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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Christine Carrigan

What the 'Wonderful World of Disney on Ice' has in store for Belfast

With death defying stunts, flashing head bands and four million rhinestones, yep that's right, Disney on Ice is back.

The new tour celebrating the 'Wonderful World of Disney on Ice' has landed and it most definitely is wonderful.

Queuing outside in the pouring rain certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of children or adults, as hundreds of families settled into their seats at the Birmingham Resorts World Arena.

As the main lights dimmed and spotlights flooded the twinkling ice, there was an audible intake of breath as the audience waited in anticipation for the show to begin.

And then the magic began.

The tempo of the music was growing louder and finally out burst the cast from behind the red curtain to pump up the crowd – not that it was needed!

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Excitement boiled over into giddy hysteria when audience participation was encouraged.

The audience was taught the ‘Mickey’ dance before being introduced to the legendary mouse himself along with Minnie and best friends Donald Duck and Goofy the Dog.

Then the gang led us on a quest to find the ‘World’s Greatest Treasure’.

Opening a treasure chest to find a clue book, Minnie drew the audience into the heart of Africa as we delved into the first story.

Thundering onto the ice came the stampede scene from the Lion King and what a sight to behold -  the costumes arguably just as impressive as the skating.

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As performers swirled and zoomed by in perfect chaotic harmony, the amount of 'animals' in the rink was trebled by the intricate and innovative costume design.

The show boasts a total of 150 costumes, with a whopping four million rhinestones that are hand stitched onto each piece. 

Even more impressive Swarovski has created two coloured stones unique to Disney on Ice.

One is used on the Belle costume and the other for Ariel.

Meanwhile Elsa's cape is fitted with 400 LED lights!

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Featuring more than 50 characters the show took us on a journey through the plains of Africa teaching us the meaning of 'Hakuna Matata', marching through the forest with seven little men on their way to work and showing us a 'Whole New World', before plunging to the depths of the ocean with everyone's favourite mermaid and forgetful fish and ending up lost in a winter wonderland with Elsa and friends.

And crowd interaction is definitely a key component for this Disney on Ice experience.

One little girl dressed up as Rapunzel with her own flowing blonde locks, took centre stage to release a lantern, in a heart-warming immersion into the Tangled story. 

Whilst three other lucky youngsters got to scoot around the ice on Aladdin's magic carpet.

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One of the most spectacular sights was seeing the Prince Ali parade from Aladdin, complete with a giant elephant - that actually moved and danced on ice!

With almost 80 props including giant replicas of the iconic Pride Rock and Elsa's castle it is hard to believe they are made entirely of foam.

However, that didn't stop the skaters from taking their lives in their hands as they leaped on and off during routines.

After all they are trained professionals.  But your heart is still in your mouth when you watch them lift, swing and throw each other into the air.

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During one particular routine, audience tension could have been cut with a knife as people held their breath when a princess was thrown into the air and somersaulted before landing safely back in the arms of her loving prince.

The performance is a fantastic blend of classic Disney to modern day hits and with some Pixar favourites too, there is something for all ages.

The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice will showcase at the SSE Arena Belfast from Friday May 3 to Sunday, May 5.

Tickets can be purchased via The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office on 02890 739074 or on Line: www.ssearenabelfst.com

Or at Ticketmaster by calling 0844 847 2455 or online at www.ticketmaster.ie

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