Planning For Disney On Ice – Everything You Need to Know!

This week, we’re covering everything you need to know before attending Disney On Ice!

World-class figure skating combines with Disney showmanship to bring you this family-friendly performance.  During Disney On Ice, expect to see incredible tricks and stunts delivered by beloved characters from popular Disney films.

Disney On Ice is the perfect way to get a dose of Disney in between theme park visits!  The kids love seeing their favorite characters performing to their favorite songs.  And while there, you feel surrounded by Disney magic – just like at the theme parks!

We’ve attending several Disney On Ice performances in the past, and the whole family has always had a wonderful time!  This past Christmas, I saw Disney On Ice was returning to our city, and I knew I had to get tickets. 

I created printable Disney On Ice tickets on Canva to use as stocking stuffers for the kids.  Even though our actual tickets are on my phone, I figured it would be more exciting for the kids to receive a physical ticket! I included each of my kids’ favorite characters on their personal ticket. 

You can download printable tickets for all of the current Disney On Ice performances below!

Disney On Ice is a fantastic outing for the whole family, but if you’re a first-time visitor, these helpful tips will ensure you have the most magical time!

* This post contains affiliate links.  This means, if you click a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!

General Ticket Info

Ticket prices start at $20 per person and increase for preferred seating.  All guests aged two and older require a ticket.

You also have the option to purchase a Disney Character Experience add-on to your ticket.  This 45-minute experience is available for select shows and includes interactive time with the characters!

* Pro Tip: Reserve your tickets early for the best seats!

I’m signed up for Disney On Ice email updates, so I get alerts about upcoming shows, presales, and special offers.  This allows us to snag the best seats available in our price range as soon as they are available.  You can become a Disney On Ice Insider by signing up HERE!

Suitable For All Ages

As I mentioned before, we’ve attended Disney On Ice several times over the years with ages ranging from infant to teenager.  In our experience, Disney On Ice is an event the whole family enjoys!

One of the most memorable performances we attended was with our six-month-old daughter.  I was nervous she might get restless during the performance, but that little girl absolutely LOVED it!  She boogied to the music and marveled at the characters on the ice. 

The show is very engaging for even the youngest audience members, and it’s amazing to watch them experience the magic of Disney through their eyes.  So, the point I’m trying to make is, if you’re on the fence about bringing your little one – they may surprise you!  You know your child best, and if they will enjoy this type of performance.

Set Expectations For Characters

Not every Disney character will appear in every Disney On Ice performance.  Before selecting tickets, make sure you know which characters will be the focus of the show so you can prepare your little one. 

The most recent show we attended was Mickey’s Search Party.  This show features popular Disney characters from Moana, Frozen, Coco, and Toy Story.  And, of course, Mickey and the gang!  This was my son’s first visit to Disney On Ice, so I was really excited he’d be able to see his favorite Toy Story characters.

You will also want to make sure your children understand this won’t be a typical meet-and-greet situation unless you purchased the Character Experience add-on.  Some children may feel disappointed they can’t run up to give Elsa or Mirabel a hug if they weren’t prepared beforehand.

Choose the Right Showtime

During our most recent Disney On Ice experience, showtimes ranged from 10am to 7pm.  Be sure to choose a showtime with your kiddo’s schedule in mind! 

If you have a late riser, you may want to avoid the earliest show.  Conversely, if you aim for an 8pm bedtime, then the 7pm showtime may be too late for your little one.  You will also want to consider your kiddo’s naptime needs and schedule around those.

I was so excited to bring my four-year-old daughter to Disney On Ice to see Elsa and Anna.  However, she was so pooped by intermission she slept through the entire second half of the show that featured her favorite characters.  Such a bummer!  

Keep your regular schedules in mind before purchasing those tickets.

Show Duration

Disney On Ice performances are typically 1.5 hours to 2 hours and include a 15–20-minute intermission. 

But keep in mind the added time for venue arrival and parking, going through security, finding seats, and navigating the post-show crowds.  This extra time can add up, and require patience from all of us, but particularly our little ones. 

Familiarize Yourself With Venue Rules

All venues have their own policies in place, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the following:

• What are the bag policies?  Are diaper bags allowed?
• Can I bring in outside snacks and drinks for the kids?
• Will I have to pay for parking?
• Do they accept cash and/or major credit cards?

I’ve seen families turned away from the venue for violating their bag policy.  Walking back to the car and returning to a long security line is not a fun way to start your Disney On Ice experience!

Dressing Up Is Encouraged!

You will see plenty of kids in costumes at a Disney On Ice performance – particularly little princesses!  Guests 14 and older are not permitted to wear costumes, but you can still don your favorite Disney gear.  So, bring those Minnie Ears and your favorite spirit jersey or Disneybound and get in on the fun!

Also, keep in mind the venue can be a bit chilly.  Plan to wear layers just in case!

Arrive Early

Depending on your venue, doors may open as early as an hour before the show starts.  It’s a good idea to arrive early, so you can secure a decent parking spot.

At our venue, guests also need to go through security and have bags checked.  This can take a while, and in our area that means standing outside in the frigid temps.  By arriving early, you can hopefully avoid peak crowds.  Then, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the vendors and grab some snacks before the show!

Prepare For Glow Toys!

Glow toys abound at Disney On Ice, and the vendors sell a ton of them.  However, they are expensive!  If you know your kiddo will want one (and they aren’t in the budget) you purchase a cheaper one and bring it with you.

Here are some fun ones on Amazon!

Expect Additional Expenses at Your Venue

Akin to the light up wands, expect to pay a pretty penny for other snacks, toys, and souvenirs available at the show.  Disney does a great job making these offerings appealing to little ones, so prepare for at least one expense to appease them.

Anticipate Long Waits Leaving the Venue

Leaving our local venue after an event is usually chaotic.  Masses of people file out the doors at the same time, and cars anxiously wait to depart their parking spots and inch toward the exit.  This is where having a good parking spot pays off!

Rather than join the mob, we typically sit for a while and enjoy the venue a little longer while the crowds thin out. 

I hope these tips ensure you have a magical time at Disney On Ice!  It really is the perfect way to get a dose of Disney closer to home. 

Have you attended a Disney On Ice performance?  Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Looking for other Disney Planning articles? Check out our Walt Disney World Planning Guide!

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