Seeing a Disney on Ice show is one of our favourite winter school holiday activities and in my experience a little organisation and pre-planning go a long way to making everyone’s experience more enjoyable. Touring Australia nationally this June and July and will show at Melbourne Rod Laver Arena from 2 – 6 July 2026.
Here are my Top 10 tips for going to Disney on Ice, particularly in Melbourne.
Disney On Ice 2026
Disney On Ice 2026 Tips
1. Prebook your tickets
The Rod Laver Arena box office faces towards Olympic Boulevard and there may not necessarily be seats available on the day in positions that you’d like if you book on the day.
My tip is to aim for seating with some height so even little kids will be able to have some view.The ‘nosebleed’ sections (upper tier) will give you a good view of the ice dancing formations, aerials and magnificent sets. The action happens on all sides of the rink, not just the front.
Restricted view seats tend to mean you can’t see the whole stage/rink all at once and you’ll be viewing the screen from an angle. You may sometimes be behind the set if it’s been pushed out to be more centred on the ice. It doesn’t mean you’re behind a pole or pillar.
Children who are 23 months and under who sit on an adult’s lap do not need a ticket.
2. Get to Rod Laver Arena via public transport
If your plan is to use public transport, the number 70 Swan Street tram runs along Flinders Street and stops at Rod Laver Arena Stop 7b.
During Disney on Ice special services are put on to run only between Flinders Street station and Rod Laver Arena (three stops).
3. Prebook your parking
If you must drive, prebook your parking. Rod Laver Arena has event parking for $20 but you need to prebook as it sells out. Note that actually entering and exiting the carpark can take a long time (up to 45 minutes).
My preferred parking is the Wilson Parking at 11 Exhibition Street or Flinders Gate. I then take the tram two stops to Rod Laver Arena or it’s a 10-15 minute walk.
The Federation Square car park (also operated by Wilson Parking) offers the drive + tram/walk combination but is more expensive than the parking lots at 11 Exhibition Street and Flinders Gate.
4. Park your pram
There is well-signed pram parking bay at Rod Laver Arena as you cannot enter with a pram. You will be provided with a ticket to pickup the pram at the end.
5. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts
If you come via tram you’ll have to walk to the front of Rod Laver Arena to enter (no matter where your actual seats are located), which is a good 500m walk from the tram stop. There are also queues for bag/security check and ticket scanning.
Arriving 30 minutes before the start time gives you a bit of breathing room and time for a toilet stop.
6. The show goes for 2 hours with interval
Generally there is not a single story arc for 2 hours as the show is a medley of Disney characters/films.
The interval is 20 minutes and gives you enough time to go to the toilet, grab some food etc.
7. Dress for winter and dress up!
The auditorium isn’t freezing, but it is cold enough for the ice to set so dress in layers!
Also this is the perfect opportunity to dress up in your favourite Disney outfits. BYO glow in the dark necklaces, bracelets etc. so you don’t have to pay through the nose at the merchandise stand.
8. BYO snacks and water
As you’d expect, the food, drinks and merchandise are all relatively expensive at the event.
To help keep costs down Rod Laver Arena’s terms state you’re allowed to bring in small quantities of homemade snacks and 600ml water bottles made of soft plastic (though that does not seem to be monitored closely).
There are handy cup holders in each seat but don’t forget to take your water bottle at the end!
I think it’s best to eat before arrival if you can. As an example, hot dogs are $9.60 and chips are $7.80 for a small bucket. For a family of 4 people with a drink that can be close to $100 total.
9. Set expectations around merchandise
My pro tip is to set expectations about what you will/won’t spend at the merchandise stand before you arrive. Once you get there it will be hard to say no for constant requests for the Olaf cup with flavoured ice ($28)!
If you’re organised you can pre-buy Disney merchandise from places like Spotlight and whip it out as a surprise for the kids on the night!
10. You can take photos and videos
You can take photos and record video for personal use only. That means leave the big DSLR at home (they check bags and you won’t be able to bring it inside). But remember to have fun and don’t spend the whole time stuck behind a screen!
Disney On Ice tours Australia nationally this June and July and will show at Melbourne Rod Laver Arena from 2 – 6 July 2026.
Disney On Ice 2026
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