What is Disney on Ice?
Disney on Ice is a series of touring ice shows produced by Feld Entertainment under agreement from The Walt Disney Company. The shows feature figure skaters portraying Disney characters in performances derived from various Disney films. Disney on Ice shows are touring productions that visit arenas and venues across the United States and around the world. The productions feature elaborate lighting, costumes, set designs, skating, and music to bring beloved Disney stories and characters to life on ice.
Some of the most popular Disney on Ice shows over the years have included:
- Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment
- Disney On Ice presents Frozen
- Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party
- Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream
- Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove
The shows typically feature segments from multiple Disney movies, with popular characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy making appearances alongside princesses like Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, and more contemporary characters from Frozen, Toy Story, and other franchises. The productions bring these stories to life through elaborate costumes, set pieces, synchronized skating, and exciting music and lighting effects.
What is the cost of Disney on Ice tickets?
Ticket prices for Disney on Ice shows can vary depending on the venue and city. Here are some average ticket price ranges:
- Lower Level/Front Row Seats: $60-$150
- Mid Level Seats: $40-$90
- Upper Level/Rear Seats: $25-$60
- VIP Packages: $125-$300+ (may include premium seat, souvenirs, meet & greet with skaters)
You can typically expect to pay more for front row seats or VIP packages with added perks. Weekend shows and performances in major metro areas also tend to be more expensive. There are usually family package deals and other discounts available as well.
What else does the cost include?
The base ticket price for Disney on Ice covers admission to the show. This allows you to see the performances and productions from your seat in the arena.
Unlike going to a Disney theme park, the Disney on Ice ticket does not include:
- Transportation – you have to get yourself to the arena
- Parking – there may be an additional fee to park at the venue
- Food & drinks – concessions and snacks at the arena are an additional cost
- Souvenirs – you can buy souvenir programs, toys, glow items at the arena
- Character interactions – no guaranteed character meet & greets unless you buy a special VIP ticket
So the base Disney on Ice ticket primarily covers the seating to watch the ice skating show. Expect to pay more for parking, food, souvenirs, and other experiences.
How long do the shows last?
The Disney on Ice shows typically last around 2 hours, including a brief intermission. This can vary slightly between productions, but most run between 90 minutes to 2 hours total.
The shows are an action-packed experience that tries to feature as many characters and stories as possible. While little kids may get antsy toward the end, there are usually enough exciting routines and musical numbers to keep most of the audience engaged until the grand finale.
You can expect a full evening of entertainment suitable for all ages. With colorful costumes, familiar music, talented skaters, and dazzling effects, the shows aim to deliver a memorable Disney experience on ice.
Should you buy tickets in advance?
It is highly recommended to buy Disney on Ice tickets well in advance of the show date. Here are some benefits of early ticket purchases:
- Better seat selection – Get seats higher up or closer to the action before they sell out
- Save money – Prices sometimes increase closer to show dates
- Avoid sell outs – The most popular shows can sell out especially on weekends
- Lock in dates – Ensure the performance fits your schedule
With shows in major cities selling out quickly, you are much better off buying Disney on Ice tickets 1-3 months in advance if possible. This allows time to get the best value seats for your budget.
Last minute tickets may still be available but may be limited to upper level corners or obstructed view seats. You can search sites like VividSeats.com or StubHub.com for last minute deals. But advance planning is best when feasible.
Are there discounts available?
There are often special discounts and deals available for Disney on Ice tickets:
- Group discounts – Save on tickets for groups of 10+ people
- Family packs – Bundles with 4+ tickets at a lower per ticket price
- Promo codes – Check venue or Disney on Ice social media for special codes
- Military/First Responder – Discounts of 10-20%+ off for qualified buyers
- Season packages – Bundles for multiple shows in a city
Subscribing to venues’ email lists and Disney on Ice’s newsletter is a great way to find out about presales and special offers. You can often save $5-$20+ per ticket by taking advantage of deals.
It’s also wise to ask the box office about available discounts when purchasing tickets. Having a flexible schedule also helps to attend lower demand shows during the week for cheaper prices.
How do Disney on Ice prices compare to Disney parks?
Attending a Disney on Ice show can actually be significantly cheaper than a visit to a Disney theme park. Here’s a comparison of costs:
Expense | Disney on Ice | Disney World Ticket |
---|---|---|
Admission (1 day) | $25-$150 per person | $109-$159 per person |
Parking | $10-$30 per car | Free-$25 per car |
Food | $5-$15 per person | $15-$50 per person |
Total Cost | $100-$300 family of 4 | $400-$1000+ family of 4 |
A Disney on Ice show can provide a fun Disney experience for an entire family at a fraction of the cost of park tickets, hotels, transportation, and other expenses associated with a Disney World vacation.
The biggest value is unlocked by purchasing discounted tickets in advance, packing your own snacks, and avoiding expensive souvenirs. With smart planning, Disney on Ice can be a budget-friendly Disney day for families.
Are VIP/Front Row seats worth it?
Disney on Ice offers special VIP ticket packages with premium seats near the front row. These packages can cost $200-$300+ per person but come with added perks like:
- Front row views of all the action
- First entry into the arena
- Exclusive souvenir items
- Meet & greet with skaters
- Food vouchers
For diehard Disney fans, the chance to interact with cast members and be so close to the performances can make VIP tickets worthwhile. But those perks come at 2-3x the price of regular admission.
If you just want great seat views, front row tickets in the $100-$150 range will still get you close without the extras. For most families, saving up to $100+ and skipping the VIP add-ons is the smarter play. The shows are still exciting from closer mid-level seats.
But for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or super fans, access to exclusive character experiences and premium seating may justify splurging on VIP Disney on Ice tickets.
Should you buy souvenirs?
