Disney On Ice performers are gearing up for a weekend of performances at Orlando’s Amway Center, but they took time to visit with local skaters in Maitland ahead of the shows.
Six of the stars featured in Disney On Ice present “Road Trip Adventures” — which has six Orlando shows Sept. 2-4 — stopped by the RDV Ice Den Wednesday to spend time with Gliding Stars of Central Florida. The organization works with individuals with disabilities through skating, sometimes using adaptive equipment.
“Learning how to skate is one of the main goals, but it’s an opportunity to interact with others, a chance to develop physically and emotionally, to develop friendships and get out in the community,” said Christopher Torchia, the Gliding Stars of Central Florida treasurer.
At the start of the session, the Disney On Ice stars joined the Gliding Stars in chanting, “I can do this!” Then it was off to the ice to practice and have fun.
The performers took turns showing off spins and spending time with the Gliding Stars, holding hands, exchanging smiles and sharing moments together.
Disney On Ice tour coordinator Hugh Rial said community outreach is part of spreading the magic of this show.
“Disney On Ice is always very thrilled to do anything we can for the community,” he said. “Outreach is one of the things that we love to do.”
Performer Chase Donelson, who is joining Disney On Ice for his fifth year, dazzled the small audience gathered by hydroblading with his face inches from the ground. The skater said he’s excited to debut the show in Orlando on the company’s first stop of this tour.
“We’ve been rehearsing for almost three months to get ready for this first performance at Amway Center this weekend … I love getting to share my passion for figure skating and Disney with the community,” he said. “It’s a spectacular show, there are highflying aerial acts and things you’ve never seen before.”
If you go
Disney On Ice presents “Road Trip Adventures” with shows at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 3; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sept. 4 at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. Tickets start at $25 each before taxes and fees. For more information, visit disneyonice.com or amwaycenter.com.
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