SIDEWALKS’ Opal relives her Disney favorites in the travelling skating show, “Passport to Adventure.”
Disney characters have a way of capturing your heart ~ no matter how old you are. There is a character for everyone to relate to, and for me, many favorites.
I saw “Passport to Adventure,” one of the eight skating traveling showcases under the “Disney on Ice” banner. “Passport” had all of the elements that create an arena full of fascination. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck were the Masters of Ceremony and introduced each of the Disney story performances. I was completely enamored with the idea of being in the same room, and literally wanted to run to the stage and hug them all.
In “Passport to Adventure,” there were four stories based on the Disney films presented, including “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Lilo and Stitch,” and “Peter Pan.” The segments were all brilliantly arranged with great music and really cool ice skating tricks.
My favorite performance happened to be “The Little Mermaid.” I grew up in the 90’s and I first saw the film at the movie theater when I was in the first grade. It was my favorite film at the time , and one of my all time favs today! The first time I went to “Disney on Ice” I was probably swaddled in a baby blanket, so I didn’t remember how incredibly cool the ice skating was. It added such a unique element to the show. Since I know all of the words to the song, “Under the Sea,” I could enjoy singing along, watching the skating moves and choreographed dancing simultaneously. My favorite character was Sebastian, as was it in the film. He had some pretty cool dance moves. It was an exciting performance.
I also really enjoyed the “Peter Pan” rendition, which was the final and longer act in the “Passport” show. This is another movie that I grew up watching, and, in addition, I owned the movie, “Hook,” starring Robin Williams. Needless to say, I was very familiar with the story of “Peter Pan,” and it was something that I watched often. This show didn’t miss a thing! There was flying, singing … and even Tinkerbelle! The actress/ice skater who played her was spectacular. She was fun, spunky, and very charming. The crazy antics between Hook and Mr. Smee were quite hilarious. They pulled lots of pranks on one another. The way that they were able to push one another, as well as the twist and turn all while skating was really impressive. I also really like how Wendy, John and Michael were able to fly. Though they were hooked to a harness, it looked so believable. The show also involved audience participation which always makes it fun and interactive, especially for kids. At the end of the skit, there was a huge blown-up alligator that really excited the audience. There were tons of gasps all around the arena. As Hook is talking, Pan warns him to look behind him. Finally, Hook is pushed into the large mouth of the alligator. I almost liked this version better than the movie. I was really glad that they ended with this story. It brought me back to my youth. It was truly an exciting and thrilling version of Peter Pan.
Seeing this show brought my inner-child to life! I am elated that “Disney on Ice” still arranges these performances and brings them to children all over the nation. It’s exciting to know that I saw this show as a child, and that I may be able to bring my future family to see it as well. It’s something that all generations can share and talk about for years to come. The cheers and smiles across the room were a sign that the show was a great success! Every child should see this show at least once. It’s the cornerstone of fun and good times!
“Passport to Adventure” is traveling throughout the United States until May 2014.
