Mickey’s Search Party: Ultimate Budget Friendly Guide to Disney On Ice in NYC & NJ!

Disney Magic Hits the Ice: Mickey’s Search Party is Coming to NYC!

The magic of Disney is back in the Northeast for their annual winter spectacular of aerobatics on ice! We are no strangers to this beautiful show, and as a Disney family, I have the scoop on how to make your first experience into the best experience imaginable! You can also check out my post from previous years here. You can also check out my money saving tips below!

Get ready to lace up your skates (metaphorically, of course) because your favorite Disney characters are heading back to the New York and New Jersey area! From January 8 through February 1, 2026! 

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party will be transforming local arenas into a world of magic, mystery, and high-flying fun.

This isn't just a skating show; it’s an interactive quest. The story follows Mickey and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map to rescue Tinker Bell. Along the way, you’ll be transported into some of the most iconic Disney and Pixar worlds. The show features masterfully done vignettes from your favoite Disney and Pixar films like Toy Story, Coco, The Little Mermaid, and more!

What to Expect: Aerial Stunts & Immersive Magic

This production is famous for pushing the boundaries of what happens on the ice. Here are a few highlights you won't want to miss:

• Coco’s Spirit Realm: Watch Miguel cross the Marigold Bridge into the Land of the Dead with skeletons performing on "sway poles" right over the audience.

• Arendelle Comes to Life: Elsa’s ice palace is built right before your eyes using stunning video projection technology.

• High-Flying Heroes: Witness Belle soar into the sky on an enchanted chandelier and Ariel perform breathtaking aerial acrobatics.

• Pirate Shenanigans: Captain Hook’s pirates bring the laughs (and the thrills) with tumbles, flips, and stunts on "tumble tracks" and stilts.

Tour Dates & Locations

The search party is making three major stops in our area in 2026. Mark your calendars for the venue closest to you:

Location	Dates	Venue
Newark, NJ	Jan 8 – 11	Prudential Center
Belmont Park, NY	Jan 15 – 19	UBS Arena
Brooklyn, NY	Jan 29 – Feb 1	Barclays Center

Pro-Tips for Families

• The "Cold" Factor: Remember, it's an ice rink! The arena is usually about 10 degrees cooler than outside, so layers are your friend.

• Costumes: Fans ages 14 and under are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters to join the fun. Check out my links and HOT tips for arena-friendly products to bring below.

• Get Tickets Early: Tickets are already on sale! For the future, if you are a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer, you can snag your seats during the pre-sale starting today!

Quick Link: You can find the full performance schedule and ticket info at DisneyOnIce.com.

Money Saving Tips for Families!

You don't have to break the bank to provide a little extra magic in your seat while watching the show. Here are some tips that I even participated in, because we are on a really tight budget. 

I have scrambled the day of the show in the past, so I know what it's like to try and locate some magic on a budget! A perfect solution if you have less than 24 hours to plan is to get glow sticks! If you have extra time, then check out my picks below! 

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Another great tip!

The toys below are also great to hold on to for Disney vacations! I always bring my own bubble blowers with me for the kids for night time parades and indoor shows, and they are happy and none the wiser. 

Spinning Light Up Orb Wands (2-pack), Amazon $17.97

Snowflake Wands (2-pack), Amazon $15.95

Mickey Mouse Bubble Wands, Amazon $14.99

Glow sticks from the Dollar Tree are an easy same day fix! 

Glow Stick Bracelets are easier to manage! Try these instead of traditional glow sticks. Find them on Amazon!

If you live near a dollar store like Dollar Tree or Dollar General, you can find glow sticks for a buck! Glow sticks are easy, low-cost options to add a little pizazz to your view of the show. 

Bags at Arenas

Some arenas have specific policies allowing types of bags inside the arena. A safe bet would be to first check the arena's website, and/or bring a clear bag. A clear bag or backpack allows for quicker pass-through security and alleviates the stress of having to return things to your car. I use this bag that I found on Amazon. 

Also, bring snacks for your kids, don't be afraid to do that! If kids are happy with their snacks, then there is more money for the parents to buy what they want like ice cream and beer!

Here is a peek of what to expect from our last visit to Mickey's Search Party at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York.

There are kiosks for snowcones with souvenir cups. This is probably the best bang for your buck as you get a snack, and a cup to take home!

You can also purchase photo packages!

There are a lot of fun souvenirs that can be used as light-ups, and you can also purchase shirts to commemorate your experience. 

 

I hope that this post was helpful! If so, then check out my other social media channels where I share videos, photos, and captions outlining more family-friendly experiences! Give me a follow at @PlayLiveRepeat on all social media!

Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 80 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information. 

Toy Reveal! All New Bluey Toys for 2024! Bluey Valentine's Day Gift Guide Round Up! {{Affiliate Links}}

The widely acclaimed and beloved show, Bluey, has pulled on the heartstrings of Aussies to Americans! The television show is wonderful, heartwarmingly funny, and relatable, and the merchandise is equally awesome!

