enjoy The Lion King, The Little Mermaid – both of these vignettes are particularly visually stunning, from the stampeding antelopes in the Lion King to the amazing black light and neon staging of Ariel’s underwater paradise. One small caveat, really young kids might be frightened by the Lion King (especially if they’re not already familiar with the story). I noticed more than one younger child climbing on to someone’s lap for a hug. This was easily off-set by the adults in the crowd who loved this segment, my mom commented that it was her favourite; she is a big fan of both the movie and the stage production.
If your tots are all about Frozen, be warned as the only appearance from Elsa and Anna is in the finale. But don’t despair! Frozen on Ice is coming in early 2015!
All in all, this was a fantastic production – exactly what one would expect from a Disney production with something for everyone of all ages. Some practical notes: we took the GO train down to the Rogers Centre (and remember, kids under 6 ride free on the GO, kids 6-13 and seniors are half-price) to avoid the $30 parking and traffic chaos. The Rogers Centre is a close 10 minute walk to Union Station. Lots of merchandise options are available, from plush character dolls ($30 each, except for Frozen characters which are $40) to Disney charm necklaces ($12 each) along with hats, Mickey binoculars, blankets, flashlights and much more (most are $20). Snow-cones and huge popcorn bags are $15 each, and come with a collectible cup or bag.
Thanks to ChildsLife.ca and Disney On Ice for a fun-filled day and a great start to our family holiday!
Disney on Ice Treasure Trove is playing at the Rogers Center in Toronto from December 19 – December 28, 2015
Showtimes:
- December 19 – 7 pm
- December 20 – 12 pm
- December 21 – 12 pm & 4 pm
- December 23 – 4 pm
- December 24 – 4 pm
- December 25 – 4 pm
- December 26 – 12 pm
- December 28 – 4 pm
Click here to purchase tickets to a Disney On Ice show near you!
Discloser: I received something of value from Feld Entertainment as part of their Insider Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
All Photos by Dawn Dwyer-Pappas.
