'Disney on Ice': Disney characters bring magic to KeyBank Center

By Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

In “Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto” the glittery snow of Arendelle and the warm joy of a casita in the mountains of Colombia are part of the magic sprinkled on the audience.

“Disney on Ice” skates into Buffalo with shows from Jan. 22-25 at KeyBank Center. Performances will include the ice show, as well as a preshow “Character Experience Show.”

Galilea Villanueva, who is a host for “Disney on Ice,” explained, “We have a character experience show an hour before the ice show. People are able to come in, draw, play games, and they’re able to meet the characters Elsa and Mirabel in the meet-and-greet during our preshow.

“We start the show. We tell the guests a little about what we’re doing. We take them into the magic of Arendelle and Encanto, and then we present the characters. They come in to meet everyone,” Villanueva said.

When asked how she introduces characters, Villanueva said, “If we were starting with Elsa, we would tell everyone to close their eyes and imagine a snowy world. I would say that my hands feel a little bit frozen. When I say ‘frozen,’ we have our beautiful Elsa come in, make a grand entrance, and then come greet everyone.”

Villanueva explained, “We have Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and we have them present our first story, which is ‘Frozen,’ and it takes us to the magical world of Arendelle, where we have one of our beautiful funny friends named Olaf that comes in to start the story. We watch Anna rekindle her sisterhood, while meeting other funny friends like Fen. We have Olaf come in again, and we have Kristoff come in and do their fun number.

“Once that is done, we have our second act, which is ‘Encanto,’ where they take us to a tropical world, and we have Mirabel and her heartfelt story that shows them how to save her family, the Madrigals. She rekindles her friendship with her grandma and her sisterhood with her sister, Luisa.”

“Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto” images courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

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Feld Entertainment, which produces and presents live touring family entertainment experiences, noted, “Narrating the captivating story of ‘Frozen’ is Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer. Astounding ice-skating transports families to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristoff and Sven take fans along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer.”

When asked what she wanted audiences to take away from this show, Villanueva said, “There’s so much love in this show. I really feel that’s what they should take away, that friendship is so important and family is important. But not just that. There are so many laughs. In ‘Encanto,’ a group of dancing donkeys comes out. I think it’s one of my favorite acts in the show. It is hilarious. So, there’s a lot of love and there’s a lot of laughter, too, that comes with the show.”

Villanueva, who said she has been with “Disney on Ice” since August 2025, said, “I’ve always wanted to see the looks, the gasps from the kids, from the adults that come watch everything because I want them to be able to feel what I feel when I’m performing. I love what I do, and there’s so much passion and happiness to it. When I see that in them, I know that I’m doing it right. Doing it with Disney means you’re bringing in Elsa and Mirabel, which are these kids’ idols and some of these adults love them, as well. So, when you’re able to see that joy in their faces, you just know you’re doing it right.”

“Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto” images courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

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Villanueva said traveling with “Disney on Ice” has given her a different perspective on life and on her role as a performer.

“I love to host, and I saw the call. And I was like why not? Let’s do it. Let’s take a chance. And then, I got it, and I feel like my life has changed with all of this traveling,” she said. “You meet so many new people. You meet people you’re going to be friends with for the rest of your life. It’s an amazing opportunity and it really is magical. Disney really is magical.

“Honestly, I feel like before coming on with Disney, I worked a lot and didn’t take time to appreciate the people that I saw around me,” Villanueva said. “During this tour, I’ve made so many friends. They genuinely make me happy, and I am with them every single day. If I’m ever feeling down, I know that I can message my friends, and we can go explore the city and do something really fun. Right now, my friends are bringing me happiness, and I am going to work every single day and seeing the smiles on the families’ faces.”

Villanueva, who is originally from San Diego, said touring has offered her opportunities to visit many cities and to see interesting places. One of those cities was Manchester, New Hampshire, where “Disney on Ice” performed from Jan. 8-11. She said, “I’ve never seen snow fall so beautifully. It really feels like Disney in the city. The snow is so beautiful. I feel like I’m in Arendelle and that Elsa is with me right now.”

When she is not performing, Villanueva enjoys painting, drawing, and a variety of crafts, as well as dancing.

“I love to do hip-hop, jazz, ballet. I’m trained in most styles, so I love to do it all,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva said she would encourage everyone to come and see the show: “I think they are going to have to come and see it for themselves, to see what the magic is all about.”

“Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto” images courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

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Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 22-23; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Jan. 24; and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jan. 25, at KeyBank Center, One Seymour H. Knox III Plaza, Buffalo.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office. When families attend the “Character Experience Show,” they will be able to bring their personal devices for photo opportunities. She added, “Each guest, ages 2 and up, must have both a ‘Character Experience’ ticket and a ‘Disney On Ice’ show ticket to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult.”

For specific Buffalo local event information, visit www.disneyonice.com/frozen-and-encanto/buffalo-ny-keybank-center.

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