Disney On Ice seeks to charm audiences in Valley with grace

HIDALGO — The sweet and sugary smell of cotton candy along with the salty and buttery scent of popcorn filled the halls here at the Payne Arena on Wednesday as the staff prepared for the first Disney On Ice performance of the week.

It’s Wednesday, and merchandise such as stuffed dolls of the various Disney princesses were on display on either side of the hallway that led to the room where the Disney magic was brought to life, ready to bring light to the eyes of the young and young at heart.

Performers gracefully glided across the ice as they practiced the various stunts they would be performing later that day.

Among the artists was 21-year-old Vanessa Navarro who is a member of the ensemble where she portrays the role of Moana.

The Canadian native explained that she first joined the program in August 2022 after her skating coach suggested she audition for a role.

For Navarro, being a part of Disney On Ice has not only given her the opportunity to develop her skills as a skater but has also allowed her to visit new places while on tour, such as the Rio Grande Valley.

“I was just a competitive figure skater in my small city,” Navarro said with a smile as she talked about how far she’s come.

She explained that being a part of the show gives her the opportunity to bring various characters to life.

“They have so many distinct personality traits that I get to bring to the ice,” Navarro said.

In order to do that, however, she and the rest of the cast have to put in several hours of practice per week. When they’re not performing, they’re rehearsing.

Staying in shape for the show is also important, especially on their days off, she said.

Navarro added that not only is she proud to be a part of Disney as a skater but it also lets her live out her childhood dream of being a Disney character.

She was particularly excited to be a part of this year’s program because one of the focuses of the show is the story from the film “Encanto,” which at the moment happens to be her favorite Disney movie.

In fact, Navarro added that she not only portrays Moana in the show but she is also Mirabel’s (character from Encanto) understudy.

“She’s such a fun-loving character,” Navarro said. “She just has love for her family and she just wants to be part of it and feel special like them, and she’s a goofball and she’s all over the place.”

Her favorite musical number in the show is when the cast performs the song “Family Madrigal,” which introduces the story of “Encanto.”

Although being a part of Disney fun, Navarro explained that the most rewarding part of the show is seeing the beauty of Disney magic.

“My favorite part is getting to interact with the audience and seeing their faces light up when their favorite character comes to the ice,” Navarro added.

Disney On Ice runs through Sunday with performances scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Payne Arena in Hidalgo. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com.