New Bluey toys are hitting the shelves for 2024, and "they are BEAUT-I-FUL!" From playsets to pretend play toys made of wood to dining to craft kits, I have rounded up all of the latest to add to your growing Bluey collections. 

As a mother of two Bluey fans, I can safely say that this list includes a lot of must-haves that would make great gifts for birthdays, graduation gifts, or even for Valentine's Day. I am smitten with the new wooden playsets by Moose Toys! I love how each set takes scenes from specific episodes like Fancy Restaurant with the Dining Set and Fancy Restaurant Set. Horizon Group USA has a wonderful collection of Bluey-themed crafts to help your little one stay inspired and busy, which is why I love their Bluey Sensory Bin that is chock full of items to help support sensory play.

Know Before You Go! Disney On Ice Find Your Hero on a Budget 2024!

So what can I say except you're welcome...

Experience the magic, the theatrics, and the breathtaking ice dancing at Disney On Ice for all-new 2024 shows! New Yorkers will get to experience a variety of shows to attend in Long Island and Brooklyn arenas starting January 2024 (see complete dates below). Read on to also learn great tips on how to save money to help make this magical experience even more budget-friendly!

If you're new to Disney On Ice, check out my complete guide to visiting with little ones, which also includes tips on creating a budget-friendly magical experience - there are plenty of my affiliate shopping links below too! 

The new Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero features a magical medley of classic and modern Disney tales for fans of any age. From Moana to Encanto to Frozen, little ones and Disney adults will enjoy seeing all of their favorite characters take to the ice. Disney On Ice is a great way to experience your favorite Disney films up close and personal, and each interpretation is truly a breathtaking experience. 

What's the new show, Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero, about?

Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero is about finding the hero inside of all of us! This new ice show is an uplifting experience for all children and Disney adults to enjoy. This family friendly show showcases songs, ice dancing, acrobatics, sights, sounds, and even scents to entice all of our senses! If you're a Disney fan, this show is the perfect way to fuel your fandom. 

Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero visits Belmont Park from January 4-7, 2024, and then off to Barclays Center from January 18–21, 2024. There are also shows scheduled for January 11-15, 2024 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Check out my "Know Before You Go" guide for Prudential Center for show details. 

30+ Easter Gift Ideas For Kids! Easter 2023 Gift Guide

Easter would not be complete without the overflowing basket of goodies! I have a wonderful list of items to fill a basket with useful and fun items to keep little ones and big kids entertained. Keep these gift ideas in mind for Easter, birthdays, and beyond!

 

First we need a vessel for all of these goodies! I found a great sized basket from Five Below. What I love about this particular basket is that I can reuse it for storage—from books to toys. You can even get a colorful, large storage bin from the Dollar Tree to gift Easter gifts in. Don’t forge, you will also need cellophane, grass, and some eggs to hide miniature toys in. You can find all of these on Amazon as well!

Ah, don’t forget to follow me on Amazon where I share live unboxing and reviews. I also share unboxing and reviews on YouTube, so please come over and subscribe!

How cute is this?!

Let’s get to filling! To make it easy, I separated my toy selections by category. Some toys were gifted to me, but please know all opinions are my own. I sincerely try to include products that are budget friendly as well as toys that hold play value. This whole gift guide contains affiliate links; thank you for your support! One more thing, the prices are not the same, I’ve listed actual retail price—pretty much everything listed here is on sale now! 

Books, Puzzles, Games

Praying with My Fingers, Inspired by Pope Francis, is a wonderful kid-friendly book focusing on how to pray. My late grandmother gifted this book to my son one Easter. I absolutely loved it and thought it was so kid-friendly. Religion and the power of prayer is hard to grasp for little ones, so this is a very easy to understand book for children. Amazon $8.99 

The Story of Easter, by Jenn Miller is a classic book from a Little Golden Book collection. This book provides a child-friendly account of Jesus's final days. Children are gently walked through the Last Supper, Jesus carrying the cross, and more. Amazon $3.99 

Bunny Mini Maker Tube is a 70-piece tube of interlocking pieces that can create an Easter egg and Easter bunny. The interlocking tiles provide stem learning and creative play. Plus Plus, Amazon $7.99 

Tactile Turtles Math Activity Set is a great way for kids to hone their Maths skills, color learning, and even tactile play! These adorable turtles are also different sizes, so kids can learn spatial awareness as well. Hand2Mind Amazon $21.99 

Number Blocks Memory Match Game is based off the widely popular TV show where kids are taken on a numerical journey! This match game includes 80 tiles with four different types allowing for a fun mathematical gaming experience. This game is great for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners! Hand2Mind, Amazon $9.99 

Kid-Friendly Tech

Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Phone Just Play Toys, Amazon Target $9.99 

 

RUKUSfx Motion-Controlled Music Mixer is a fun tech toy that gets kids up and moving! With multiple sound effects, music choices, and cool motion controller, kids will love rocking out to RUKUSfx. Just Play Toys, Amazon $49.99 

 

