Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure | Top tips to prepare for the Newcastle Show

*Press/blogger event

Last night we attended Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure and as I know a lot of you will be watching the show too, I thought it might be nice to share a few tips and give you an idea of what to expect. There are still a few tickets available online here if you fancy it. 

What time should you arrive?

First of all, security at Newcastle Arena has increased a fair bit since last year's show. Expect to have your body scanned with a handheld scanner (it's non-invasive) and every bag will be searched. DO NOT BRING A RUCKSACK OR LARGE BAG to the arena as you'll be asked to leave these in your car, even a child's backpack. My small handbag was fine. You can read the arena's full safety policy here. The staff are absolutely lovely with children and there's nothing to worry about with the scans - I guess it's something we just have to get used to. 

Personally, I would aim to be through the arena doors at least 45 minutes before the show starts. This will give you a chance to browse the merch, pop to the loo, grab a snack/drink, find your seat and watch the pre-show fit to dance with Zootropolis. I have included a screenshot of the expected event timings below (these are subject to change):

What to wear

Disney On Ice is obviously on ice so it can get chilly. Lots of children were dressed up in their Disney Princess dresses with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath and winter coat. I was rink-side and didn't find it too bad at all to be honest - I sat with bare legs and no coat and was fine. I do know that others said they felt the cold though so if you think you're likely to feel chilly, definitely bring your coat. I love seeing children dressed up for Disney On Ice and even if it's just a Disney Tiara you have at the bottom of your dressing up box, painting their faces with a pirate patch and moustache or even a Disney tattoo, it always adds to the magic if you add a touch of Disney to your wardrobe. I spotted Ana and Elsa costumes for £4.99 in Home Bargains (Brockwell Cramlington) today. 

How much money to bring

There's no denying that the merchandise on sale at Disney On Ice is some of the most expensive you'll find anywhere. To give you an idea of what to expect, flashing Elsa wands are priced at £18 - £20, Ariel necklaces and shades were £10 and small figures £12. A Disney Princess Tiara is £10, fashing ears are £18 and soft toys are £12-£22. Popcorn is £8 in a re-usable Mickey Bag or £4 in a paper bag and snow cones/souvenir cups are priced at £9-£11. Huge thanks to Country Heart and Home for helping me to remember all of the prices! 

Credit | Country Heart and Home

If you watched Nomipalony's Insta stories last night you'll know that she was repeatedly hit in the head with a flashing wand - if you buy these for your kids, make sure you keep an eye on them! I was honestly worried for Nyomi's beautiful hair and was half expecting it to end up tangled up in a wand by the end of the evening! 

What to expect from the show

For me, this year's show is honestly the best Disney On Ice performance I've watched. The first half is dedicated to The Lion King and Peter Pan. I LOVE The Lion King and honestly could feel the love in the room as Nala and Simba beautifully skated around the ice. I did have to close my eyes at a few points though as Nala's head came within inches of the ice as she was swung around the air. My only disappointment from the whole show is that Scar didn't make an appearance - we love a good baddy in our house and really felt he was missing from the show.

Peter Pan uses incredible staging with the whole arena being used  - I won't ruin any surprises for you but the staging is fantastic. Nanna the dog, Tinkerbell and Smee provided lots of laughs and Heidi and Jack could not stop laughing at them. I LOVED that the crocodile made a couple of appearances too. 

There is a short 15 minute interval and the second half begins with The Little Mermaid - love, love, loved this as the ice was filled with so many of my favourite Disney characters. My favourite scene was when Ursula managed to skate around with Ariel as she captured her voice. Heidi and Jack were also lucky enough to be invited onto the ice during 'Under the Sea'. This was a dream come true for them and they spent the whole evening beaming from ear to ear. Check out my video below (they're in the submarine).

The big finale is Frozen and to be honest I thought I was all Frozen-ed out. However, as soon as Elsa and Ana start singing you can't help but get swept up in Frozen fever and the final scenes were when the arena really came alive. We all sang along to our favourite songs and I always love watching Elsa skate along to Let it Go - it's just so beautiful. 

I would recommend re-watching Peter Pan, The Lion King, Frozen and The Little Mermaid before the show if you have time so you can re-familiarise kids with the story. 

Leaving Newcastle Arena

Steve picked us up from the road near the arena and this was nice and easy - we were on the road and home nice and quickly. I would strongly suggest you arrange to be picked up, use public transport to get home, book a taxi or park in a non-arena car park. I really felt for the Hoopers as they were stuck in the multi-story car park trying to leave for over an hour. When they messaged me to say they were home, we had already eaten dinner and were almost ready to go to bed! 

