CHILL IS A THRILL ON ICE

December 13, 2017-January 7, 2018

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, California
(800) 437-2934
Chill tickets & hours: queenmary.com

By C. MacDonald

The Queen Mary's CHILL is an exhilarating experience: viewing world class ice sculptures, sliding down a 24-foot ice model of the ship, gliding down ice in a tube or ice skating in front of the real historic vessel.

It's really hard to say who is having more fun skating (at the magical event running through January 5th)—the ice skaters of all skill levels or the professional skaters, who host them. Both groups are smiling and love what they are doing.

"I have a passion for skating and love to see others get that same passion. It happens every day before my eyes," said Jed Hopkins, Ice Skating Manager and champion figure skater who's appeared in Broadway on Ice and other productions. "There's nothing like seeing the first time skaters get the ‘thrill,' like they do at CHILL."

Hopkins, Assistant Manager Naomi Grabow (who's appeared in Disney's Beauty and the Beast On Ice), and Hosts like Patty Martel and China Loza all have a "glow," a presence about them, from their years of competition and performing before the public. They help create a friendly and fun atmosphere.

"I love to see all the smiles on everyone's faces when they're skating for the first time or are seasoned veterans," said Loza, who was part of the National Champion Los Angeles Ice Theater. "It's an unbelievable experience to bring the love of skating and people together outdoors under the historic Queen Mary. Nobody ever forgets it!"

"I can't remember when I've had more fun," said Nora Steinberg from New Jersey. "This is the first time I've been on ice in 30 years!"

"Once you learn something, you can pick it up again," said the vacationer as she skated flawlessly with her grandson, Sandy.

As we talked, heading towards the rink was a Gingerbread character. "Are you skating?" I asked. "Are you kidding, if I fell, I'd crumble," said the chuckling figure as three real toy soldiers marched by.

In the 60-foot by 100-foot rink, it's a delight to watch all levels, from excited beginners building confidence to seasoned pros spinning and showing off their moves under the watchful eyes of on-ice hosts. Everyone fits right in as they joyfully go round and round to the sounds of music, under the adoring "eyes" (holiday light wrapped smokestacks) of the internationally-acclaimed ocean liner.

"Every Tuesday at 8pm, we even show great holiday movies on the big screen in front of the castle at the ice rink," said Melissa Thayer, a ticket agent. "It's so much fun, everyone should see it!"

There are so many things families can do at this incredible festival that it's fast becoming a "legend" in itself. "It's quickly becoming a Southern California tradition," said David Ott, Attractions Supervisor. "People who have revisited CHILL from last year said they love it even more and plan on coming back again and again." (Be sure to check out the Ice Skating Season Pass.)

CHILL has even started to become a "must see" attraction for visitors from around the world. I noticed guests from China, Japan, France, Germany, England, Mexico and Brazil running from one attraction to another.

So much thought has been put into a variety of things your family can do as well as foods you can eat at this "Fantasy Reality of Fun." Find out all about it at queenmary.com/chill.

But make sure your family and friends check it all out before the end of January 5, 2014. It's something you will always remember!