Many little girls dream of being a princess when they grow up, and recently I was able to make that a reality — at least for the day! We had the opportunity to hang out with the cast members who portray our favorite Disney princesses at Disney on Ice Mickey's Search Party and even get a feel for what it takes to skate in their "glass slippers." We learned that there's more to being a Disney on Ice performer than knowing how to ice skate and that there's even more that goes on behind the scenes that guests would never know about, from staying fit to learning new skills like hoverboarding! Read through to see what it's like to be a Disney on Ice performer for the day.
Swinging on Silks 
Getting to try out the silks and see how they were used in Disney on Ice Mickey's Search Party was incredible. The cast who use these on a daily basis are extremely talented and strong. I had the opportunity to swing on them and lift my legs a few inches off the ground, and believe me when I tell you there's no greater core exercise than trying to stay balanced and engaged on the silks. During the show, cast members are swinging and linking with each other on them to create an iconic Disney moment that will leave so many people breathless.
High-Fiving Sway Poles 
Sway poles are one of the newest acts to be added into Disney on Ice. Guests are going to be able to get up close and personal with the cast who are on the poles. I acted as an audience member in this moment where the cast of the show in the Coco scene bends the pole to high five someone attending the show. As terrifying as it sounds having someone 70 feet in the air high five you, it was an unforgettable moment.
Props 
The props department with Disney on Ice does an incredible job keeping all props and set pieces in tip-top shape, including Tinker Bell's wand, Miguel's guitar, and Genie's lamp. And yes, when I rubbed Genie's lamp and smoke started coming out, I imagined that's exactly how Aladdin felt in the film. It was magical in all of the right ways. Since there are hundreds of props in the show, this department has one of the most challenging and important jobs of all.
Costuming and Makeup 
Each night, about 45 performers go through costuming and makeup to get ready for the show. It can take up to an hour for a cast member to get ready for the production of Disney on Ice Mickey's Search Party. Getting up close with costuming was one of the coolest experiences. Thousands of Swarovski crystals are set by hand on over 170 costumes for the show. Each day, the costumes are checked over to be sure they look as great as the debut show.
When it comes to makeup, each cast member has a different look that's to be followed. Princesses all have their signature look, while other members of the cast might have something a little more creative.
Fitness 
Each and every cast member has a different but no less important fitness routine that keeps them in shape. Most cast members skate every day if not every other day. Since they are traveling to and from new cities every few days, it can be hard to keep up with everything that's going on and keep a steady fitness routine. Finding gyms in each city and skating as much as possible are what most of the cast do to stay fit to be able to perform each night to their highest ability.
Aerial Straps 
Much like the silks, the aerial straps are for cast members to perform stunts above the ice. In Disney on Ice Mickey's Search Party, the scene is set in The Little Mermaid, with Ariel and Eric performing to "Kiss the Girl." The aerial straps are one of the hardest things I've ever attempted to do, and I've run two half-marathons! You're hanging by your wrists as you swing and glide through the air. You need an immense amount of upper-body strength and stamina to be able to do this.
Hoverboards
The last part of the show I got to experience was how hoverboards are being added in for a new and unique performance. Each hoverboard is made with tiny spikes on the wheels so it actually grabs the ice like football cleats grab the ground to be sure the cast isn't just slipping and sliding around the ice. For the hoverboards, you have to be extremely good at balance and hand-eye coordination. For Disney on Ice Mickey's Search Party, the cast that work with the hoverboards even made up a few new tricks that are sure to please all guests in attendance at the show. It was exhilarating!
Teamwork Is Essential 
As with all jobs, teamwork is essential when it comes to working at Disney on Ice. With so many moving parts and stunts that are very dangerous, everyone needs to be on the same page at the beginning of the day to be sure that every show is safe for the performers and the audience.
Working on the Ice 
Just like the movie Frozen says, "Beautiful! Powerful! Dangerous! Cold!" about ice, it rings true with working on the ice every day. There are so many things that can go wrong while working on the ice. When it comes to learning something new like a stunt or trick, the cast will start by doing the trick on tumbling mats. Then from the tumbling mats, cast members move to practice ice that's a bit more rough and textured than the regular show ice, then they practice the new trick on the slick show ice until it's perfect.
Final Thoughts 
Acting as a Disney on Ice performer for the day was an unforgettable and fascinating experience. Everything from trying out silks and aerial straps to learning how costumes are made and chatting with the performers gave me a newfound appreciation for Disney on Ice and the cast and crew who make every show magical.