Sky Viper Force Hover Sphere Drone Skyrocket, Target $22.99 

Lite-Brite Mini-X Connect Basic Fun! Toys, Target, Amazon, Meijer and Barnes & Noble

Educational Toys & Sensory Play 

Playfoam Easter Set features a fun and unique way to incorporate sensory and tactile play with cute Easter themed shapes. Playfoam never dries out, can be shaped, molded, stretched, squished, and even use it to color! Check out my video here to see what you can do with Playfoam! Educational Insights, Amazon $19.99 (sold as a 4-pack)

Playfoam Eggs combines sensory play with the element of surprise! Plus you get a shaped egg to store your Playfoam in once playtime is paused. You also get a surprise toy inside the Playfoam. Educational Insights, Amazon $12.99 (sold as a 4-pack) 

Playsand Ice cream Sundae Set includes two colors, ice cream sundae accessories, tools, and recipes to create your own ice cream shop! I especially love the containers to keep the components inside, plus the box itself should be kept to enhance pretend play. Education Insights Amazon $21.99 

Miniverse Make it Mini Food are satisfying to unbox from start to finish! Inside are miniature collectible foods that have real gooey components. Think syrup for pancakes, jam for toast, etc. MGA Amazon $9.97 

Pia the Fill & Spill Piñata is perfect for honing fine motor skills, color learning, tactile play, and number learning. Kids will love the look of Pia, she is so colorful and so fun to fill! Spill out the candy, and count and play all over again. Learning Resources Amazon $16.65 

Imaginative Play, Collectibles, Dolls, and Plush

Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary CAPTIVZ Capsules are surprise eggs with pop n’lock figural dinosaurs famous from the original Jurassic Park movie, and each egg includes slime, so there is also a layer of sensory play. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this June 2023, Jurassic Park, is one of the most memorable and iconic films in modern cinema. As a young girl, I remember popping in the VHS tape and was enamored from start to finish. Just the idea of pulling DNA from a mosquito was beyond my wildest imagination. New fans of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World will be able to step aside their own world of discovery with the Jurassic Park CAPTIVZ collection. Toy Monster International, Walmart $4.99 Slime Egg  

Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Build to Battle Surprise Egg Walmart $9.99 

Elephant TeePee is a whimsical tent that provides next level pretend and imaginative play The canvas printed elephant tent is just too cute. The giant elephant ears make this tent realistic, along with the elephant trunk tent door! This tent is very easy to put together, and requres no tools. It also has a carrying case for easy transport. My sons actually love playing in the tent, and so does our family cat, Skiddles. There is a little square window on each side of the tent. MustardSeedToys.com, Amazon $98.50

Bluey toys collection is number one on my list of toys to give little ones, because everyone loves Bluey! Check out some options below that are all sure to be a hit! 

The Show 4-figure pack including Chilli, Bandit, Bluey, and Bingo all dressed in their best dancing costumes Moose Toys, Amazon $13.39 

Bluey Garbage Truck with Bluey and Bin Man based off of the episode Bin Night. Moose Toys Amazon $18.49

Bluey Tree Playset inspiring the story of Fairies. Kids can recreate Rug Island, Stumpfest, and more memorable Bluey episodes. This set comes with Bluey as a fairy, a fairy, and table and stools. Moose Toys Amazon, Walmart , Target $29.99

My Fuzzy Friends: The Snuggling Bunny Skyrocket Toys, Amazon $24.99 

Care Bears Micro Plush Basic Fun! Toys, Walmart $3.97 

Misfittens Wave 2 Basic Fun! Toys, Amazon Walmart Meijer $9.99  

Disney Doorables Multi Peek Series 9 includes charatcers from Dusney and Pixar films like Zootopia, Turning Red, A Bug's Life, and more! Disney Doorables are one of our favorite collectibles. Just Play Toys, Amazon Target Walmart $11.99

Curlimals are cuddly and adorable plush! They are the perfect size for the Easter basket or for a larger Easter egg! Basic Fun! Toys, Amazon $19.99

Naturalistas Peety Deluxe Crown and Coils Styling Head captures the beauty of the Naturalistas dolls! Now fans of Naturalistas can style their own styling head at home! Just Play Toys/Purpose Toys, Amazon $29.99 

Beastie Buds are snarky and HUNGRY interactive plants. You have never seen toys like this before! These funny interactive plants are real beasts to take care of but they are so fun to collect! Skyrocket, Amazon $15.99 

Sesame Street Dino Stomp Elmo doll is super cute, and the perfect toy for dinosaur loving fans of Elmo! Just Play Toys, Amazon Walmart $32.99

Disney 100 Surprise Capsule is perfect for Disney and Pixar fans. Each capsule provides an immersive unboxing experience. There are also 14 characters to collect spanning across Disney’s 100 years of animation. YuMe Toys, Amazon $26.99 (sold as a 2-pack) 

Easter time, the celebration of renewal, the Spring Equinox, the resurrection of Christ, and the arrival of the Easter Bunny. What are your plans this Easter holiday? Let me know in the comments!