My family has been attending Disney On Ice in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 15 years. I remember taking my kids when they were little, watching their faces light up as their favorite Disney characters glided across the ice. And all these years later, we’re still going.

It’s a show that manages to grow with your family, from toddlers experiencing their first Disney characters to teenagers and young adults who still know every word to the songs. So when I had the opportunity to speak with Aaron, one of the newest Disney On Ice performers, before the show arrived in Fairfax, Virginia, I couldn’t wait to find out what happens behind the scenes! And his story is pretty magical, too.

From a Six-Year-Old Skater to His Disney Dream Job

Aaron’s journey began when he was just six years old. He started as a recreational skater in Austin, Texas, before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, toward the end of 2020 to pursue competitive skating. After several years as a competitive skater, Aaron eventually found his way back to the type of skating that first captured his heart: show skating. He performed with local clubs, discovered how much he loved entertaining an audience and eventually decided to audition for Disney On Ice.

And yes — he calls it his dream job. “There’s no better calling, I feel, for a skater than performing for children and bringing them Disney magic.” – says Aaron. 

There’s something especially fitting about that answer when you consider that Aaron himself grew up watching Disney On Ice.

And now, he’s the one creating those childhood memories for someone else’s kids.

This Isn’t Just Another Ice Show

If you’ve ever watched Disney On Ice, you already know that what happens on the ice is only part of the magic. Behind every perfectly timed jump, character entrance and aerial stunt are months of preparation. For this new show, Aaron says the cast spent about two months rehearsing.And this production takes things to another level.

“There are all kinds of technical elements behind the scenes that make the show extra magical,” he explained.

Those elements include aerial apparatuses, bungees, lanterns and techno cranes — all of which allow performers to move through the air as well as across the ice.

Which brings us to something I definitely hadn’t considered before our conversation:

A Disney On Ice performer doesn’t just warm up on the ice. They warm up in the air, too.

A Day in the Life of a Disney On Ice Performer

Aaron gave me a glimpse into what opening day looks like for the cast. For their Charlotte opening, the performers were getting on the bus around 9 a.m.

Once they arrived, they began warming up on the aerial apparatuses. Each performer gets about 30 minutes to work through the aerial elements before the show. Then there’s a break before returning for ice warm-ups and final preparations. And opening night doesn’t exactly end early.

Aaron says the cast is usually finished around 8 p.m. Then, of course, they pack up and do it all again in the next city. For Aaron, the next stop was Fairfax, Virginia. And that’s where we get to see all that behind-the-scenes work come to life.

What It’s Really Like to Skate in Those Incredible Costumes

One of my favorite parts of every Disney On Ice production is the costuming. The costumes are elaborate, colorful and unmistakably Disney.

But what’s it actually like to perform in them? Aaron’s answer made me laugh.

It’s a little bit of a double-edged sword.

The costumes are beautiful, but…

“Sometimes it can be a tad bit warm.”

I imagine that’s especially true when you’re skating, jumping, spinning and flying through the air.

Still, Aaron says the reaction from the kids makes it completely worth it.

“Being able to put on these costumes for these kids is unlike anything else. To see their smiles…”

And honestly, that’s probably the part of Disney On Ice that never gets old.

Get Ready for Toy Story — and Flying Green Army Men

When I asked Aaron about his favorite part of the new show, his answer was immediate: Toy Story.

And after hearing his description, I’m pretty sure it will become one of our family’s favorites, too.

The Toy Story segment features a red-carpet popcorn spill that the Green Army Men and other toys have to clean up.

But these aren’t your average Green Army Men.

Some of them actually climb down from the ceiling on bungees to help clean up the popcorn! How fun! 

Beauty and the Beast Brings Another Kind of Magic

While Toy Story is Aaron’s favorite segment to perform, there’s another Disney story that leaves him completely captivated:

Beauty and the Beast.

For Aaron, hearing “Tale as Old as Time” performed alongside the show’s pairs skaters is one of the most beautiful moments in the production.

He remembers the first time he saw it himself.

It left him standing there in awe.

As a mom of three Disney-loving kids, I completely understand.

Belle has always been a favorite in our house. My girls have dressed up as Belle for Halloween, we’ve done both Village Belle and the traditional Belle, and my son has even dressed up as the Beast.

The Best Advice Aaron Has for Young Skaters

Perhaps my favorite part of our conversation wasn’t about costumes, aerial stunts or even Disney characters.

It was the advice Aaron has for young skaters who dream of performing professionally one day.

His answer was simple:

“Never say never.”

He knows firsthand that the path can take time.

He started skating at six. He became a competitive skater. He transitioned into show skating. And eventually, he auditioned for the company he had dreamed of performing with.

His advice?

Keep pushing.

Keep trying.

Don’t decide that something is impossible before you’ve given yourself the opportunity to pursue it.

And now he’s living proof of that advice.

“It’s really paid off in the most magical way possible.”

If Aaron Could Be Any Disney Character…

Of course, I couldn’t end an interview about Disney without asking the most important question:

If you could trade places with any Disney character for a day, who would you choose?

After a little thought, Aaron settled on:

Woody.

His reasoning?

The friendships.

Having a close group of friends around you and getting to go on crazy adventures sounds pretty fantastic.

As someone with a house full of Toy Story fans, I couldn’t argue with that choice.

The Magic Is About More Than the Skating

After talking with Aaron, one thing stood out to me:

The magic of Disney On Ice isn’t just about the skating.

It’s about inspiration.

Aaron remembers watching Disney On Ice himself as a child. Now he’s performing on that same ice and inspiring another generation of young skaters.

For families like mine, that’s what makes these shows so special.

We’re not just watching characters we love.

We’re watching talented performers who have worked incredibly hard to create a moment our kids will remember.

And after more than 15 years of attending Disney On Ice, I can tell you firsthand:

The magic really does stand the test of time!

We’ll be cheering for Aaron and the entire cast when Disney On Ice arrives at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax.

And after hearing about the flying Green Army Men, Toy Story adventures, Beauty and the Beast and all the aerial magic happening behind the scenes…

I have a feeling this year’s show is going to be one we won’t forget.

Get your tickets and join in on the fun! 

Disney On Ice is coming to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, and our family can’t wait to experience the newest production firsthand.

If your family has been attending Disney On Ice for years like ours, or you’re considering making it a new family tradition, this show promises plenty of Disney favorites, incredible skating, aerial stunts and magical moments for every generation.

Get full show info and tickets here!

Checkout another Interview with two more talented performers here!