From Janet Cox of Disney Parks Blog:
Have you ever wanted to ice skate through a winter wonderland, but you live in a warmer place (like sunny Southern California) and don’t own a pair of skates? If so, I have some exciting news for you! Tinker Bell and her pixie sister, Periwinkle, will soon bring a whole new experience to the Disneyland Resort. A new ice skating rink at the Downtown Disney District will allow guests to skate right into the world of Tinker Bell to celebrate the October 23 release of Disney “Secret of the Wings”! The new ice rink will soon begin limited operation, with a grand opening to follow on October 23.
This magical ice skating rink will be located between AMC 12 Theatres and the ESPN Zone, and will invite guests of all ages to glide along to special music and lighting effects. Skates will be available for rent, and helmets and wrist guards will be provided and required for each skater’s safety.
And starting November 12, a special holiday village will surround the rink, with themed chalets where guests can purchase seasonal foods and merchandise. Come stretch your wings and your skating legs at the new “Secret of the Wings” ice skating rink this fall and during the holiday season at the Downtown Disney District!
UPDATE 10/22/12
Helmets will be required for all skaters on the rink
Is this rink going to be real or synthetic ice and are helmets really going to be required for all skaters, including adults? For someone who is very used to ice skating, a helmet can be more of a hazard than protection. It can offset someone's balance and cause falls.
These are the only details that have been released from Disney. For now we'll have to wait on additional info to be posted, or for the rink to open to find out more.
Disney has opened the rink & helmets are required by all skaters.
I was all set to bring my skates and have a blast. But seriously, helmets? Ice skaters rarely hurt their heads when they fall. And I mean first-timers of all ages. If anything, slightly bruised knees or hips are more likely, and that's all part of the fun! What has this country become? We are a soft people.
I don't believe that Seaworld's "ice" skating required protective wear lol though I can't quite recall as I don't like ice skating on the east or west coast.
Agreed. It's stunning what lawsuits and lawyers have done to our entire society. Reminds me of the recent Jungle Cruise additions.
I called and spoke to someone from Downtown Disney and told them the real dangers in ice skating are knees, hips, back and elbows, not your head, but he still didn't budge. I told him others had objections to the helmet requirement, but he said he didn't know about any. I would encourage anyone who feels strongly against wearing helmets to call Disney. Maybe if they had a bunch of people against that policy, they might change it.
Sounds like fun! Are there plans do do any little shows or exhibitions there too?
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