'Disney on Ice' skates into Los Angeles

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy

Staples Center hosted an icy wonderland of fairies, lions and race cars last week with the arrival of Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy.

Ian, CC and I were invited to attend opening night, which thrilled CC and fueled her new desire to ice skate.

Characters from Disney/Pixar's "Cars" -- real cars driving around on ice! (Don't people usually do their best to avoid that?) -- Disney's "The Lion King," "Tinker Bell" and "The Little Mermaid" joined the frozen stage alongside CC faves Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.
Although she's never seen the movie, CC kept asking, "Where'd the cars go?" every time Lightning McQueen and Mater drove backstage.

I wasn't sure how Disney would combine so many shows into one larger production, but it was basically broken up into separate, super-condensed stories with a little interaction between "Cars" and the Mickey Mouse mobile. (I guess it was the four-wheel bonding.)

The structure was a nice touch, avoiding any confusion of finding Simba, Timon and Pumbaa in Pixie Hollow rather than the Savannah.

Outside the Staples Center, after the show, we happened upon yet another ice rink at L.A. Live. It was jam-packed and added to the festive downtown atmosphere, which included lighted icicles hanging from the trees, and small toy trains chugging around large planters (right).

Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Fantasy heads to the Honda Center in Orange County Dec. 22-27, then to the Inland Empire's Citizens Business Bank Arena Dec. 30-Jan. 3 before stopping at the Long Beach Arena Jan. 6-10, 2010.