Ariel & Friends, from “Dream Big,” Disney on Ice, Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 5-8, at Webster Bank Arena.

There was a time when many little girls were conditioned by societal forces to dream about becoming a princess – to be pampered and catered to by a handsome prince. Disney on Ice’s new production, ” Dream Big ,” is described as a collection of “empowering tales” about eight smart and courageous “leading ladies” who are determined to make their dreams come true: Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White.