Disney on Ice - how do I keep it from being a budget buster?

[tinkercat]

I just ordered tickets for my family to attend Disney On Ice (Nemo) in March. We got the $10 opening night special tickets and the seats look to be pretty good ones. We've never been before and I know these sorts of shows can be budget busters...so if you've gone before what are cheap souvies I could get there for the kids? Any tips or pointers on how to avoid spending tons of money when we go?

I'm excited to go, because I know the kids will LOVE it...but I also don't want to get caught up in the fun and spend a crazy amount on stuff if I can avoid it.

 

[trinchick]

When we bring DD to these shows, we usually let her bring one of her favorite Disney toys from home (e.g. Tinker Bell doll). Then when we see the souvenir stand, we reminder her that she has a better toy already. Wouldn't she like to pick a nice snack instead? It's always worked, but she's pretty easy to please.

The only thing I can think of that might be a fly in the ointment for us someday is the light-up toys. They are pretty attractive to kids, and we don't have something like that at home. If you could find a less costly one before the show, it might make sense to buy them and give them to the kids at the show as a surprise. If I recall correctly, I think they cost close to $20 at the show.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Disney on Ice has never been a budget night for our family, even with opening night tickets...

Parking alone is $20.00 in our area. Souveniers and snacks are outrageous.

My advice would be to get her a cute Disney cup from the $1.00 store or Walmart, purchase the large pop at the show and share, bring a camera for her to take pictures (if they are allowed, not all arena's allow it) and then make a small picture album for her for the memory.

Most of all relax and enjoy the show. If you worry about the cost of everything you will be a wreck. I always budgeted the whole month's entertainment for the night and did board games the rest of the month.

 

[J. Galt]

Agree with the tip about the light up toys. Kids love them, but they are a huge waste of money. The kids bought some with their own money on a WDW trip we took a few years ago and we just keep putting batteries in them and bringing them to the Disney on Ice Shows (as well as on our subsequent Disney trips). I have also been known to pack snacks in my purse (juice boxes, bags of M&Ms, really covetable stuff) to avoid paying the snack bar prices. One thing we do buy is the programs... my kids pour over these year after year... but they are real bookworms so this isn't too big of a compromise for them. Bringing a toy is a great idea!

Oh... we also encourage the kids to wear their Disney sweatshirts (or even old Disney Halloween costumes), mouse ears, etc .... they don't even miss the overprices souvenirs.... they are already covered head to toe in Disney

 

[trinchick]

Oh, yes, I have to second the suggestion of getting a program. DD reads them all the time, and I think that they really keep the memory of the day alive for her.

Also, sometimes at the shows we've been to (in Boston), they sell a special, less expensive program or coloring book AFTER the show as you're leaving the stadium. I think they want to make sure they get your very last $$ before you leave! These are a good value, though, usually under $10.

 

[opteeka]

We just went to see Nemo yesterday in Syracuse, NY. The cotton candy with a nemo hat was $10. Parking was $7. Snow cones were $12 with a mug. Best advice bring snacks from home. We did splurge on the cotton candy (they even included pre-moistened towel wipes).

 

[LisaNJ25]

Feed them before you go Get some glow sticks from the dollar store bring some juice boxes with you. She is the popcorn has free refills. Ours did if you bought the bucket

 

[tinkercat]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

We have the light up toys from our last trip to WDW, so I'm definitely going to put new batteries in them and bring them to the show. I never would have thought of that one!

 

[PatMcDuck]

I would agree, do not go in there hungry. I have brought in sandwiches. We usually just buy a popcorn and soda, and share it. (Me and DS) We do not buy the toys, just the programs sometimes.

I work in the Disneystore, and guests come in the buy stuff there, and bring it to the show as a surprise to their kids, so it is something "new". Some families buy sweatshirts, etc.