Disney On Ice - great show this year in Nottingham

So were you expecting Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Pluto? So were we - but they were merely the warm up act with this year's Disney on Ice going from strength to strength from beginning to end.

Despite being firm favourites they only set the scene for a series of superb set-pieces which proved much better than previous years' efforts.

And what's more there was something for everyone, with the vehicles from Cars sliding around the rink, an undersea adventure with Ariel, a Tink-tastic tale with everyone's favourite fairy - and then an amazing second half with all our favourites from Toy Story.

Each set tells a familiar story, so even if you weren't all that familiar with every nuance of the Disney stable, it's easy to follow what's going on!

Amazingly, the first story, from Cars, saw real vehicles slip-sliding around as they rescued Mickey's charabanc from a breakdown. Not many ice skates in evidence but a beautifully choreographed section with characters that look just like the real thing. I never knew that Lightning McQueen, Mater and the others were real, so it was an eye-opener for me!

Then came the first of the ice dancers - with the tale of Ariel looking for her Eric. Prince Eric? There's hope for us all in that case, isn't there? As we know only too well, Ursula's deal becomes Ariel's choice. But of course it all ends happily ever after.

Tinkerbell's changed a lot since those early days being a pugnacious rebel in Peter Pan. She's joined by a whole host of fairy friends who the little girls in the sold-out Arena all knew the names of before they introduced themselves. We got some 'real' flying to wow the crowds, and dozens of little 'uns out there were wishing they had wings, too. If your princess one loves the likes of Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Fawn, book your tickets now!

Oddly, the second half was just a single story but flew by.

It was, of course, a Toy Story. Toy Story 3 to be precise, the one where Andy says goodbye to his pals. But not before they've done some magnificent set-pieces, the most impressive being dozens of little green toy soldiers doing their moves on the ice. But there's Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Slinky, Barbie and Ken alongside Woody and Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang.

There's no expense spared with this show, and every character is perfectly crafted to transport you into the worlds of fantasy it promises across the ticket.

Disney on Ice, Nottingham Arena

If you're a fan of Disney's favourite stories, this was the night to get out with the kids to see the best of the last 100 years – yes, 100 years – of magic.

Full of memorable music and lyrics, this show brought the usual two-dimensional experience to full-colour 3D life.

It's a hit because all of the children can sing along, and so can the adults.

We enjoyed a whole host of Disney legends, including Aladdin, Nemo, many of the princesses, and the cast of Toy Story, who after their recent cinematic outing got the biggest cheer of the night.

The sound quality didn't help much, though.

The It's a Small World number brought the first half to a successful close, revisiting the opening day of Disneyland Park in 1955. The colourful celebration of fun worldwide for children everywhere hit the spot, the moral of the story being that everyone shares the same hopes and dreams. Proof indeed that the magic of Disney brings everyone together.

The second half featured a skit from Mickey Mouse, then and appearance by Pinocchio, with some of the youngsters a little confused by Jiminy Cricket, as he's not on the telly much nowadays – but they went along with it, because the adventures were so good.

Mulan and The Incredibles built the excitement up until we had the musical climax with classics from The Lion King.

The finale brought all the main characters back onto the ice for their farewell, then the biggest spectacular surprise – fireworks from the famous Disney castle.

All in all, a good night, even if we were left wondering where Tinkerbell was!

Disney Live - Trent FM Arena

There's often a feeling that Disney's live shows are a little too saccharine-sweet for the discerning palate.

If the all-pervading scent of candy floss and popcorn that hits you as you walk in the Arena doors takes your mind off the commercial opportunities as you find your seat, you can sit back and enjoy a show that's really rather good.

But when it's £9 (minimum) to have your photo taken and choccy buttons are £2.50 a bag, it's a relief to sit down unscathed.

Fortunately, as soon as it's curtain-up, all this is forgotten, because – quite simply – we are transported into the wonderful world that's Disney.

It IS truly magical when you're six and four, like my two are, and I was pleased to see my favourite, Goofy, was first on stage to tell us about the magical story book that has been discovered in Mickey's house.

Along with Donald, Mickey and Minnie, he introduces the stories of three of our favourite princesses, Snow White, Cinderella and Belle.

And yes, it is something special to see the seven dwarfs doing their "Heigh Ho!" routine, and watch the Queen quiz her magic mirror about who is the fairest of them all…

Incidentally, it was the evil Queen during that brief exchange that got most of the flash-bulbs in the sparse crowd.

A slick all-singing, all-dancing show that your little princesses (and princes) will fall in love with.