Disney characters heat up the ice; skiers on a magic carpet, fall for Falls' New Year's Eve and Santa at sea

   One-Tank Trip for Dec. 21/13

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The Disney characters take to the ice in Toronto and London, skiers can go on a magic-carpet ride, fall for the New Year at the Falls and join Santa at sea on Lake Ontario.

   Disney for the holidays

   “High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends are just a wish away,” publicist Beth Merrick says.

   It all happens as Disney On Ice presents Princesses and Heroes now through Dec. 29 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. disneyonice.com

Snow White (Lauren Anderson) wishes for the day her prince will come in Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes. (Photo: Feld Entertainment Inc.)

   “Watch in awe” as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana come true.

   The show has Ariel yearning to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric breaking Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his true love.

   Prince Philip battles the evil Malificent as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race to rescue Sleeping Beauty's Aurora.

Minnie and Mickey

   And, there’s a whole new world to discover with Jasmine and Aladdin in the almost two-hour show. Ticket prices start at $28; Ticketmaster.ca; 1-855-985-5000

   Disney On Ice is back with Passport to Adventure at London’s Budweiser Gardens from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2.

   Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy journey to the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch.

The fire-breathing dragon in Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes. (Photo: Feld Entertainment Inc.)

   En route, show-goers explore the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends; tour London, England with Peter Pan and Wendy; and visit Lilo and Stitch in Hawaii.

   Tickets start at $14.75 (Upper Bowl) and there’s a $16.75 flat rate on opening day. budweisergardens.com/special-offers/disney-ice-passport-adventure; (519) 667-5741; (519) 667-5744

  

   Magic carpet ride

   Barrie’s Horseshoe Valley Resort has a new “magic carpet lift” and online store, says publicist Kate Hillyar of Skyline Hotels & Resorts.

   Aptly named Kimble’s Karpet after Martin Kimble a retired Horseshoe staff member, the lift is “enhancing the experience of beginner skiers and snowboarders, making the hill more accessible.”

Having winter fun at Horseshoe Valley Resort.

   Horseshoe general manager Sean Billing said the resort is “constantly improving on the experience of beginners” and the lift is reducing wait times.

   The resort has 26 ski runs for all ability levels, a terrain park and 35 kilometres of groomed Nordic ski trails.

   There’s now an online store to buy season passes, book lift tickets and lessons with the new Horseshoe MultiSport Academy. horseshoeresort.com; 1-855- 397 2431

   Saying hello to 2014

   Demi Lovato, Serena Ryder and Sam Roberts headline the Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve bash at Queen Victoria Park, says publicist Stephen Murdoch.

   “Celebrate the coming of 2014 in style, dancing outdoors to world-class music with the iconic backdrop of Niagara Falls, setting the perfect scene for a New Year’s Eve like no other,” he added.

   The park by the Falls will be packed with 50,000 revellers for the free party with music along with fireworks at 9 p.m. and midnight.

   “We’ve got the big bash in the park, live music, two casinos, top-notch restaurants and all the beauty and charm of Niagara wine country,” said Anthony Annunziata of the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa and the Marriott Gateway on the Falls.

   Both hotels offer packages with a New Year’s Eve bash and accommodations overlooking the Falls. niagarafallsmarriott.com; 1-888-501-8916; and marriottgatewayonthefalls.com; 1-800-618-9059

   Cruisin’ Santa

   Santa takes to the high seas of Lake Ontario during Winterfest presented by the Toronto Port Authority continuing this weekend, says publicist Peter Ashworth.

  Pooches can get their photos taken with Santa at Winterfest in Toronto.

   Families can join Santa and his elves on two cruises today and two tomorrow (Dec. 21 and 22) aboard Mariposa Cruises’ Northern Spirit , docked at the foot of York Street.

   Children can have a free picture taken with Santa onboard during the one-hour cruise. Tickets are $14 in advance online for adults; $17 at the pier; no charge for children to age six. Book at mariposacruises.com; (416) 203-0178

   Pets can have their photo taken with Santa ($10) at PawsWay at 245 Queens Quay W. and see a dog-sledding demonstration and the Woofjocks Canine All Stars.

   Take a skate on the Natrel Rink behind York Quay Centre at Harbourfront and children can decorate a gingerbread cookie in Queen’s Quay Terminal. waterfrontbia.com; (416) 596-9821

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca

www.torontosun.com/2013/12/17/discover-the-magic-of-disney-on-ice-in-toronto
www.calgarysun.com/2013/12/17/discover-the-magic-of-disney-on-ice-in-toronto
www.canoe.ca/Travel/Canada/2013/12/17/21342701.html