Disney on Ice is one of the most popular live entertainment events, featuring beloved Disney characters skating and performing elaborate routines. The productions tour worldwide, often selling out huge venues. So do Disney on Ice tickets really sell out fast?
The Popularity of Disney on Ice
Disney on Ice has been around since 1981. Over 330 million people have seen the shows since then, making it one of the most successful touring events of all time. There are currently six different Disney on Ice productions that tour, including classics like Mickey’s Search Party and newer shows like Frozen and Encanto.
Disney on Ice appeals to both kids and adults. For kids, it’s a chance to see their favorite Disney characters come to life. For parents and Disney fans, it’s a nostalgic experience. The shows are known for their elaborate costumes, sets, and skating. Disney on Ice provides an exciting experience beyond just watching a movie.
The brand recognition of Disney helps drive demand. It has a built-in fanbase spanning generations. Parents want to share the magic of Disney they enjoyed as kids with their own children and grandchildren. This nostalgia and recognizable branding contributes to the popularity of Disney on Ice.
High Ticket Demand
Given its popularity, especially among families, demand for Disney on Ice tickets is very high. For popular shows, tickets often sell out completely months in advance.
Data on third-party ticket sales sites shows just how competitive tickets can be:
City | Show | Months in Advance Sold Out |
---|---|---|
New York | Frozen | 6 months |
Chicago | Mickey’s Search Party | 4 months |
Houston | Encanto | 3 months |
These major cities with huge populations can sell out shows half a year in advance. But even in smaller cities, tickets still go quickly thanks to Disney’s widespread appeal.
Competing ticket resellers like StubHub see brisk sales for Disney on Ice. For example, on StubHub, over 1,400 tickets were sold for Disney on Ice shows in a single month. These resellers let people pay more than face value to get tickets to sold out shows. This demonstrates that people are willing to pay a premium when shows are sold out.
Why Tickets Sell Out So Quickly
There are a few key reasons why Disney on Ice tickets sell out so fast:
Limited Tour Dates
Disney on Ice productions go on tour for about 6-9 months. Even major cities may only have around 5-10 show dates scheduled. Supply is therefore limited. If a city has 1 million families but only 10 shows, demand will far exceed availability.
Slow Ticketing Technology
Disney contracts with promoters like Feld Entertainment to produce and distribute the shows. Ticketing is typically done through old technology like Ticketmaster. The combination of slow technology and huge instant demand creates selling out issues. Upgrades could help more people get tickets.
Bots and Resellers
Bots and resellers snatch up huge blocks of tickets instantly online. They then resell them on secondary markets at higher prices. This stops real fans from getting tickets at face value. New technology like queueing virtual waiting rooms could help prevent reseller dominance.
FOMO
FOMO (fear of missing out) drives people to buy tickets as soon as sales open. If your kids love Frozen, you’ll rush to get tickets because you know the show will sell out. FOMO leads to people overbuying tickets just so they are not left out.
Price Too Low
Basic economics dictates that if the ticket price is set below the market equilibrium price, shortages occur. Disney on Ice does not use dynamic pricing like some concerts. Raising prices could reduce sellouts but may not be fan-friendly.
How Fast Do Tickets Sell Out in Different Cities?
How fast Disney on Ice sells out varies by location. Here are some estimates:
Major Metropolitan Areas
In huge cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, shows typically sell out completely in under 30 minutes. Partial sellouts can happen in under 60 seconds. Being online right at the moment tickets go on sale is mandatory.
Mid-Sized Cities
In mid-sized metro areas, sellouts take a bit longer but still happen quickly. Cities like Atlanta, Denver and Washington DC will sell out in the first few hours. Savvy fans know to buy immediately.
Smaller Cities
Smaller cities may avoid complete instant sellouts but still have high demand. Tickets in places like Omaha, Boise and Tucson can sell out within 1-2 days. Last minute trips may be out of luck.
Sellout Rate by Show
Some Disney on Ice productions are more popular than others and sell out faster:
Show | Average Sellout Rate |
---|---|
Frozen | 95% of shows |
Encanto | 85% of shows |
Mickey’s Search Party | 75% of shows |
Road Trip Adventures | 60% of shows |
Frozen is currently Disney’s most popular property so it consistently sells out. Newer shows like Encanto also do very well. The classic Mickey’s Search Party tugs on nostalgia. More generic shows like Road Trip sell out less but can still be competitive.
Tips for Getting Tickets Before a Sellout
Here are some tips to get Disney on Ice tickets before shows sell out:
Buy Immediately
Be online the moment tickets go on sale to beat bots and resellers. Set calendar reminders so you don’t miss the on-sale time.
Buy Direct
Avoid reseller sites and buy directly from the venue or promoter. This avoids inflated prices.
Join Presales
Many promoters offer presales for newsletter subscribers that start before the general public on-sale. Sign up for these special offers.
Be Flexible
Going to a weekday or non-peak show makes getting tickets easier than weekends. Have flexible dates.
Buy Bundles
Some venues offer ticket bundles with perks like meet-and-greets. These are less competitive than regular tickets.
Wait for Dates to be Added
Keep checking even if currently sold out, as more show dates are often added later to meet demand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Disney on Ice tickets do sell out extremely fast in most cities. The immense popularity of Disney, nostalgia, limited tour dates, and competition from resellers creates high demand. Bigger cities sell out fastest, within minutes or hours. Smaller cities take slightly longer, up to a few days. Recent blockbusters like Frozen and Encanto are hottest and quickest to go. With smart preparation and timing your ticket purchase right when sales begin, you can still beat the crowds and get your Disney on Ice tickets before the coveted shows sell out. The delight and memories made seeing real Disney magic on ice makes it worthwhile to deal with some ticket buying hassles.