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!
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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.
Great ideas if my wife and I can take our grand kids to Disney on Ice! Emma would love Frozen, and not sure about Zak, as he’s 2 years old
What fun to see Disney On Ice with your grandkids. Enjoy!
Thank you for the tips! I am very excited to hopefully bring my kids to see this show this year!
Great tips! We’ve taken the grands to Disney on Ice a few times and I love booking early and finding a good discount!
Wow. nothing can be more amazing than this. Great tips.
I’ve been to dozens of Disney On Ice performances with groups of kids as small as 2 and as large as 40. We always purchased the Disney glow wands or traditional glow necklaces at the dollar store prior to going. We’d tuck them in a purse or backpack and pull them out at the show, right about when the kids start wanting souvenirs. It also helps to buy small stuffed animals, action figures, and t-shirts ahead of time so your kids don’t beg for them at the show.
So smart, Sarah!
My daughter just loved Disney on Ice. It is just a great show, as a parent I enjoyed it as well. We can’t wait for them to come back to our town.
I have never been to Disney on Ice with my kiddo, but I would like too! I know Disney knows how to entertain! I love all the tips you have here! I did not even think about bringing a coat since it would be cold in there!
My granddaughter is not 2 until June however she’s a great walker and talker for her age are they going to give me a hard tie whe. I tell them she’s not yet 2? I don’t really want to take a stroller as she’s a champ for walking.
Hi Shelley – I doubt you’ll have any problems, but bring along her birth certificate if you’re very worried. Enjoy the show!
Disney on Ice is so much fun! And it’s not just for little girls. All of our kids are in the tween years now, and we still have a lot of fun there. There’s some serious talent on that ice!
Is there a better place to keep strollers during performance?
Tammie – There should be a stroller parking area outside the auditorium. Enjoy Disney on Ice with your kids!
Quick question, what section is best for the show?
Hi Karla – The best section would vary from show to show since the arenas will differ. I suggest looking up the seats at your location ~ hopefully they have a map online. Good luck!
Hi! Do you think my 4 1/2 year old will like the Disney on Ice (with the Princesses.)
PS great website/forum!
Hi Lynda – Have you taken your child to see a movie yet? If they are capable of sitting through a movie without much fuss, I bet they’d love Disney On Ice! The show isn’t too long and the different scenes and characters keep kids engaged. You may need to plan a potty break/snack break in the middle if they’re getting antsy. Enjoy!
Excellent Tip with the movie!
I am SO looking forward to my kids being old enough for Disney on Ice 🙂
Yay! Enjoy Disney On Ice with your little ones!
Are the Characters out before or after the show at all for pictures?
ReAnna – I did not see the characters out and about for photos before or after the Disney on Ice performance. I did a little research & this is what I found on on the Disney On Ice website regarding interacting with characters: “From time to time, we offer public meet and greets, which will be advertised as such. If there aren’t any meet and greets planned in your area, we hope you will enjoy seeing the Disney characters at the show!”
This was so helpful. I love that there are moms out there who think of putting together blogs and check-list items like these. Thank you!
great info! Do one year olds require tickets for Disney on ice?
Nope! Ages 2+ must have a ticket.
I’m waiting for my daughter birth certificate she’s one and pretty tall for her age do how else can I provide proof
I don’t imagine that this will be a problem, but if you’re feeling nervous go ahead and bring her birth certificate. I bet that will suffice. Enjoy the show!
Could you tell me how long the show was ? I am planning to take my 4yr old and 20month old. Does this sound like a good idea ? Not sure if can keep my 20month old in, throughout the show.
Hi Rose – Disney On Ice is about an hour and a half long, with a 15-minute intermission. I don’t know if the show would be able to hold your toddler’s attention for that long. I would suggest going with another adult so you two can take turns taking your youngest for a stroll as needed or leaving the little one at home for a special mommy date with your oldest. Hope that helps!
if im of any help… i took my then 18-20 month old and my little then 6-7 month old to see the ringling brothers circus show… now my oldest then, sat thru the first half pretty ok, keeping in mind shes the “out of control” child in our family lol… but then the other half she lost a bit of intrest and was about half way done lol but made it thru ???? thank the lord… and well my little baby then (shes the calmer one) sat perfectly fine thru the whole show… now present day, they will be 2 and 3 next month and we will be taking them to see disney on ice for the first time… and i think they’ll love it, because they are both fans of the little mermaid , frozen and cars! so like colleen said, just make sure they do like the disney characters and bring an extra person … and i think your todd will do just fine! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Valerie!
I give my vote to #3! So many people think that Disney on Ice is just for girls obsessed with princesses. My tween son enjoys the athleticism of the skaters and the actual production (he’s in the drama club crew). So far we have really enjoyed “Toy Story 3” and “100 Years of Magic.”
Ruth – Agreed! We saw lots of girls AND boys at Disney on Ice.