How to Save Money at Disney On Ice: Tips from an Insider

If you’ve ever taken your kids to Disney On Ice, you know the magic is real… and so are the expenses. Between tickets, parking, souvenirs, and snacks, the night can add up fast. Our family has been going to Disney On Ice for years, and while it’s always worth it, I’ve learned a lot of tricks to help keep the night fun and affordable.

If you’re planning to see Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, these mom-tested, budget-friendly tips will help you enjoy the show without overspending.

Buy Tickets Early and Look for Disney on Ice Promo Codes

Disney On Ice ticket prices vary widely depending on the day and seat location. Here’s how to save money from the start.

• Go on a weekday. Weeknight shows are almost always less expensive than weekend performances.
• Look for presale codes. Venue newsletters, email lists, and local parent groups often share early access deals. We typically find one through The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and usually right after a show, you’ll get an offer for the next time it returns to town. Here’s a discount for Disney on Ice right now!
• Avoid ticket fees by purchasing directly from the box office in person. Bankers Life Fieldhouse has daily box office hours, AND there’s free parking on the curb for 20 minutes right in front of the arena.
• Organize a field trip with your child’s school. The field trip rate for many attractions and shows can save you a lot of money.
• Check the production company website or social media for promotions they might be running in your area or nationally. If you don’t find something, it never hurts to ask. Reach out on social media.
• Look into the rules on ages for lap children. One of my kids is still young enough not to have to pay admission to MOST events, which is nice on the pocketbook! If there are empty seats elsewhere in the arena, you might be able to move to them partway into the program. Then you can spread out and allow your lap child to have a seat!
• Choose upper-level seating. Truly, there isn’t a bad seat for this show. Kids watch the action, not the seat number.
• Avoid third-party resellers. They tend to inflate prices or charge unnecessary fees.

Planning ahead can make a noticeable difference in your total cost.

Save on Parking at Disney on Ice

Parking downtown can sneak up on you. Try these options to spend less.

• Park a few blocks away and take a short walk.
• Use the ParkIndy app to find the best rates near Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
• Carpool with friends and make it a fun group outing.

A little strategy can cut parking costs in half.

Bring Your Own Glow Sticks and Light-Up Toys

Let’s talk souvenirs. The moment you walk into the arena, your kids are going to see light-up toys and glowing wands that cost $20–$40 each.

To avoid surprise spending, bring your own from home. Dollar Tree, Five Below, Amazon, or even toys from previous Disney On Ice shows all work beautifully. Handing them out when you find your seats keeps kids happy and saves a lot of money.

Pack Snacks for Younger Kids

Bring snacks to help younger kids stay content during the show. Check venue guidelines before you go, but often we’ve been permitted to bring in a small snack for very young children. A single concession item can easily cost $8–$12, so this is one of the easiest places to save.

If your kids want a treat, I usually budget for one shared popcorn or cotton candy. There’s something magical about it, but you don’t need one for every child.

Set Souvenir Expectations Before You Go

The souvenir stands are amazing for kids and overwhelming for parents. I always set expectations ahead of time. You can choose one special thing, or no souvenirs at all, or a treat instead of a toy — whatever works for your family budget. Kids respond well when they know the plan.

Using the “one special choice” rule has saved me so many times.

Dress in Disney Gear from Home

Another big savings tip is to let your kids wear their Disney outfits or character shirts from home instead of buying on-site apparel. Princess dresses, Moana skirts, Buzz Lightyear hoodies, and Mickey ears are all fair game. It costs nothing and makes the experience feel more magical.

Layers help too because the arena can sometimes feel chilly during an ice show.

Eat Before You Go

Concessions are fun but pricey. We often eat at home or stop for a quick dinner before the show. That way, the kids aren’t starving halfway through, and we avoid impulse buys.

Choose One Special Tradition

Over the years, I’ve learned that the magic of Disney On Ice isn’t in buying everything. It’s in making the night feel special. Instead of multiple extras, we choose one tradition each year. Sometimes it’s hot chocolate afterwards, sometimes it’s a family photo in the lobby, or sometimes it’s letting one child pick the soundtrack for the drive home.

It keeps spending simple without losing the magic.

Make It a Group Outing

Invite cousins, grandparents, or family friends. Not only is it more fun for the kids, but you can split parking, share snacks, and help keep everyone on budget. The photos are cuter, too. PLUS, did you know that if you have a group and you plan ahead, you can get a field trip rate for specific show times?

Saving Money Makes Disney On Ice Even Better

Disney On Ice is one of our favorite winter traditions, and saving money on the small things helps us enjoy the big moments. When Mickey skates out, when Moana glides across the ice, when Elsa hits that first note, your kids aren’t thinking about what you spent. They’re staring wide-eyed at the magic in front of them.

A little preparation goes a long way in making the outing joyful, comfortable, and budget-friendly. And remember, those big smiles and sweet memories are the real souvenirs.