The Disney on Ice show is a popular ice skating production that travels to cities across the United States. The show features beloved Disney characters and stories brought to life through elaborate costumes, sets, music, and world-class skating. When the show comes to a city, it usually runs for multiple days, with several shows each day. The length of each individual show can vary depending on the production. In Columbus, Ohio, the Disney on Ice shows typically last around 2 hours, with an intermission halfway through. However, the exact runtime can differ slightly depending on the year and particular show.
Typical Length of Disney on Ice Shows
Disney on Ice productions are elaborate live shows that are meant to fully immerse the audience in the magic of Disney. As such, the shows are designed to be a substantial length in order to have time to truly bring the stories and characters to life on the ice. Most Disney on Ice shows run between 1.5-2.5 hours in length. Here are some examples:
- Mickey’s Search Party (2022-2023): Approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission
- Road Trip Adventures (2021-2022): Approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission
- Celebrate Memories (2021): Approximately 1.5 hours with no intermission
- Worlds of Enchantment (2019-2020): Approximately 2.5 hours with a 20 minute intermission
As you can see, most shows fall into the 1.5-2.5 hour range. The length allows enough time to feature multiple Disney stories and a large cast of skaters playing characters. The intermission gives audiences a chance to take a break halfway through the long production.
Length of Columbus, Ohio Show Engagements
When Disney on Ice comes to Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, the show usually runs for 4-6 days. There are typically multiple performances each day. The past few years, the show dates and times have been:
2022: Mickey’s Search Party
- Thursday, October 27 – 7pm
- Friday, October 28 – 10:30am, 7pm
- Saturday, October 29 – 11am, 3pm, 7pm
- Sunday, October 30 – Noon, 4pm
2021: Road Trip Adventures
- Wednesday, September 29 – 7pm
- Thursday, September 30 – 7pm
- Friday, October 1 – 10:30am, 7pm
- Saturday, October 2 – 11am, 3pm, 7pm
- Sunday, October 3 – Noon, 4pm
2019: Worlds of Enchantment
- Thursday, October 24 – 7pm
- Friday, October 25 – 10:30am, 7pm
- Saturday, October 26 – 11am, 3pm, 7pm
- Sunday, October 27 – Noon, 4pm
As you can see, the Columbus show engagements typically last 4-5 days with multiple shows each day. This allows more people in the area to have the chance to attend the sought-after show.
Length of Individual Shows in Columbus
While the Disney on Ice show runs for several days in Columbus, Ohio, each individual show is around 2 hours long. This includes:
- About 1.5 hours of the main show
- A 15-20 minute intermission halfway through
Some examples of approximate show lengths in Columbus in recent years:
| Show | Year | Length |
| Mickey’s Search Party | 2022 | 2 hours 15 minutes (with 20 minute intermission) |
| Road Trip Adventures | 2021 | 2 hours 10 minutes (with 15 minute intermission) |
| Celebrate Memories | 2021 | 2 hours (with 15 minute intermission) |
| Worlds of Enchantment | 2019 | 2 hours 20 minutes (with 20 minute intermission) |
As you can see, the length stays quite consistent from year to year, varying only by 5-10 minutes. Families can plan on the show lasting around 2 hours total.
Key Factors that Determine Show Length
There are a few key factors that determine the length of Disney on Ice productions:
- Number of stories/disney properties featured – Shows that incorporate more Disney movies and characters tend to be longer to fit everything in.
- Amount of performance elements – Shows with more elaborate props, sets, costumes, and skating numbers take more time.
- Intermission – Most shows have a 15-20 minute intermission which adds to the total runtime.
- Arena logistics – The time needed to set up the elaborate stage and production design limits how short the show can be.
Disney on Ice strives to create a magical experience for fans and bring multiple stories to life in an engaging way. This leads to shows that are longer than a typical sporting event or concert, usually averaging between 1.5-2.5 hours. The Columbus, Ohio shows specifically tend to be around 2 hours total with an intermission. This allows fans plenty of time to enjoy the dazzling costumes, sets, music, and skating performances featuring their favorite Disney characters.
Planning Your Visit
When you attend the Disney on Ice show in Columbus, Ohio, be sure to plan for a time commitment of around 2-2.5 hours from the start of the show until you depart. Here are some tips:
- Arrive early – Be sure to get to Nationwide Arena 30-60 minutes before showtime to get through security, find your seats, visit the concessions or souvenir stands, and be seated for the start.
- Bathroom breaks – Use the restroom before the show or during intermission to avoid missing part of the performance.
- Snacks/drinks – Bring small snacks and drinks or eat beforehand. Concessions can have long lines during intermission.
- Souvenirs – Save merchandise shopping for before or after the show. You don’t want to carry items or have a fussy child during the performance.
- Evening shows – If attending an evening show, eat an early dinner beforehand so you and any kids don’t get hungry halfway through.
- Restless kids – Bring small toys or activities to keep little ones engaged just in case. Two hours is a long time for young children.
With some planning and preparation, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the full Disney on Ice experience from start to finish when you attend the 2 hour show in Columbus, Ohio. Enjoy the magic!
Conclusion
Disney on Ice provides a wonderful opportunity for families to see their favorite Disney stories and characters come to life through spectacular ice skating routines. The shows balance multiple stories and performance elements which leads to a runtime of 1.5-2.5 hours, including an intermission. Specifically in Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Arena, you can expect each Disney on Ice production to last around 2 hours total. The show engagements usually last 4-6 days in the city with multiple performances. By arriving early, taking bathroom breaks and snack breaks at strategic times, and keeping little ones occupied, you can immerse yourself in the full experience. Disney on Ice is the perfect way for young and old alike to experience Disney magic in a thrilling live production.
