Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang strap on their skates for the latest touring Disney on Ice show from Feld Entertainment, “Toy Story 3.” The show stops at Orlando’s Amway Arena this weekend. The kids I observed at a preview performance in Lakeland last week were entertained as the toys took to the ice. Here are answers to questions some grown-ups might have about the show:
Will we see all the major characters from the film?
Not quite: A glaring omission is creepy Big Baby. But, on the plus side, Andy skates in two delightful numbers, easily the most emotional moments of the ice show. They recall similar scenes in the movie — you know, those scenes that drove grown men to cry. In a nice touch, Andy sings the franchise’s theme song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” to Woody, his most faithful of toys.
Any bonus characters?
Woody, Jessie and Buzz hit the rink in 'Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3'
Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy make appearances, as well, but be warned: For once, Disney doesn’t dip into its two cash-cow franchises. No princesses, and no Tinker Bell and her direct-to-video fairy friends.
If I haven’t seen the movie, will I know what’s going on?
Considering the film has grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, is there anyone left who hasn’t seen it? If you are one of those few, you will get the gist of what’s going on. However, there will be moments where you think, ‘Huh?’
I had seen the movie, and still said ‘Huh?’ once or twice. Think of it as a CliffsNotes version of the film — the plot’s thread is there, but there are omissions.
The synopsis of the story mostly takes place in the second act of the ice show. The first act is more fun — with snappier song-and-dance (song-and-skate?) numbers that aren’t tied to telling the story.
And if you haven’t seen the film, what are you waiting for?
How is the skating?
It’s entertaining, but not Olympics-style: No one is trying to accrue points from judges in a limited time frame, so don’t expect dramatic jump after jump after jump.
The big production numbers tend to be most impressive: Dozens of Green Army Men skating in unison, or a procession of the three-eyed Aliens shuffling along, praising The Claw.
What if the characters fall? Will my children be upset?
Slinky Dog straps on his skates for 'Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3.'
Falls happen while skating; it goes with the slippery territory. I saw a particularly hard fall by Bullseye the horse, whose four legs were in a frightful tangle. A friendly recorded voice tells the audience “one of our toys has taken a tumble,” the character is helped up and the show continues. Kids seemed to take it in stride. Because the other characters keep skating and waving to engage their attention, many children probably didn’t even notice.
What if my children get fidgety?
The show is interactive in places. Woody is great at waving at the kids and making eye contact during the show. And for many, a highlight was a chance to stand up and participate in the “Hoedown Throwdown,” a dance lifted from the “Hannah Montana” franchise.
Was Ken’s wardrobe appropriately sparkly?
Oh, girl, it was. We’re talking fabulous, baby. Fabulous.
- What: “Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3”
- Where: Amway Arena, 600 W. Amelia St., Orlando
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday
- How much: $15-$50
- Call: 407-849-2020
- Online: ticketmaster.com
