AS the mum of an 11-year-old 'very girlie' daughter there isn't one Disney masterpiece I haven't seen!

From The King and I to Beauty and the Beast, I've learnt the songs, know the characters and bought the merchandise.

But as parents the world-over will appreciate, children these days love a dose of Disney, so you can imagine the scene at the MEN Arena at the weekend where Toy Story -- Disney on Ice was being performed.

From start to end this show was a thrill with an imaginative use of props and a set that only enhanced the performance of the cast in this wonderful children's story about toys which come 'alive'.

With famous characters such as cowboy Woody and space toy Buzz Lightyear, the talent of the cast shone through as they glided around the rink in an assortment of realistic, albeit rather cumbersome, costumes.

And with choreography by Olympic Gold Medallist Robin Cousins the cast performed dance 'tricks' to perfection including high-flying antics and daring car chases.

From 20-plus marching 'toy soldiers' to the lead characters' escape from the hands of a boy with a fascination for matches this show brought the magical world of Disney to life in spectacular form.

And with wonderfully crafted music from the original movie soundtrack, featuring great favourites like You've Got a Friend In Me, the show ran on a high note until the curtain closed.

The only low point of the show was the stalls selling VERY expensive merchandise of the characters -- 'typical', some may say, but annoying for parents all the same -- the expensive truth of Disney dreams!

Disney on Ice at MEN Arena October 6