There might have been a chill in the air at the Manchester Arena, but it couldn't dampen the electric atmosphere.
Spinning lights and flashing Mickey Mouse ears lit up the stands which were full of children dressed as princesses or the occasional Toy Story character. Yes, it was time for 100 Years of Magic - Disney on Ice.
I was with my own Disney princess, two-year-old niece Darcie. She shook with excitement at the first glimpse of Mickey and Minnie entering with an entourage of synchronised dancers. As they skated around the rink, the children in the audience were beside themselves with glee.
As well as Disney royalty Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy were there to open the show, with other energetic routines featuring Disney greats from Finding Nemo, Pinocchio, Aladdin, and - much to Darcie’s delight - an expertly-choreographed routine featuring Disney’s most famous Princesses.
The princesses skated with their handsome princes and wowed the audience with spins and lifts.
As Belle entered the rink, with Lumiere, Cogglesworth and Plumette not far behind her, the familiar Beauty and the Beast scene lit up the rink.
When the story developed and the beast finally became a handsome prince, my little niece struggled to hold back the happy tears as she stared intently at the scene unravelling in front of us.
But it was Queen Elsa who stole the first half of the show, with Frozen favourites Olaf and Anna. They sang, danced and then, with the addition of a magical snow storm, the temperature of the arena dropped as the snow fell on the rink.
During the short interval, the super-expensive merchandise stalls come rolling in to the arena - selling the all important light spinners for £22, and frozen drinks in plastic princess cups and Disney branded popcorn tubs at £10 each.
By the second half, Darcie was starting to get tired but she was still transfixed as Toy Story 4 favourites Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Forky jumped and skated around the rink.
But the tiredness didn't last for long as Lion King characters dancing to Hakuna Matata filled the rink with their jungle antics.
Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of magic appearing at the Manchester Arena until the 13 October.
For tickets see Ticketmaster or the Disney On Ice website.
