Review: Disney on Ice Toy Story 3

Last week, the wee ones and I had the opportunity to go see Disney on Ice Toy Story 3. Given that Toy Story 3 is the current favorite around here - it's possible that it's actually supplanted Star Wars with Mister Man - I knew it would be a hit.

Which is, of ourse, why I didn't mention to the wee ones that we were headed there until we were on our way. Fortunately, the wee ones "happened" to choose Toy Story 3 t-shirts to wear. Again.

The show finished up at the Allstate and is now playing (through this coming weekend!) at the UC, where family shows have free parking - yet another bonus and reason to go see the show before it moves to the next city (or if you're in another city - check out the list of upcoming shows to see when it's coming to a venue near you)

Little Miss was so excited for the show to begin. She literally couldn't sit in her seat.

It was absolutely adorable how the show started with the toys "stored" in the box headed for the attic.

The show was introduced by the traditional Disney characters - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy - who were "telling" the story of Toy Story to some degree. The first half of the show borrowed bits and pieces from all three movies but wasn't truly any of the movie stories.

That didn't bother the wee ones, who were happy to see all the characters from the Army Men - most of whom "parachuted" onto the ice...

And Hamm!

And of course, Slinky Dog!

Buzz had one of the coolest entrances of all the characters - and yes, they were just about all there - where he "flew" in with his rocket jet pack. The wee ones were in awe.

One of their favorite parts was when Rex was "playing" the video game and finally had Buzz defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg. Good triumphing over evil is always a win - and that was the only time in the show that Zurg was present, fortunately not at all scary for the wee ones.

After intermission, Little Miss's favorite character finally made an appearance. Lotso showed up, and the remainder of the show was primarily focused on the telling of Toy Story 3 - much to the delight of the wee ones.

Personally, my favorite part was the interaction between Barbie and Ken. It was priceless. Completely campy, but purposely so, and I loved it - as did other parents I know who've attended the show so far.

Obviously, there's no way the completely recreate the entire movie on ice, but they did a pretty good job. The dump truck that transported Lotso was awesome and very true to the movie.

That said, there was definitely some license taken with the movie to get it to fit the timeline of the show and the restrictions of live action on ice. The wee ones were fine with it, and best of all - the claw was still there with the alience. It was adorable.

Nonetheless, we had a blast, and I wish the show were coming to Milwaukee soon so we could go see it again. Disney on Ice has yet to disappoint, and I know I'm eagerly looking forward to the next show coming through town.

Still want to see it while it's in Chicago? It's not too late - and there are great discounts available, too. The remaining shows at the UC are:

Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

And once again, you do not need to pay full price to go see the show. If you are looking to go Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, you can get a family four pack of tickets for $44* by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

How? Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

Winners!

It is contest ending time around here again, which of course means that I have more to put up soon - and I will, although I am about to head out to Blissdom next week, so I'm trying to catch up on a ton of things at home so my family has everything they need while I'm gone for five days. Keep watching!

The Avatar Blu-Ray copies - I had two to give away - were won by Michelle (great name, no?) and Cherl F from The Lucky Ladybug. They both have 48 hours to get back to me with their contact information before I select a new winner.

And more locally, I had tickets to give for Disney on Ice's Toy Story 3 that starts this coming Wednesday January 26 at the Allstate Arena. I am so excited to see the show when it moves to the UC on Wednesday February 2. And I hope that Tiaras & Tantrums is looking forward to seeing it with her family four pack of tickets as much as I am! Congrats to her for winning the tickets.

If you didn't, you can still go see Disney on Ice in the next couple weeks - and for a discount, too! Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

That will get you a family four pack of tickets for $44* Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, simply by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

The show dates are:
Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
January 26-30, 2011
Wed, Jan 26 7:00PM
Thu, Jan 27 7:00PM
Fri, Jan 28 10:30AM,7:00PM
Sat, Jan 29 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Jan 30 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM (Spanish language show)

United Center in Chicago, IL
February 2-13, 2010
Wed, Feb 2 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 3 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 4 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 5 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Feb 6 11:30AM, 3:00PM (Spanish language show)
Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

As for the Monster Jam tickets - and oh is Mister Man excited about this one, although I have to admit to being a little nervous about the noise! He can't wait to see all the crashing and smashing and jumping and action of Monster Jam. Brandie from A Journey of 1000 Stitches Begins With Just One... will enjoy the show with her family, as well.

Again, all is not lost if you didn't win. The show will run Friday February 11 at 7:30, Saturday February 12 at 2 and 7:30, and Sunday February 13 at 2 and 7:30.

There are ticket discounts for this show, as well. Use the promo code MOM to save 33% on adult tickets Saturday and Sunday. Children's tickets (I love shows that charge less for children!) are $10 all weekend, and adult tickets are already $10 on Friday night. For the discounted tickets, use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster. Offer only valid on $20 mid-level seats. Not valid the day of the show. Service charges and handling fees may apply. No double discounts.

Congrats to all the winners!

Giveaway: Toy Story 3 On Ice (Chicago)

Three (ha!) guesses what the most popular thing in our house is right now. Toy Story is ruling our lives. We have the Action Links Stunt Set (or at least part of it), and Little Miss has her Buzz Lightyear Build-A-Bear. We've seen the movie untold times. The only toy Little Miss wanted from Disney over Christmas was a Lotso bear who has replaced Snowy as her favorite stuffed animal. The little figures are the ones that come out to play even more than Legos now.

