Who can forget the first moment they experienced the magic of Disney? Whether you watched the very first princess Snow White with wonder, laughed at the genie’s magic tricks in Aladdin, or belted out “Let it Go” with Elsa in Frozen, the memories made by Disney are truly enchanting.
Now you and your family have the chance to create another magical Disney memory, live, right here in New Orleans. Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic is skating through The Lakefront Arena April 27 thru May 1.
Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Aladdin, and Shang from the film Mulan took some time out of their busy schedules to talk to us about Disney’s evolution over the last 100 years and what makes this performance unique.
Lina Ramirez skates as Princess Tiana in the show. She has been with Disney on Ice for six years, but this is her first year skating as Tiana from. It’s a special role for her for many reasons, not the least of which is that Princess Tiana is the first African American princess.
“It’s nice to skate something that’s genuine to myself. It makes me feel a sense of pride. Also, she’s fun and she’s from New Orleans, so she’s jazzy!” Ramirez went on to say that she’s excited about the different personalities that Disney princesses have developed in recent years. “Tiana, Rapunzel, and Anna are funny, quirky, and a little goofy. They’re more like real girls and a little less proper than the first princesses.”
Nick Fernandez, who skates as Aladdin, agrees, saying, “Aladdin grew up as a street rat and built himself up. Disney princes have become more multi-faceted characters. Before, princes were very proper and lived in palaces. In the newer movies there may not be a prince. Or in the case of Hans from Frozen, the prince may even be a bad guy!”
“One of the things that makes Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic really unique is that it has a little something for everyone,” said Mathew King, who skates as Shang. “There are over 50 characters, so it’s a great variety show for kids, adults… really the whole family. The show has the traditional characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Pinocchio, but also newer characters like Nemo, Princess Anna, and Princess Elsa. It’s really the full spectrum.”
He also added that the audience participation is his favorite part of performing. He emphasized, “Don’t be afraid to dress up with your child! It’s great to see the whole family dressed up, singing along and having a great time.”
Local fans are excited about Disney coming to New Orleans as well. Joy Rawls and her three-year-old daughter, Jacs, last saw Disney on Ice when Jacs was just a year old. Jacs says that her favorite thing about Disney shows “is seeing all of her favorite characters.” Rawls, who also does a monthly Disney movie night, said, “I love the atmosphere that Disney on Ice brings because we can dress up and see the characters and also get some great Disney souvenirs. Those help to bring the magic back home for your child, whether it’s playing with a toy or reusing a souvenir cup during dinner. Disney magic isn’t just for the parks, and Disney on Ice brings the magic to you.”
In speaking with John DeSilvestri, a self-proclaimed Disney nerd, he hit at the heart of what makes Disney so timeless across the generations. “Disney has always been about storytelling, and over time, that value has stuck around,” DeSilvestri said. “They have evolved to a point where they’re not just telling stories, but fully immersing you in them.”
Don’t miss your chance to re-live and immerse yourself in the magic of Disney at the Lakefront Arena on April 27 thru May 1.
More information on tickets and scheduling can be found at: www.disneyonice.com
