Disney on Ice, Manchester

As a family of three, two adults and one two-year-old, we recently went to MEN Arena to see Disney on Ice. Unlike normal MEN events, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. I was pleased to see that there were souvenir shops and refreshment stalls every couple of yards. It meant that queuing with my toddler was never an issue and we were served for both drinks and merchandise, in crowds, within a couple of minutes. The event was well staffed. It was really handy having them serving drinking up and down the tiers, meaning that at the interval we didn't have to struggle outside the main arena area for a drink. The event was approximately two and a half hours including an interval. The backdrop to the ice-rink was a lovely disney castle out of which the classic Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck) floated to introduce the various characters. Act One included Aladdin (the genie was amazing, really well choreographed, enjoyable for adults and children), Finding Nemo, A Rose is a Rose, Beauty and the Beast (fabulous!), Disney Princesses, Toy Story (one of my son's favourites) and It's a Small World. Following the break, Mickey's Band, Pinocchio, Mulan, The Incredibles (cue starstruck toddlers) and the Lion King all took to the stage. The finale was really magical. All of the acts gathered together on the ice and sang various songs. As well as dancing, they circles the edges and waved at all of the children. Typical of Disney standard the whole thing was enough to blow an adult away, let alone a child. Definitely, definitely go and watch it.