Disney on Ice has lots of merchandise available like t-shirts, stuffed animals, light up toys, and collectible programs. Prices typically range from $10-$50 per item.
While fun keepsakes, it’s recommended to set a souvenir budget ahead of time. The shows already offer a visual treat, so you won’t miss out by skipping merchandise. Consider buying just 1-2 affordable items like a program or branded cap.
For fans wanting more, Disney on Ice souvenirs can also frequently be found at retailers like Walmart, Target, and Hot Topic for similar pricing but without arena markups. Shop around instead of overspending in the moment.
The best approach is to promise kids an item within your budget, then comparison shop later. This avoids blowing too much on overpriced impulse souvenir purchases.
How does the experience compare to seeing the movies?
Seeing beloved Disney films come to life on ice makes for a memorable in-person family experience. Here are some key differences from just watching the movies at home:
- Immersive environment – Music, costumes, and arena effects surround you
- Live stunts/action – Gasps and cheers for daring skating feats
- Exclusive content – Some stories and songs created just for the shows
- Rare character interactions – Opportunity for meet & greets, high fives, pictures
- Shared experience – Laughing, cheering, singing together as audience
The shows aim to recreate the most exciting scenes from movies while adding show-stopping performances. Seeing Elsa freeze the arena or Buzz Lightyear zoom overhead makes Disney characters feel closer than on a TV.
Kids and adults alike will be wowed seeing these films reimagined through world-class ice skating. The energy and excitement of a live show creates lasting memories families cherish.
How early should you arrive?
Disney on Ice venues generally recommend arriving 30-60 minutes before showtime. This gives you time to:
- Park and get inside
- Use restrooms
- Grab food & drinks
- Find your seats
- Take pictures and soak in the experience
Arriving at least 45 minutes early ensures you’re settled in when the show starts. It also provides some cushion in case of traffic or parking delays getting to the arena.
If running late, you can still enter the show during or after opening acts. But you may miss some Disney character introductions and opening numbers. Leave extra time to account for traffic and navigation if traveling to an unfamiliar arena.
Aim for 60-90 minutes early for coveted shows like on weekends or opening night in a new city. This helps beat crowds and lineups to get the full experience.
Where are the best seats?
Disney on Ice is performed “in the round” with action happening all around the ice. However, some key areas provide the most ideal viewing:
- Center Ice – Near the midpoint for balanced views of full arena
- Front Rows – Closest views of skaters and effects
- Lower Bowl – Closer sight lines to follow action
- Mid Sections – Avoid corners with distorted angles
Many venues have configurable seating so the performance floor shifts around. Center ice seats in the front half of lower bowl offer a prime viewing experience. Front rows are great but can come with sticker shock.
Upper decks farther back or extreme corners should be avoided if possible. But any seat will let you enjoy the show. Checking seat views ahead of time and reading the seating chart helps make informed decisions.
Is Disney on Ice a good first show for kids?
Disney on Ice makes for an ideal introductory live entertainment experience for young children for several reasons:
- Familiar characters and music provide comfort and excitement
- Engaging performances appeal to short attention spans
- Low-key casual environment compared to productions like the Nutcracker
- Affordable tickets available to fit family budgets
- Arena seating allows kids to see versus more formal theaters
Seeing favorite Disney movies performed on ice by costumed characters is an easy concept for little kids to understand. Upbeat music, lively scenes, colorful effects, and intermission breaks also keep young ones entertained.
The shows aim to dazzle audiences of all ages. For preschoolers and early grade school ages, Disney on Ice serves as ideal arena entertainment even before heading to Broadway shows or more complex productions.
Is Disney on Ice a good date option?
Disney on Ice can make a fun, lively date night option for couples who both enjoy Disney. Benefits include:
- Nostalgic experience revisiting classic Disney moments together
- Upbeat, energetic environment different than dinner and a movie
- Communicates your shared interests and childhood memories
- Provides lighthearted conversations about favorite characters
- Lets you embark on new adventures as a couple
The shows ignite a spirit of playfulness and allow you to see your date’s reactions to beloved Disney stories. For couples bonding over Disney fandoms, the experience can strengthen your connection.
But tickets on the pricier side along with large crowds of families make it more of a splurge date. Opt for Disney on Ice if you both agree on wanting to go. Springing for VIP tickets can provide more of a special night out.
Is Disney on Ice magical for adults too?
While especially thrilling for kids, Disney on Ice delivers an immersive experience for adults too. Reasons it appeals to grown-ups:
- Nostalgia – Relive cherished childhood Disney memories
- Talented performances – Be wowed by skaters’ graceful artistry and death-defying tricks
- Special effects – Lighting, costumes, music create a sensorial spectacle
- Novelty factor – Seeing live reenactments of animated films
- Family time – Opportunity to bond over shared interests spanning generations
Disney is expert at tapping into nostalgia and bringing fantasy worlds to life. Watching live theatrical interpretations of classics like The Little Mermaid and The Lion King captivates adult audiences. The productions aim to surprise and delight viewers young and old.
While best appreciated by those with an existing Disney affection, the shows work to create an immersive arena experience for all. The stellar skating and production value entertains regardless of age.
Conclusion
Disney on Ice provides a lively arena show experience bringing beloved Disney films and characters to life through skating. While not cheap, tickets are affordable compared to Disney parks and productions like Broadway musicals.
The spectacle is worth enjoying for Disney super fans and families able to budget for the expense. Savvy parents can find discount ticket deals and scale back on extras to make the experience achievable on a budget.
With dazzling performances, special effects, and lighthearted Disney fun, the shows create lasting memories kids and adults cherish. Approaching the opportunity with realistic expectations around cost allows families to enjoy Disney on Ice as a one-of-a-kind treat.