Some shows entertain you, and then there are those that transport you somewhere inside yourself. Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, now showing at SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria, does exactly that. Bringing together beloved Disney characters from classic favourites and modern hits, the production combines world-class skating, aerial artistry, spectacular visuals and the songs we all know by heart into a wonderfully uplifting experience.
From the opening sequence, I was gently drawn in. The clever idea of searching for Tinker Bell while journeying through different Disney worlds created a wonderful sense of anticipation that built as the show progressed. Every time a story ended, we found ourselves guessing which characters would glide onto the ice next.
The performances are exceptional. The skaters and performers move with precision, and the aerial numbers had the audience holding its breath on more than one occasion. The lighting design deserves special mention too, particularly the glow-in-the-dark moments, which transformed the arena into a magical world.
Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party This Holiday Season
The songs became some of our biggest highlights. When the Frozen segment began and “Let It Go” filled the arena, we sang our hearts out. Watching Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy share the ice with favourites from Moana, Coco, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and even Stitch made every scene feel like a celebration. Donald Duck was always my favourite growing up, so seeing him skate onto the ice made my heart do a little happy dance.
What stayed with me most was how beautifully the show rekindled that childlike sense of wonder. It is warm, uplifting and whimsical, reminding us why Disney’s stories continue to resonate generation after generation.
Be sure to leave time to browse the cool range of merchandise in the foyer before heading home.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is now showing at SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria until 5 July 2026, before moving to the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town from 10 July. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.co.za and Showtime.co.za.