Ice show takes fans on a tour of Disney favorites

BOUNTIFUL — Local skater Janusz McKinnon returns to Salt Lake City with "Disney on Ice: Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey" Nov. 11 doing a job he absolutely loves.

McKinnon, a Woods Cross graduate who started in 2003 with Feld Entertainment, is one of the skaters who will take children and parents on a tour of four destinations filled with characters from "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," "Lilo & Stitch" and "Peter Pan." (Watch for him on Captain Hook's ship.)

McKinnon is in the ensemble, so he is often on the ice, and he plays the role of Mr. Smee in the scenes with Captain Hook.

McKinnon loves what he does and plans to stay with the troupe as long as his body permits.

"I started in 2003 and really had no clue how long I'd be here," he said in an interview with The Deseret News.

He likes the skating. He likes the travel — he's been to more than 50 countries with "Disney on Ice."

"We usually get the first two to three days off in the week and a lot of us will pick up brochures and head out (to tour)," he said. He can't name his favorite place to visit because there are so many choices.

He enjoys returning to Salt Lake City, especially when the ski runs are open.

He also enjoys meeting the young fans who sometimes recognize cast members when they step out to eat.

"This is definitely a dream job. I don't even consider it a real job," he said.

In this year's production Mickey and Minnie Mouse are tour guides visiting the undersea kingdom of the mermaid Ariel and her lobster friend Sebastian, the African pride lands with lion cubs Simba and Nala, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch and the London skies with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

"It's an extraordinary show, and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night," producer Kenneth Feld said. "You really get a sense you are traveling right alongside Mickey, Minnie and their friends."

"Disney on Ice" features an international team of award-winning skaters, original choreography and a musical score full of familiar Disney rock-and-roll classics.

The unconventional mix of music inspired choreographer Cindy Stuart to incorporate new movements like the boisterous pirate line dance.

Also include is more classic skating for David and Nani's touching surf duet and Prince Eric and Ariels tender love scene.