The end is in sight!! Credit | Here Come the Hoopers 

Final Top Tips 

• Dress your children up and wear coats
• Arrive 45 minutes before the show begins
• Bring plenty of £ if you'd like to buy merchandise (at least £10 per child)
• DO NOT BRING BACKPACKS, RUCKSACKS or LARGE BAGS
• Use public transport/park in a non-arena car park if you'd like to get home quickly 
• Enjoy yourself - it really is a fantastic show and you'll have a fantastic time

You can still buy tickets to this year's Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure here. 

Everyone I have spoken to really enjoyed this year's show and I cannot recommend it enough for little ones - especially those aged 3-9 years, although saying that there was a 1 year old sitiing next to me who was absolutely captivated throughout. It's definitely a performance for the whole family. 

Travelling to London to watch The Lion King | Harry's first trip to London

*This is a collaborative post. Please see my disclosure policy for details

First of all, I will apologise for the quality of the photographs in this post. They were taken in 2012 and probably on a Blackberry and have been downloaded from Facebook so they're definitely not the best. I still love them though and they hold really happy memories for me. 

Today I am re-living the memory of taking Harry to see The Lion King in London for his 6th birthday. It's a little crazy to think that this was almost 5 years ago now as I still remember it like it was yesterday. It's been a little tradition of ours that we travel to London with our children when they are 6. I think this is the perfect age to take them for the first time (at least when you are making the journey from they North East). On this particular trip we just took Harry along as a special treat - I did not fancy braving London with a 6, 2 and 1 year old.

We decided to book The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre as it was one of Harry's favourite films at the time. Tickets were a pretty penny and it was just shy of £300 for the three of us. Yikes! It was 100% worth it though as it's still very much a special memory for us all. 

Back then, Jamie's Italian was a big deal and we didn't have any branches in the North so we headed to Jamie's in Covent Garden for a pre-theatre dinner. I still remember that Harry ordered chicken lollipops and a salad shaker and this kind of children's menu was very innovative at the time. I also remember the carafe of house wine I ordered for myself. Happy days! After dinner we walked through Covent Garden to the theatre and Harry loved all of the street theatre. One of the performers was a Mr Bean impersonator and he was actually really good. Harry didn't take much convincing that he was the real deal and was absolutely over the moon to shake his hand. 

We stepped into the Lyceum theatre and there was a real buzz. We purchased an over-priced programme and took our seats in the 4th row. The atmosphere was honestly electric and I had not felt anything like it before. 

The show begins in a really special way. I won't ruin it for you but as 'The Circle of Life' is played by the live orchestra and you see the animals for the first time, it's actually really emotional. I think even more so for a parent watching with their own child. I don't cry often but I must admit to shedding a few tears during the opening scenes. 

The Lion King really did not disappoint and if you get a chance to watch the show, I would highly recommend. The music, choreography, costumes, staging.....it's all just the best and a real immersive theatre experience. I would go and watch the show again in a heartbeat (with or without kids). 

So.....fast forward to 2017 and the reason behind this post. Regular readers will know that we are huge Disney On Ice fans and I am super excited that The Lion King is going to feature in this year's show. In previous years I haven't taken Harry to watch the show as I've always thought he's probably a little too old and too cool now to be going to something like this but at age 11 years, he's going to come along with us this time and it's all thanks to The Lion King. We really can't wait to join Simba and friends in the African Pride Lands and re-live the precious memories Steve and I share with Harry. 

Of course, it's not all about The Lion King, this year's Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure will also feature stories and cast from The Little Mermaid (Heidi is super excited about this), Frozen and Peter Pan. You can find out more and buy tickets here. 

We have visited London on many occasions with H, H and J now but that first trip with Harry will always hold a special place in my heart. We visited Borough Market, joined a tour of Buckingham Palace (and paid £4 for hot chocolate in the palace gardens) and went a little wild in Hamleys too.

Have you taken your children to watch a show in London?

Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure

*This is a collaborative post

I am super excited to announce that Disney On Ice is returning to the North East this October with a fun-filled tour of the imagination in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure.

Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure invites families to travel to memorable destinations alongside Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends. Here are a few experiences you can expect along the way:-

• Visit African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa
• Explore deep under the sea with Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom
• Stop by London with Peter Pan and Wendy, before flying to Neverland to meet up with Tinker Bell
• Be whisked away to a Wintery wonderland of the number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen, for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favourite huggable snowman Olaf
• Plus, don’t miss the chance to warm up at the Fit to Dance pre-show featuring Zootropolis! 

The Little Mermaid is one of our favourite films and Heidi has countless Little Mermaid toys. We are very excited to see Ariel and Flounder live on the ice this year.  

Jack is also a huge Peter Pan fan and I can already picture his excitement as he watches Captain Hook and the crocodile meet again in front of his very eyes.

Tickets for Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Sale 5 May

This ice spectacular visits Newcastle from 3 – 8 October for ten performances at The Metro Radio Arena. Tickets are available from £19.80 and go on sale to the general public on Friday 5 May. Tickets are available via www.metroradioarena.co.uk or the ticket hotline: 0844 493 6666. 

