Disney on Ice Mickey & Friends review: a magical frozen adventure

Disney fans, get your skates on—because Disney On Ice is back in The Netherlands, and this year’s show, Mickey & Friends, brought a flurry of magic to Utrecht! I had the chance to attend the English version of the show (love hearing those classic songs in their original form!), and while this year’s performance felt a bit more tailored to younger audiences, it was still a dazzling spectacle of music, lights, and, of course, breathtaking ice skating!

A frozen stage full of Disney magic

From the moment Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy hit the ice, you could feel the excitement in the air! The show took us on a whirlwind tour through some of Disney’s biggest hits—from the enchanted mountains of Encanto (yes, Mirabel made her ice debut!) to the rolling waves of Moana, where our favorite wayfinder and Maui braved the open sea. 

Of course, no Disney On Ice show would be complete without a trip to Arendelle! Watching Elsa and Anna skate through Let It Go gave me chills, even after all those years I visited this show. And the Fantasia sequence? Absolutely mesmerizing—Mickey as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice making brooms come to life on ice is something you have to see to believe!

A trip through Mickey’s Mouse Pad

Mickey and Friends takes audiences on a journey through Mickey’s most cherished memories, bringing along some of Disney’s most beloved characters—including Toy Story, Finding Dory, Inside Out, Frozen, and Moana. From the moment the show begins, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy invite us into their magical world using their high-tech "Mouse Pad." The nostalgic clip of Walt Disney himself sets the stage for a heartwarming celebration of Mickey’s adventures.

One of the absolute highlights? The Toy Story segment! Woody, Buzz, and friends hit the ice with high-energy choreography, and they even throw in a fun dance lesson for the young (and young at heart). I also really appreciated the Finding Dory segment—this film doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, and seeing Dory and Marlin come to life with impressive skating and puppeteering was a treat.

For fans of Disney princesses, there was plenty of magic. Almost all of Disney’s beloved princesses made an appearance in dazzling skating sequences. And Ariel? She didn’t just skate—she did aerials while skating. I was seriously impressed! It’s those breathtaking moments that make Disney On Ice such a must-see experience.

After intermission, we got a full-blown Frozen musical recap that had pretty much everyone in the arena singing along. The special effects and choreography here were top-tier! But for me, the most stunning moment of the night was Moana’s story. The props, the visuals, the way the ocean came to life on the ice—it was absolutely beautiful.

Adding to the magic, the show featured not only iconic Disney songs but also new remixes and Live Your Story by Auli’i Cravalho (the voice of Moana). And with audience participation sprinkled throughout, it was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement.

English Version? Yes, Please!

I attended one of the special English-language performances, and I loved hearing the original voices and songs. There’s something extra magical about experiencing the Disney classics in the way they were first introduced to the world. If you’re a fan of the original soundtracks, I highly recommend catching one of these special shows!

I missed those Disney classics just a little

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love Disney On Ice, and the show was absolutely charming! But compared to previous years, this one felt a bit extra geared towards younger kids. The themes leaned heavily into recent Disney hits, which meant fewer classic characters. As someone who grew up with Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast, I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing—where were those timeless fairytales gliding across the ice?

That said, the energy was electric! The little ones in the crowd were living for every moment—singing along, waving their glowing wands, and gasping at every daring lift and spin. And honestly? That’s what Disney magic is all about. Even if it wasn’t my ultimate dream lineup, I still had a blast watching the joy on everyone’s faces.

-Highlights that melted my heart

• Mirabel on Ice! Seeing Encanto brought to life was a first, and it was pure magic. The Casita effects and the colorful skating choreography made me feel like I had stepped into the movie.
• Toy Story Friends! Buzz, Woody, and the gang made an appearance, and it was just as fun and nostalgic as you’d hope.
• Moana’s Ocean Adventure! The way they recreated the ocean on ice was so creative—waves of fabric, glowing lights, and some incredible skating stunts!

Already excited for next year!

Even though this year’s show wasn’t my personal favorite (bring back more classics!), Disney On Ice never fails to deliver a night of fun, music, and jaw-dropping performances. And guess what? Next year’s show will feature even more Disney princesses, including Snow White and Sleeping Beauty! You know I’ll be first in line for that one.

So, if you’re looking for a magical night out with family or friends, Disney On Ice: Mickey & Friends is still a fantastic way to bring a little Disney sparkle into your holiday season. Grab your tickets on the Disney on Ice websiteDisney on Ice website, bundle up, and get ready to sing along—because there’s nothing quite like seeing your favorite Disney moments come to life on ice!