A Mom's Review of the New Disney on Ice Production, 'Rockn' Ever After'

Those that traveled to the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida to see the world premiere of the Feld Entertainment produced Disney on Ice production, Rockn' Ever After were in for a stunning treat.

My family has been pleased with Disney on Ice productions of past but this presentation, by far, was our favorite.

The costumes, the choreography, the lighting, the effects, even the sound was crystal clear and much appreciated by me as my hearing isn’t the sharpest. The performing cast members’ smiles throughout was infectious and felt genuine.

In the moments I broke my gaze away from the ice to look over at my children, for I was mesmerized by what was occurring myself, they ranged in emotions: mouth agape amazement, laughter, and on-the-edge-of-their- seat body posture that obviously questioned, “What’s going to happen next?”

My eight year-old son didn’t hide his initial dismay on attending what he thought was going to be a “girlie” gala.

Ah, but this changes quickly.

Out the door, Ryan’s the first to chime in on his stimulated delight. “Mom, did you see the explosion?” (How could I miss it? And you’ll have to catch the show to know where). “That was awesome!” “Those torches in the Beauty and the Beast scene; that was real fire! It was so cool!”

On the flip side, my boy-crazy six year-old daughter loved the show in too many ways to count. Days later Lillian is still talking about it. “When can we see it again?” “When can we see it again?”, and, “When can we see it again?”

She also expresses, “Everyone was so beautiful.” “That show was amazing!” But her comment that really stuck out to me was how incredibly handsome ‘Eric’ is. As in, Ariel’s focus of love.

I have to give my little miss kudos for good taste.

As the adult in my group I watched knowing I would be tapping out my thoughts of the show with my keyboard. I like to bring a reporting edge to such things, a balanced pros and cons approach. Here I am and I can’t do it, no negatives to be told. I sincerely loved the show. I would certainly see it again and not just for the kids’ sake.

I had to keep reminding myself this was all happening on ice and these were stories that are typically communicated to children. The Rapunzel and Belle sequences in particular felt like quality stage productions.

There was just enough of the original story to make the scenes cozy and familiar yet enough flare to make this fresh and exciting.

We all agreed our favorite scenes were entwined with Ariel’s story although we also prized seeing the feisty Merida come to life.

If you’re in the Central Florida area and missed the Lakeland show you still have a chance. The Amway Center in Orlando will be hosting five upcoming shows.  

You can also check the website, disney.go.com/disneyonice/ for additional locations and dates.

This mom and her wee-ones feel this is a can’t miss!

Shawn Arnold
Moderator
www.PolkMoms.com
shawn.arnold@polkmoms.com