All of that is why I'm not telling the wee ones that Toy Story 3 is coming to Chicago via Disney on Ice. At least not yet. I don't think I could handle the level of pandemonium that would errupt. We've been to several Disney on Ice shows from Feld Entertainment, and we've loved every one of them. I know this one won't be any different. Really, they could just have Buzz and Woody skate out and around the ice once, and the wee ones would be thrilled.

Knowing Feld, the show will go far above and beyond that, however!

In fact, I think Feld described the show better than I ever could: The summer’s biggest hit movie, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to your hometown! Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever! A few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down at Woody’s Roundup. Rediscover the humor, friendship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

And it's coming to Chicago. Soon, in fact! Once again, it will start at the Allstate Arena and then move to the United Center. The shows are:

Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
January 26-30, 2011
Wed, Jan 26 7:00PM
Thu, Jan 27 7:00PM
Fri, Jan 28 10:30AM,7:00PM
Sat, Jan 29 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Jan 30 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM (Spanish language show)

United Center in Chicago, IL
February 2-13, 2010
Wed, Feb 2 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 3 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 4 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 5 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Feb 6 11:30AM, 3:00PM (Spanish language show)
Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

And once again, you do not need to pay full price to go see the show. If you are looking to go Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, you can get a family four pack of tickets for $44* by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

How? Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

Are you excited to go yet? I know I can't wait to go! But you could win a family four pack of tickets to the opening night performance at the Allstate Arena at 7pm on Wednesday January 26. How?

First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Monday January 17 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me who your favorite Toy Story character is.

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Do you love Toy Story 3? Win a family 4 pack to Disney on Ice in Chicago from @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/hh0uDt" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.

Good luck!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received tickets to attend Disney on Ice's Toy Story 3 performance for review purposes only, and there was no additional compensation. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Toy Story 3 Action Links Stunt Set

I had ten children in my house again yesterday - on purpose, mind you. We had received a giant box filled with Toy Story 3 Action Links Stunt Sets, and we were having a party! And today? The wee ones are still playing with the pieces we didn't give away to attendees.

I had a feeling the Toy Story 3 party was going to be a success. The wee ones love Toy Story. The two Toy Story rides at Disney are their favorites. We go on them over and over again. And when they got to choose a nightly movie when we were in Florida in August? Every. Single. Night. They chose Toy Story.

I'll be honest that I haven't seen Toy Story 3 yet, but of course my parents bought the movie the day it came out, so they've seen it ... a few times. I actually know a fair amount about the movie from all that I've heard, and the Action Links Stunt sets are based on scenes from the movie, which is pretty cool.

As I started putting the toys together before the party, the wee ones brought the boxes to me "in order" - because they knew exactly what happened first, second, third, etc. Needless to say, I put together the very massive junkyard set first. The instructions have no words, just pictures and arrows pointing. I personally could have used some words. That or some more sleep. My biggest pet peeve with the stunt sets was the boxes. They are pyramidal, which means there's no way to open them and get the insides out without destroying the box. I hate having to work hard to open toys.

(Note, this is not a funky angled shot - the box is shaped this way)

It took me awhile to get the hang of putting the sets together, but I did get all five that we were sent together within about forty-five minutes. They were put in order of the movie, but the cool thing about the Action Links Stunt sets is that you can set them up in any order and with one set or with all of them. That means you can invest as little or as much money - and effort - in playing with the toys, as you want.

Once I got it all set up, it was actually pretty impressive. Fortunately, the connecting parts for each piece of the set allows you to turn it in almost a complete circle, so you can set up the set(s) to fit just about any space or room configuration.

The stunt sets come with the figures that were key in that part of the movie, so there is plenty to play with, something I appreciate. All too often, you have to buy separate figures for the toys. There are also supplemental Buddy Packs with two figures from Toy Story 3 - and there is just about every combination you can think of available. The wee ones would probably have been happy just playing with the Buddy Packs, but ohhhh did the Action Links Stunt sets add to the fun!

With ten children playing, it was hard to get the full domino effect totally set up before someone would accidentally (or on purpose) set off one piece of it or another. That was ... mildly frustrating to some of the children because we never did get it to go from start to finish. Had there only been two or three children (which there are now!), it would have worked far better.

That said, everyone at the party had a blast, I think. I'd made cardboard sheriff stars to decorate once the kids got bored with the Toy Story 3 figures. We never did more than pass them out when the kids walked in (Mister Man proudly ran to the table and handed one to each child as they arrived). I did manage to feed a few of them snacks, but I think that's more because of the time and the fact that they were so hyped up!

The end result? I wish that the triggers were less sensitive so that setup were easier. And it would be nice if the instructions were more clear. And there were a couple elements that were a little touchy - the conveyor belt on the junkyard didn't always wind well, and the claw from the junkyard sometimes dropped early so that it missed the next trigger point. But the wee ones? This is the only toy they want to play with now. They played with it after the party until they went to bed, and it's the only thing they've touched today.

I think I know what Santa might be bringing!

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with the toys for the Toy Story 3 Action Links Stunt set party by MomSelect and Mattel for ten children, of which the vast majority were given to away to party attendees. I received no compensation, and all opionions expressed are my own.