I vividly remember the first time I experienced Disney on Ice. (It was so long ago that it was called World of Ice!) I remember holding my mother’s hand and entering the arena to celebrate Donald Duck’s birthday along with so many other characters I had grown to love. I don’t remember every little detail of the show but, I will never forget the feeling of being there and experiencing something so magical with my family. Last night I was able to celebrate another magical night, this time with my own little family at the Golden 1 Center.

I know first hand what it takes to put on a production, granted, a way smaller one, so I can appreciate the many hours of hard work put forth by the cast and crew to make this show absolutely amazing. I am always excited to see what and how different aspects of a story will be performed. It takes something special, something really magical, to put on a show like the one I saw last night.

Little girls in their prettiest princess gowns and little boys in their best Woody and Buzz Lightyear attire filled the arena in anticipation for an amazing 90th birthday celebration for Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Cheers erupted when Donald Duck and Goofy entered the ice to playfully introduce the birthday duo. After an upbeat jazz number, we found ourselves in Geppetto’s toy shop watching Pinocchio and several other puppets, showcase their story with amazing set pieces and of course beautifully choreographed skating. The enchantment continued with appearances from all the familiar princesses in breathtaking costumes with their respective handsome princes. We then traveled through the stories of Beauty and the Beast, Finding Dory, Toy Story, Frozen, Aladdin, Mulan, and finally The Lion King, where Nala and Simba skated to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. No words were needed to feel that love. I could see it in the eyes of my little girls — and could hear it in their squeals as well! The show concluded with all the Disney characters on stage waving and skating to the “Circle of Life”, a song that was very fitting as I sat with my own family, watching my girls experience the same joy and wonder I had at my first Disney on Ice show.

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic is a high quality, family-friendly production with amazing talented skaters who do a fantastic job transporting their audience through many stories we have all grown to love. Last night’s show was the epitome of what Disney is all about: creating cherished family memories from generation to generation.

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Review by Sacramento365 guest writer Rachael Durling, Convention Services Coordinator at Visit Sacramento.