12 Quick but Essential Tips for Disney on Ice with Kids
Even if you don’t live near a Disney theme park, you can still experience the magic of Disney close to home with Disney on Ice. Expect an evening of unique entertainment for the whole family featuring beloved characters dancing and twirling on ice. It’s an easy and affordable way to enjoy world-class skating and the wide-eyed wonder for which Disney is renowned. To maximize the fun factor, check out these 12 quick but essential tips for Disney on Ice with kids in 2024.
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1. Stay warm.
You must bundle up a bit when seeing a show with the word “ice” in the title, even if it’s warm outside. I was surprised, however, to see many children and adults sporting tank tops or t-shirts with shorts at the Disney on Ice performances that my family attended.
As parents, we are all so busy remembering the date of the next recital and whose turn it is to feed the dog that it can be easy to overlook the obvious. Don’t let your little ones shiver throughout this chilly show. Wear layers and bring a light jacket or a blanket to stay cozy when watching Disney on Ice with kids.
2. Pick the right Disney on Ice show for your family.
Before attending Disney on Ice for the first time, I didn’t realize there was more than one themed show from which to choose. In fact, there are five different themes in total! Choices vary according to location and performance date. Pick the Disney on Ice 2024 show close to home that will please your entire family.
Disney on Ice 2024 Shows
- Frozen & Encanto – This combines two of Disney’s most popular musicals. Expect to see Frozen characters like Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven. You’ll also see Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, and others from Encanto. Mickey and Minnie host the show.
- Find Your Hero – This sampler show includes favorite Disney characters from Frozen, Moana, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and classics like Mickey Mouse.
- Into the Magic – The theme of this performance is discovering why no dream is too big. Your family will view Miguel from Coco, Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, plus Moana and Maui from Moana.
- Magic in the Stars – Every story in this Disney on Ice show starts with a wish. Enjoy skating performances by characters from Encanto, Aladdin, and Disney Princesses like Tiana. Pixar personalities like Buzz Lightyear and even Lightning McQueen make appearances. The finale features Frozen 2 favorites, including Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff.
- Mickey’s Search Party – The title character, Mickey Mouse, hosts this show. Kids can expect to see Moana, Miguel from Coco, Aladdin characters, and Toy Story stars like Woody. Of course, the Frozen cast makes an icy appearance.
3. Tell kids which characters to expect.
Your kids may have their hearts set on seeing specific characters from their favorite movies at Disney on Ice, like Tinkerbell or Lightning McQueen. Before you go, discuss which Disney stars they can expect to see. (Use the Disney on Ice 2024 bulleted list above.)
Explain to children that their favorite character may not be skating in the show. Thankfully, no matter which Disney on Ice performance you choose, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will make a special appearance.
The first time my family went to Disney on Ice, we saw all sorts of Disney characters. But my 4th-grade daughter was shocked when the lights turned on. She said, “It’s over already? Where are the other characters? I thought we were going to see Cinderella and Elsa!”
Although disappointed, she still declared the show “The most awesome thing ever!”
4. Get in on the glow-in-the-dark fun.
Dimmed, dramatic lighting, special effects, and even fire add excitement and drama to a Disney on Ice show. To add to the fun, Disney offers plenty of light-up electronic doodads for sale.
If your kids are like mine, they’ll beg throughout the event to purchase a glowing toy. To avoid spending tons of cash, it’s a good idea to pack your own magic instead. Buy affordable glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets in advance and bring them to the show.
Also, check out these light-up spinning wands and LED party supplies available from Amazon without the hefty markups. Keep these affordable toys hidden and give them as a surprise gift once your family reaches the ice rink parking lot or your select seats.
5. Dress kids in Disney costumes.
Increase the fun factor with full Disney costumes for young kids. Note that Disney on Ice does not allow costumes for attendees aged 14 and older.
Preschoolers and other young children love dressing up like their favorite Disney princess, Toy Story character, or other Disney star. You can save these outfits for Halloween or your next trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland with kids.
Take a look at a dazzling array of costumes for boys and girls from Disney Store.
6. Wear Disney apparel.
Just because parents can’t wear a complete Disney character costume doesn’t mean you can’t get into the Disney spirit. Find an assortment of wearable options for children, teens, and adults at Disney Store.
All ages can make Disney on Ice more memorable by wearing Mickey ears or Disney t-shirts, hoodies, and other clothing. (Of course, you will want to remove any distracting hats for the sake of other viewers during the performance.)