Disney priority customers can take advantage of the pre-sale window, which begins today at 5pm. To register as a priority customer, enabling show discounts and advance booking to get best seats prior to general public on-sale, go to www.prioritycustomer.co.uk.

Newcastle's Metro Radio arena will be filled with music and magic in every scene as you discover four unique landscapes filled with boisterous pirates, Caribbean beats and tender moments. With Academy Award^® winning musical scores brought to life by world-class skating, Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure is an experience your family will cherish forever. We really can't wait! 

A Magical Night at Disney On Ice presents Frozen, Newcastle | A Review

I'm sure I'm not the only 30+ year old that cried when I first watched Frozen. There is something about both Ana and Elsa that I just really identify with! There was just no way we were going to miss Disney On Ice presents Frozen when the worldwide tour stopped by Newcastle. We reserved our tickets months ago (perhaps it was even over a year ago) and as the days counted down, the excitement started to build. 

Credit and Copyright | Tony Hall Photography

We found our seats and before we knew it and there was no holding the crowd back as characters from Disney's greatest love stories appeared on the ice before us. I won't spoil it for you but both Heidi's and Jack's favourite characters appeared. With Disney On Ice in the past, there are usually four separate sets of characters and performances but during the introduction to this year's show, the characters just kept on coming.......it was an AMAZING introduction and the crowd couldn't get enough.

Credit and Copyright | Tony Hall Photography

Disney On Ice presents Frozen brings the well-loved story to life in front of your eyes. The performance includes skillful skating, comedy sketches, a touch of magic plus all of your favourite songs and characters with Olaf and Sven being real favourites.

Credit and Copyright | Tony Hall Photography

I wondered if Disney On Ice presents Frozen might have been deemed too 'girly' for our boys but it was far from it. Jack loved the wolves, the rather scary snow monster (if you have sensitive children - look out for him around 10 minutes into the second half) and was killing himself laughing at the Duke of 'Weasel Town' and his OTT comedy sketches.

Credit and Copyright | Tony Hall Photography

As for Heidi, she was absolutely in her element. Singing along, standing up and dancing in her seat and we swear Princess Elsa waved at us. Plus, as we had been invited along as VIPs, we managed to meet the REAL Elsa and Ana! Excited much!

As for me, I said to my friend that I would have happily enjoyed the show even if I didn't have any kids with me. I sang my heart out and there is something special about singing 'Let it go' with an arena full of people. Plus, there is a special Disney On Ice Snapchat filter available if you are attending the show. Swoon!!

Add me on Snapchat - NEFamilyFun

Disney On Ice presents Frozen brought us snow (on more than one occasion), laughter and lots of happy memories. We left with lots of happy children who were all proclaiming tonight to be the best night ever. My children are already asking if we can return tomorrow,

If you don't already have tickets, there are still some available if you're quick. Disney On Ice presents Frozen continues at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena until 23rd October. 

Disclosure | Collaborative Post

Summer holiday rainy day idea | Design a party outfit for a star from Disney On Ice presents Frozen

You just can't tell what the weather is going to do this summer. One minute the sun is shining and the next the heaven's have opened.

If you are looking for a quiet, indoor activity idea to keep your little one's amused for a while, check out this Disney On Ice presents Frozen competition from the Chronicle.

Disney On Ice are looking for children aged between 7 & 11 who can design a special party outfit for a Disney on Ice cast member.

The Prize 

One lucky winner will enjoy the full VIP treatment as Disney On Ice visits Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena this October and will be seated in the best seats in the house, enjoy pre-show hospitality and have the chance to meet some of the stars from the show. One lucky winner will also have their creation transformed into a made to measure outfit for themselves or a friend of their choice. WOW!

All of the entries received will be showcased online at a special Disney On Ice costume design gallery.

How to Enter

To enter, simply send a copy of your child’s drawing, plus their name, age and contact details to gordon.barr@trinitymirror.com or post it to Gordon Barr, Editorial, NCJ Media, Groat Market, Newcastle, NE1 1ED before 10pm on Monday, September 5, to enter the competition. Terms and Conditions apply. 

There will be 11 performances of Disney On Ice presents Frozen at the Metro Radio Arena between Tuesday October 18 and Sunday October 23. For tickets, call 0844 493 6666 or visit www.metroradioarena.co.uk

Good luck! Let me know if you enter

Are you a Frozen super fan?

In celebration of Disney on Ice presents Frozen visiting Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena this October, the Chronicle have put together the ultimate Frozen super fan quiz.

Only the biggest fans will score over 50% in this ridiculously difficult quiz. Why not see how much of a fan you are and take the quiz yourself here. Let me know how you get on :D

Once you've finished the quiz, make sure you complete your details for a chance to win 4 exclusive rink-side tickets . (Terms and Conditions Apply) Good luck! 

Disney On Ice - Newcastle

Exciting news coming soon...........