REVIEW: Disney On Ice, Toy Story 3

As a parent, there are certain things you end up doing that you probably wouldn't do otherwise. It's part of the job.

One of those things is going to movies and shows that you just have to grit your teeth over and hope it's not going to turn into a candy-coated event that will make you want to run for the exit when it's over.

Luckily, Disney On Ice's presentation of "Toy Story 3" wasn't one of those times.

This wasn't my first go-round with the touring ice show, which will be at Ontario's Citizens Business Bank Arena for nine shows Dec. 28-Jan. 1. I had taken my niece some 10 years ago, for the performance of Toy Story 2, so I had an idea of what I was getting into with my son this time around at Honda Center this week.

Of course, the show is geared for the younger crowd, and my 4-year-old was excited to see all his favorite characters as they took the ice. The smiles he was generating when Woody, Rex, Slinky Dog and the gang skated out. And all the characters feature recordings from most of the original cast (the program credits show that Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are the main ones missing).

It is split into two acts, the first half focusing on the characters and their past, with the second focusing on the toys trip to day care and escape.

The show itself features numbers based on scenes from all three movies, including songs from the soundtracks as well as high energy pop music. All the performances, including group numbers, are solid. Ken and Barbie, having just met in the show, put on a solid pairs skate that should satisfy fans of figure skating as well.

The show runs about two hours, including the intermission to resurface the ice. My son stayed pretty calm and into it the entire time, but did begin to tire a little just after intermission.

The one thing parents should be warned about, however, is the gauntlet they will run with their children.

The concourse area and stands are crawling with items for sale that your child will want. Everything from toys featuring all the characters and sweets and snacks that comes packaged with a toy -- cotton candy comes with a hat featuring the green aliens and snow cones packed into cups in the shape of Buzz, Jessie and the green aliens (Woody is on a bottle). And all the items come with a price ... but thinking back to my previous experience, the prices don't seem like they have gone up much in the 10 years.