Disney on Ice Tips Every Parent Needs Before the Show

I surprised Lizzie with Disney on Ice tickets and watching her face light up when the princesses took the ice was one of those moments you wish you could bottle up forever. It instantly had me dreaming about our next Disney trip.

If you are planning to go, I am sharing our experience along with some helpful Disney on Ice tips so you can avoid a few of the mistakes I made.

Disney on Ice Tips

Tickets for Disney on Ice sell out quickly, so one of the most important Disney on Ice tips is to book early. If you want the best seats, do not wait.

Front row seats are the most expensive, but they offer a completely unobstructed view, which is especially helpful for younger kids. Another great option is front corner seating, where characters often skate close and interact with the audience.

If you are looking to save money, seats higher up can be surprisingly affordable, sometimes as low as $20, and still offer a great overall view.

I have now seen two different Disney on Ice shows, one in Worcester and one in Boston, and they were completely different productions. The most recent one we attended was Let’s Celebrate, which featured a mix of classic Disney stories.

What to Wear

One of the most fun Disney on Ice tips is to let your kids dress up. It adds so much excitement to the experience. Lizzie is currently obsessed with Encanto, so I surprised her with an Isabela dress that morning and she could not have been happier.

Just keep in mind that arenas are kept very cold to preserve the ice, so bring a warm layer. Costumes are allowed for kids aged 14 and under, but adults are not permitted to dress up. You can still join in by wearing Disney themed clothing or accessories.

Arrive Early and Plan for Parking

If you take away one thing from these Disney on Ice tips, let it be this: give yourself way more time than you think you need.

I planned to arrive 45 minutes early and still missed the first 20 minutes of the show due to traffic. City traffic can be unpredictable, even on weekends, so I would recommend doubling your travel time.

Buying parking in advance is helpful, but keep in mind that many people do the same, which can cause backups getting into the garage.

You will also need extra time for the walk to the arena, bathroom stops, and browsing merchandise stands before the show begins.

What to Pack for Disney on Ice

A little preparation goes a long way. One of my favorite Disney on Ice tips is to pack a small backpack.

• Water bottles
• Snacks
• Wipes for sticky hands
• A bag to store jackets

Make sure your tickets are downloaded ahead of time if you are using an app like Ticketmaster so you are not fumbling at the entrance.

Set Spending Expectations

It is very easy to spend a lot of money at these events, so setting expectations ahead of time is key.

I told Lizzie she could choose one special item. She picked a bubble wand, which cost $40. It was definitely a moment.

You may see vendors outside selling similar items for less, though they are not official merchandise.

Food inside is also expensive. Expect around $20 for a snow cone and $15 for cotton candy. Bringing your own snacks can save you quite a bit.

What to Expect During the Show

The show begins with Mickey, Minnie, and the classic characters, followed by short segments from different Disney movies, each lasting about 10 to 20 minutes.

Frozen was the longest segment in our show and included falling snow, which was a huge hit with the kids. We also saw performances from Aladdin and Mulan, along with more than 50 Disney characters overall.

There is a 15 minute intermission, and lines for bathrooms and food get very long, so plan accordingly.

The entire show runs about two hours including intermission, and it truly flies by. Even my five year old, who typically has a short attention span, was completely engaged the entire time.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite moments was seeing all of the characters come out together at the end. There is something about Disney music that just hits differently when you are watching your child experience it. It’s possible that I teared up.

Getting out of the arena can take some time due to the crowds, so be patient and expect a bit of a wait.

If you are on the fence, I would absolutely recommend going. With a little planning and these Disney on Ice tips, it can be a really special family experience.

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