It’s become a fall tradition: A talented bunch of ice skaters head to Spokane, transform themselves into princesses and princes, toys and genies, snowmen and mermaids, and entertain crowds of all ages.
This year will be no different.
“Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment” glides into the Spokane Arena on Thursday for a four-day run.
Last year’s show centered on the massive hit film “Frozen,” and this year’s “Worlds of Enchantment” brings back Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf. Also along for the show are Mater and Lightning McQueen from “Cars,” Ariel and friends from “The Little Mermaid” and Woody, Buzz and Jessie from the “Toy Story” movies.
Here are five things to know about Disney on Ice: “Worlds of Enchantment”:
1. The touring company features 40 skaters who rehearsed a total of 500 hours before heading out on the road. The tour began in September and will extend through May 2017 before heading overseas.
2. Among the materials used to create “Worlds of Enchantment” are 2,000 yards of fabric to make the three costumes each cast member wears. Each costume is made up of four to eight pieces. The tires sported by Lightning McQueen and his friends are filled with foam, to allow for ice spikes to be affixed to improve traction on the ice.
3. The cars are custom-made chassis with fiberglass bodies reinforced by steel frames. Molded rubber mouths allow the cars to “talk,” and pneumatic pistons and cylinders allow the cars to jump and down.
4. The gear for the show travels from location to location in 10 trucks. Setup takes half a day, while breakdown can be done in three to four hours.
5. As this is a Disney on Ice show, there’s sure to be an appearance by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.
