You know that feeling when you finally get the kids buckled in, snacks packed, and then realize you have no idea where you’re actually parking? Yeah, we’ve all been there. If you're looking at Disney on Ice Ohio dates for 2026, you're likely choosing between two major stops: Cleveland and Columbus. Honestly, it’s one of those traditions that feels almost mandatory if you have kids under ten, but every year the shows change just enough to make you wonder if it’s worth the ticket price again.
This year, things are looking a bit different on the ice. We’re moving past the "classic" medley style and into more immersive, tech-heavy storytelling. In Cleveland, they’re bringing in a show called Jump In!, while Columbus is getting Mickey’s Search Party. It’s not just a change in name; the vibe of the performances is actually quite distinct depending on which city you hit.
The Cleveland Run: What to Know About Rocket Arena
Cleveland is up first. From January 14 to January 18, 2026, Disney on Ice presents Jump In! takes over Rocket Arena. If you haven’t been to the arena lately, heads up—it’s undergoing some upgrades. They’re working on fan transportation, which basically means some escalators and elevators near Portals 10, 25, and 29 might be out of commission or just plain slow. If you’re bringing a stroller or have someone in your party who isn't great with stairs, give yourself an extra 20 minutes. Seriously.
The Jump In! show is a big deal because it’s the first time we’re seeing characters from Inside Out 2 and Moana 2 on the ice. You’ll see Anxiety (the character, not just the feeling you get in the parking garage) along with Joy and the rest of the crew. They’ve also integrated this "Magical Mouse Pad" concept where the audience "helps" Mickey and Minnie navigate the stories. It’s a bit gimmicky, but kids eat it up.
Key Cleveland Dates & Times:
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- Wednesday, Jan 14: 7:00 PM
- Thursday, Jan 15: 7:00 PM
- Friday, Jan 16: 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM
- Saturday, Jan 17: 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM
- Sunday, Jan 18: 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM
The Friday morning show at 10:30 AM is usually the "field trip" or "toddler" show. It’s often slightly less chaotic than the Saturday afternoon madness, but only slightly.
The Columbus Stop: Mickey’s Search Party at Nationwide
A few weeks later, the magic shifts south. Disney on Ice Ohio continues at Nationwide Arena in Columbus from February 19 to February 22, 2026. This show is Mickey’s Search Party. While Jump In! focuses on the newer sequels, Search Party is a bit more of a high-energy variety show. Think acrobatics, world-class skating, and a lot of "clues" that Mickey has to find to rescue Tinker Bell.
Nationwide Arena has gone completely cashless. Don’t be the person trying to hand a twenty to the guy selling the $15 popcorn. They take cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Also, if you’ve got a kid who gets overwhelmed by loud noises or crowds, Columbus has a "Safelite Safe Spot" which is a sensory-friendly space located off the elevator on the Club level. It's a lifesaver for families who need a ten-minute breather without leaving the building.
Columbus Performance Schedule:
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- Thursday, Feb 19: 7:00 PM
- Friday, Feb 20: 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM
- Saturday, Feb 21: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
- Sunday, Feb 22: 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM
Why the Character Experience Costs Extra
You’ll see an option for the "Follow the Stars with Moana" preshow or the "VIP Magical Pass." Is it worth it? Sorta depends on your budget. It’s an extra ticket—meaning you need your show ticket plus the experience ticket. It usually lasts about 45 minutes and involves a meet-and-greet and some storytelling.
Keep in mind that for the 2026 tour, the Moana experience is specifically tied to the Jump In! show in Cleveland. It’s a way to see the characters up close before they’re 100 feet away on the ice. Just remember that everyone age 2 and up needs a ticket for this, so the cost adds up fast.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rules
Let's talk logistics because this is where people get frustrated. First: the bag policy. Nationwide and Rocket Arena are strict. If your bag is bigger than a small clutch (roughly 5"x8"x1"), you’re probably going to have to take it back to the car. Exceptions are made for diaper bags and medical bags, but expect them to be x-rayed or hand-searched.
Costumes? Kids can wear them. Adults? Not so much. Disney has a hard rule: if you’re 14 or older, no costumes. They don’t want people mistaking a random dad for the "real" Gaston. Simple enough, but every year someone shows up in a full Elsa gown and has to change.
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Parking is another beast. In Cleveland, the Gateway East Garage is now cashless. In Columbus, you’re looking at $15 to $30 for nearby lots. Honestly, buying a parking pass on SeatGeek or Ticketmaster ahead of time is the only way to ensure you aren't circling the block while the show starts.
How to Actually Get Tickets Without Getting Scammed
The "average" price is usually around $30 to $50, but it can swing wildly. I’ve seen verified resale tickets for $30 in the upper sections of Nationwide, while front-row "rinkside" seats can go for hundreds.
- Buy Direct: Use Ticketmaster or the venue’s official site (NationwideArena.com or RocketArena.com).
- Watch the Fees: The price you see first isn't the price you pay. Expect $10-$15 in fees per ticket.
- Check the "Standard" vs "Resale": Sometimes a standard ticket in a better row is cheaper than a "Verified Resale" ticket a few rows back.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're heading to Disney on Ice Ohio this season, here is the short list of things that will actually make your life easier:
- Download your tickets to your phone wallet BEFORE you get to the arena. Cell service near the entrance is notoriously spotty when 10,000 people are trying to do the same thing.
- Eat before you go. You're going to spend $15 on a light-up wand that will be broken by Tuesday; don't spend another $50 on arena chicken fingers if you can help it.
- Arrive 60 minutes early. Doors open an hour before the show, and the security lines for families with strollers and bags are always the longest.
- Bring a sweater. It’s an ice rink. Even if it’s 40 degrees outside, the arena air is kept chilled to keep the ice from turning into a puddle.
- Check the bag policy for your specific venue one last time. Policies change, and "I didn't know" won't get your backpack through the door.
For Cleveland attendees, check the Rocket Arena website for the latest on those elevator outages. For those in Columbus, keep an eye on the Blue Jackets' schedule, as traffic in the Arena District is significantly worse on game nights.