I have been a fan of Disney on Ice shows for many years. Each and every show provides a unique experience, lots of characters, colorful costumes and props and fun music. Every year I’ve been pleased with the show… until now. Worlds of Fantasy was disappointing compared to all previous shows that I’ve seen. Don’t get me wrong, it was still entertaining at times and my kids enjoyed it – but I felt as though it could have been spiced up… to me, it seemed almost “low budget.” Typically Disney on Ice shows have a nice stage set-up as their backdrop. World of Fantasy consists of a single, bland curtain. No steps, no ladders, no back-drops… they just pull open a section of the curtain when someone new enters the rink. Special effects and fireworks are often a part of each Disney on Ice show… that didn’t happen with Worlds of Fantasy. I’m thinking 2 firework pops and one scene with a little dry ice – nothing magical.
Worlds of Fantasy opens up with Cars! The cars are fun to see as each one enters the ice. But as soon as you have 6 cars on the rink – there’s not much space for them to do much… they circle, they stop, go in reverse, and circle again… all to audio. Five minutes of this would be okay… not 20.
Next up is the Little Mermaid scene. This was a little more upbeat and entertaining… and almost identical to the Little Mermaid scene in Disney on Ice’s “Princesses and Heroes” show. While I was sitting through it thinking “Seriously? They couldn’t come up with something original from last year’s show?” I am now glad they included that scene – as it was the only entertaining performance of the show.
We end Act I with Tinkerbelle and her fairy friends. It was colorful, had a little storyline, but lacked musicality – so much that I can’t even remember what songs they skated to.
After a 15 minute intermission, we entered the real downer of the show. A full hour of Toy Story 3. It was torture. Especially the 15 minute ‘scene’ of just Barbie and Ken… and Ken changing his outfit 5 times. Really?! Was that truly necessary? Barbie and Ken aren’t even Disney characters… why are they getting 15 minutes of fame? I would have preferred 3 different acts during the 2nd hour of the show.
I don’t know how many times I checked the ‘time’ to see when this show would be over! It could easily be improved with a complete switch-up of songs… more hand-clapping, happy tunes! More colorful props & backdrops could help too. The lighting was well done – that’s one thing they’ve got going for them. Skating was of the pro-level as well – no complaints there. The Characters that appeared were well-done, but I felt as if the cast as a whole, was smaller than other shows.
Again, my kids enjoyed it – no complaints from them. So, it’s a toss-up as to whether I recommend this show or not. If you’ve got Disney-loving kids… then yes, take them. If you’re an adult looking for some weekend entertainment… wait until next year when any Disney on Ice show – other than Worlds of Fantasy – comes rolling into town!
Disclaimer: We received complimentary tickets to attend a performance of Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy. Opinions expressed are obviously our own.
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