Beltway Bambinos

Disney On Ice guest review

Disney On Ice’s Mickey’s Search Party has landed in Fairfax, Virginia with its final show October 11 at 1:00pm, and then will be headed to Baltimore, October 13-17. This previous “On Ice” skeptic says run don’t walk to see this show! Performed in the Eagle Bank Arena on George Mason University’s campus, this magical performance showcases amazing choreography and theatrical talents all tied to the new and not-so-new beloved Disney movies.

The premise of Mickey’s Search Party is that the crowd has to help save Tinkerbell and her magic wand after she has been kidnapped by Captain Hook and his crew of pirates. In order to save Tink, Mickey and his Search Party follow a map that takes the audience along for a ride through multiple Disney classics and characters revealing hidden clues that get us closer to freeing Tinkerbell. The performances are tied to a particular Disney movie, include 1-2 songs, and are each uniquely amazing. The first half of the show includes Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Moana, and Coco. After a 15 minute intermission, you get to see Peter Pan, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and the grande finale Frozen.

I had fully expected to be leaving at intermission given that the start time was 7:00 pm and my almost-four-year-old hasn’t shown a propendency to sit through anything for more than an hour. I am happy to report that no one even thought about leaving until the very end. We, parents, grandparents, and toddler alike were locked in and enjoyed every moment. For the older generation, the classics brought back some much needed nostalgia (some tears may have been shed), while the Toy Story, Moana, and Frozen performances were mind blowing for the tots. High-flying acrobatics, stunts, and your favorite tunes make it impossible to look away.

A few things to keep in mind as you plan: (1) parking is free and a breeze at Eagle Bank Arena, (2) strollers are allowed but there’s a valet inside, (3) for every six souvenir stands selling $35-40 bubble wands and stuffed characters there is one vendor selling actual food so eat before or be prepared to stand in line for a bit (have no fear, beer and wine are available), (4) the only time you can get something from your seat is before the show and during intermission and that’s limited to cotton candy, snow cones , lemonade, and popcorn, and (5) I think the sweet spot for the younger crowd is 3 years and older and there is no age too old to enjoy. If you’re on the fence, just pull the trigger on this trip down nostalgia lane.

For ticket prices and to purchase tickets click here.
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

The Walt Disney Company is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this sweepstakes.