7. Set expectations for Disney on Ice with kids.
You might wonder if your child has the attention span for this type of performance. Before you go, explain to young children how the evening will go, from drive time and parking to crowds, inside voices, and expected temperature. Clarify that they will need to sit still throughout the whole show. Understanding what to expect in advance makes it easier for little ones.
How long is Disney on Ice?
Different shows vary in length, but plan on spending about 1.5 to 2 hours at this ice show, including a 15-20 minute intermission.
8. Book a Character Experience.
Disney on Ice sometimes offers an optional Character Experience for an additional charge. The preshow add-on includes a dance party, crafting, and interactive time with some favorite Disney friends. For 2024, enhance your Disney on Ice experience with this extra offering at Frozen & Encanto and Magic in the Stars.
9. Bring your own snacks.
Snacks like cotton candy and snow cones are available for purchase at Disney on Ice. However, it will be more affordable and healthier if you pack snacks from home.
Don’t bring a huge cooler filled with food, but your local Disney on Ice venue will typically not mind if you bring a few small snacks for children. Pack simple items like protein bars, crackers, and dried fruits. For additional suggestions, see my travel snack ideas.
10. Enjoy the magic of Disney on Ice at home.
The wonder of Disney on Ice isn’t limited to the ice rinks. Surprise kids with printable Disney on Ice tickets. Then, get your family pumped before the live show by watching Disney movies that will be featured in your particular performance. Disney coloring, crafts, puzzles, and games add to the fun at home.
Free Disney on Ice Printables
Disney on Ice Home Activities for Purchase
- Disney Princess Magic Ink coloring set
- LEGO Disney Frozen Elsa’s Frozen Princess Castle Toy Set
- Disney jigsaw puzzle featuring Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto
11. Reserve early for the best seats.
The sooner you book, the better choice of seats you’ll get for your night of Disney. Ticket pricing varies, with front row tickets sold at a premium.
Are lap children allowed at Disney on Ice?
Children under 2 years of age are admitted free of charge if they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.
12. Use a discount.
There’s no reason to pay full price for tickets if you can get them at a discount, right? I’ve seen discounted Disney on Ice ticket prices from Groupon and Undercover Tourist. You can save up to $20 per ticket order. Take a peek before you buy those seats!
Experience more Disney magic.
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You might be surprised by all the educational things to do at Disneyland.
Save these Disney on Ice tips!
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Have you ever seen Disney on Ice with kids? Do you have any questions or tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: My family was once hosted by Disney on Ice by Feld Entertainment. We have subsequently paid for tickets ourselves. All opinions are mine, as always.
I took my niece and her friend (18 y/o) and my 1 1/2 y/o daughter. Show was great! We sat in section 114 row 14, the view was great! I bought three snow cones, I was charged $68 dollars. Before the guy rang up my order he asked if I was going to want a receipt. I paid with tap so didn’t think much about needing a receipt so I told him no. The snow cones were 16 dollars each. He intentionally over charged me!
Carly – Oh no! What a bummer that you were taken advantage of! A lot of times I don’t take my receipt but this shows that I always should! In any case, I’m glad you had fun otherwise.
Can moms wear mouse ears to Disney on ice as well!
Yes! Moms and dads and other grown-ups are welcome to wear mouse ears and other minor Disney garb. Be sure to remove any hats or ears that will obstruct the view during the show, though. Have a fab time at Disney On Ice!
I came across several posts saying that they aren’t allowing non-Disney branded items in. Do you’ll know if that is true? I would hate to buy glow stuff and have to walk all the way back to the car.
Hi Lory,
I checked the Disney On Ice website’s FAQ and found this: “Every venue has a specific set of guidelines for what visitors can or cannot bring into the building. For an updated list of prohibited items, please visit the venue’s website or contact them directly for details.” So, if you’re concerned, I’d check with the specific venue in your area to see if you’re allowed to bring your own glow-in-the-dark items. Still, I think it would be hard for them to police every glow stick and it would seem very cruel to confiscate a child’s toy.
I’d love to hear from anyone who has experienced any luck or any problems in terms of bringing in glowing toys for kids!
Enjoy the show!
Going to disney on ice road trip trying get idea of how much should I bring money wise have 8 yr old girl big jasmine and mona fan??
Christy – It really depends on what you want to spend! Honestly, you could buy some glow-in-the-dark goodies beforehand and give them to your daughter as a surprise upon arrival. That would be much more affordable than paying the marked up prices there. It also depends on if you want to buy snacks or not — pricing is similar to what you would find at a professional sporting event. Once you buy your tickets in advance (and pay for parking, if needed at your location), you don’t really NEED to spend any additional money at Disney On Ice unless you want to! Enjoy!