One weekend, we had the chance to see Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream at the Spokane Arena in Washington. It was such a special experience for our family! My girls were beyond excited and dressed up as their favorite Disney characters to see the show. Watching their faces light up as the show began was pure magic. Because we loved it so much, I’m excited to share some tips for taking kids to Disney On Ice, including what to wear, bring, and expect for a magical family night!
This post was sponsored by Disney On Ice. All opinions are our own. The professional performance photos were provided by Disney On Ice.
photo credit: Disney On Ice
photo credit: Disney On Ice
If you are considering taking kids to Disney On Ice, I truly recommend it. Disney On Ice travels all over the country throughout the year, so chances are a show will come to a city near you. It’s an easy and memorable way to plan a family night out that feels truly special.
Why Disney On Ice Is Great for Families
Disney On Ice is a wonderful event for families with young kids. We have attended shows with our kids around ages four and six, and they had no trouble sitting through the performance. The show is fast-paced, colorful, and engaging from start to finish.
Our family has seen Disney On Ice several times over the years, and it never disappoints. Each performance features beloved characters such as Mickey and Minnie, Belle, Elsa and Anna, Olaf, Moana, Aladdin and Jasmine, and more. The stories are shortened versions of classic Disney films, brought to life with incredible skating, spins, jumps, and special effects on the ice.
Pick the Right Disney On Ice Show
The Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream show combines stories from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Tangled, Frozen, and Moana into one beautiful performance. This show was perfect for my girls because they love princesses, sparkle, and anything magical.
The costumes were stunning and full of detail, and the skaters did an amazing job bringing each character to life. Since different Disney On Ice shows rotate through cities each year, it’s worth checking which characters are featured before you purchase tickets. This way, you can choose a show your kids will be most excited about.
photo credit: Disney on Ice
Plan Ahead and Arrive Early
When taking kids to Disney On Ice, planning ahead makes everything go more smoothly. We always try to arrive early so kids can use the bathroom, get settled in their seats, and soak in the excitement before the show begins.
Additionally, the show has an intermission halfway through the performance, which is a great time for bathroom breaks or grabbing snacks. My girls especially loved watching Belle dance through the Beast’s castle during Be Our Guest, and seeing the magic unfold right in front of them.
Dress Up for Disney On Ice
One of the best parts of Disney On Ice is dressing up. Since Dare to Dream featured so many princesses, my girls chose Elsa and Anna dresses one year, and they fit right in with the crowd. So many kids come dressed as their favorite characters.
While kids are encouraged to dress up, adults are not allowed to wear full costumes. This helps avoid confusion between performers and guests. That said, adults can still join the fun with Disney-themed shirts, accessories, or even a sparkly Elsa braid.
Bring or Buy Glow Accessories
Disney On Ice takes place in a dark arena with bright spotlights shining on the ice. Glow-in-the-dark wands, crowns, and light-up toys add to the fun and help kids feel like they’re part of the show.
You can bring your own glow toys or purchase them at the venue. From our experience, glow accessories usually range from $15 to $20, while larger souvenirs such as crowns and wands can cost more. Holding something glowing gives kids a fun way to stay engaged throughout the performance. Here’s our recommendations of things to bring to Disney on Ice.
photo credit: Disney On Ice
photo credit: Disney On Ice
Eat Beforehand and Enjoy Snacks During Intermission
We like to eat dinner before heading to Disney On Ice, especially for evening shows. This way, hungry kids are not distracted during the performance. During intermission, we usually grab a small snack to share, such as popcorn or a soft pretzel.
You can choose from plenty of concession options, including drinks and treats for both kids and adults. Sharing a snack during intermission gives everyone a quick boost before the second half of the show begins.
Why Taking Kids to Disney On Ice Is So Special
Taking kids to Disney On Ice is about more than just a show. It’s about creating memories together with this fun kids activity. Seeing beloved Disney stories come to life through skating, music, lights, and costumes feels different than watching a movie at home.
Kids love seeing characters like Moana sail beyond the reef, Elsa create ice magic, and princesses twirl across the rink. Older kids and adults can appreciate the athleticism and artistry of the skaters, making it a great experience for all ages.
Helpful Tips for Taking Kids to Disney On Ice
If this is your first time attending Disney On Ice, here are a few tips that have helped our family:
- Eat before the show so kids can focus and enjoy the Disney On Ice experience.
- Use the bathroom before sitting down to avoid missing anything.
- Dress in layers since the ice skating arena can feel chilly.
- Allow kids to dress up and bring a favorite glow accessory if they want.
- Remember comfortable kids are happy kids, which makes the entire evening more enjoyable.
Why We Keep Going Back
Disney On Ice holds a special place in my heart because I remember seeing these shows as a kid myself. Now, I love sharing that same magic with my own children. The stories of courage, kindness, and adventure come alive in such beautiful ways on the ice.
Each year, my kids eagerly talk about which characters they hope to see and which costumes they plan to wear. From princess performances to action-packed scenes with Toy Story and Aladdin, Disney On Ice truly offers something for everyone.
A Colorful and Magical Family Experience
If you are looking for a fun, low-stress family outing, taking kids to Disney On Ice is a wonderful option. With dazzling costumes, familiar music, and unforgettable moments, it’s an experience kids will talk about long after the show ends.
Disney On Ice continues to tour cities across the country, so be sure to check upcoming shows near you. It’s a magical family night out we look forward to year after year.
Disney On Ice is a fun way to spend a special night with your family. We’ve gone with our kids ages 4 and 6 at the time, and they had no problem sitting through the show. If you are considering seeing one of the magical Disney On Ice shows, you should!
Here’s a few of my own photos from our memorable evenings at Disney On Ice! This magical show is a fun experience for the whole family!
We loved watching Belle dance alongside cakes and spoons during Be Our Guest.
After transforming from a beast, the Prince dramatically lifts Belle high into the air.
Olaf is just as heartwarming on ice as he is in the movie, Frozen.
Elsa skates her heart out and spectacularly creates her ice palace.
Going to Disney On Ice is a special way to spend quality time together as a family. Kids will love dressing up and seeing their favorite characters bring beloved stories to life on the ice. The live performance feels extra magical compared to watching a movie at home. From Mickey and Minnie to Moana, Aladdin, Jasmine, and Toy Story, these amazing ice shows offer something for every age to enjoy.
Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a homeschool mom who’s traveling the world with my husband and 4 kids. We raised our family in North Idaho and currently live in Mérida, Mexico. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I hope you enjoy our creative ideas and family adventures!
