We have been enjoying Disney On Ice performances for years. When Braeden was little we took him to several shows and then when Amelia became a skater girl herself, we attended performances each year. I always appreciated the spectacle of the performances but once I’d sat rink-side, freezing my butt off, while watching Amelia and the many skaters learning and training, my admiration for the Disney on Ice skaters was elevated even further. After seeing so many shows it takes a lot to wow me but the Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder did just that. It seems fitting that this celebration of a milestone is the best Disney on Ice yet.
Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder review
Yesterday Braeden, Amelia and I watched Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder at the Quodos Bank Arena in Sydney. The show is spectacular. The combination of beloved Disney characters, the skill of the ice skaters, that unmistakable Disney spirit and a few new tricks kept the three of us smiling and entertained for the entire show.
We splurged on buying front row tickets because I knew that this particular Disney on Ice would really appeal to Braeden. It was worth every cent as he was so engaged and had many of the characters waving to him and making eye contact. All the things that make Braeden’s day.
I don’t want to give away too many spoilers but I will say that while the props and skating are exceptional, the unexpected acrobatics and aerial work were what made this particular show a surprise package for us.
Of course all our favourite characters were there including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. Braeden’s wheelchair inched forward with his joy when the Toy Story favourites, Woody, Buzz and Jessie skated onto the ice. It was such an advantage being right near one of the corner stages where the characters jumped up and performed off the ice. We had extended periods with the characters near us. I had Sebastian from the Little Mermaid do a little crab dance on the floor in front of me for my video. The crowd favourite was definitely Frozen with a surround sound cheer heard the minute Olaf made his way out onto the ice.
I’d like to give a big shout out to the Qudos Bank Arena staff. From our arrival we had staff guiding us through the wheelchair accessible entries and a staff member, Brendan, greeted us at the door asking where we were seated and if we needed assistance. At intermission Brendan came over to see if we needed anything. This isn’t the first time we’ve received exceptional service and care from Qudos Bank Arena staff. We had the same care when we attended Monster Trucks earlier this year.
We booked through the Qudos Bank Arena Sensory & Accessibility Booking Enquiries Line on (02) 8765 4321. Staff could not have been more helpful in providing information about best seating and when we had to change the date of our tickets they were happy to do so.
Australian Companion Card is accepted and if your budget can stretch to on the floor seating rink-side, I highly recommend it. The experience was sensational for all of us but Braeden definitely benefited from being so close to the action. After many years since Braeden’s last trip to Disneyland, this provided the perfect Disney fix for him.
I give Disney on Ice Presents 100 Years of Wonder a ten out of ten. Please note, as mentioned above, we paid for our tickets and this is not a sponsored post.
You can see more about Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder on the official website.
I’ll be sharing some videos in our Accessible Sydney Facebook group if you’re not worried about spoilers.
Check out our tip for entry into the Member’s Lounge.
Qudos Bank Arena Member’s Lounge – accessibility and facilities
Super tip for anyone attending Disney on Ice at Quodos Bank Areana.
Disney on Ice is popular so the foyer and main areas of the Quodos Bank Arena are a bit chaotic with so many little people busting at the seams with excitement. If you want a bit of tranquility I have a tip for you. I noticed a tweet the other day from the team at Qudos Bank Arena team inviting all Mouseketeers attending Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder to enjoy the Quodos Bank Arena Member’s Lounge. Usually the lounge is only available to Quodos Bank card holders but for the next few days everyone can enjoy it. So, of course we headed up to level one in the lift and Braeden happily rolled along the red carpet into the lounge.
The tweet must have been missed by the majority of people attending Disney on Ice because we were one of three families enjoying the peaceful oasis of quietness.
The menu is similar to a bar menu but I think for a venue like Qudos Bank Arena it’s fairly priced. Braeden spotted the Krispy Kreme donuts so there was no looking at the menu for anything else.
A unisex stand-alone accessible bathroom is also located within the Qudos Bank Arena Member’s Lounge
Sensory Room / Sensory Accessibility Welcome Packs
Qudos Bank Arena offers a sensory room and sensory packs. When you arrive at the Arena, make your way to the Information Desk located in the Grand Foyer (Entry A) where you can request to be assisted by the Sensory and Accessibility Supervisor. They will be available to answer any of your questions during your visit to Qudos Bank Arena and they will show you to the specially designed Sensory Room, on Level 1 outside Door 21 (Near Lift 7).
You are welcome to use this space whenever you like throughout your visit. Events can be loud and include complex stage lighting effects including strobe and lasers, the Sensory Room is a quieter and more secure environment with low lighting, comfortable seating and fidget toys (spinners and popping fidgets) for you to use.
Accessible Parking at Qudos Bank Arena
If you are arriving early for your performance and have an accessible parking permit, I’d be inclined to try my luck with street parking. I didn’t think to do that and automatically drove into the Wilson car park. It cost us $18 for the three and a bit hours we were there. I recommend parking on level 3 of the parking station as this is street level and you won’t need to wait the lengthy time that is often needed for the lifts. Often as you ascend the ramp you’ll see a sign that says “this level full” I usually take my chances anyway as often the accessible parking is available.
If you head to Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
