when you wish upon a star...

So the one-week March holidays are here, and what better way to start them off than with a bit of Disney! Disney on Ice is in town, with their almost-two-hour show Princesses & Heroes. 

I don't know what it is about Disney productions that always make me tear up; the last time we were at Disneyland, I teared up as soon as Sleeping Beauty's castle came into view. I think it has to do with the whole childhood thing; you know, like in that song Toyland: Childhood's joy land / Mystic merry Toyland / Once you pass its borders / You can never return again... When you've grown up my dears / And are as old as I / You'll laugh and ponder on the years / That roll so swiftly by / That roll so swiftly by...

Well anyway... Disney always brings a smile to the faces of children, and that's always a lovely thing. The Disney on Ice show brings all the usual Disney favourites to life, and when you live in 32-degree heat year round, there's always a vicarious pleasure in seeing a bunch of people cavorting about in an ice rink.

Yes, it has to start with the mice. Minnie was one of the show's hosts.

The classic interpretation of Middle Eastern life in the 8th century (though theoretically Aladdin was set in China).

It can't be easy skating in that puffy blue thing.

Yep, the seven gigantic dwarfs.

Belle does the cancan with some cutlery and a giant candelabra.

You gotta love how they just keep on smilin'.

Our favourite, Ariel. Honestly, I think she's the only one of the Disney princesses who does anything strong or brave, and anyway, everyone loves mermaids right?

Yes. Creatures of the deep.

Those little kids won something or got their parents to spend a thousand bucks to give them a couple of minutes in that boat. I love the whole posture of that mermaid with her hand on her hip.

Yes, they are what you think.

Prince Phillip in chains. Later, with his Sword of Truth and Shield of Virtue, he fights Maleficent in dragon form (and wins of course, yay).

Sigh, every girl's dream date. Maybe not with the wire cage, but certainly with someone who treats you with all the care, respect and courtesy you deserve.

Tinkerbell at the show's finale. Fireworks came out of that thing, which was pretty cool.

Satisfied customers. 

This was the first time we'd been to this train station. It looks quite Star-Trekky, don't you think?

Random shot taken by Beck. Honestly, I do look a lot more friendly in real life.

Waiting for dinner. Becky explains the ticket's fine print to Ro.

I'm glad the kids always want sushi rather than McDonald's.

Becky does her maki face.

Ro is getting good with chopsticks! 

Thank you Lord for such a lovely day!