Disney On Ice Newcastle 2021 : Top Tips

 Ad - We had press tickets but were not paid or asked to write this post. 

This post is based on my personal experience of watching the show on 8 December 2021. This may differ from others' experiences and as always, always contact venues direct for the most up to date info. 

How long before the show should I arrive? 

We arrived at Central Station at 5:30pm for a sold out show with a 6:30pm start. We walked to the arena, through the COVID check, through the metal detectors, stood in the merch queue in the foyer, ordered drinks from the  bar and were in our seats for 6:20pm. I would say if you want to buy merch/food etc....aiming to be in Newcastle an hour before the show starts is a good idea. There were quite a few latecomers. 

Do I need to be vaccinated/show a COVID passport? 

Please familiarise yourself with the Arena COVID policy here.  At time of writing this (4 December), you do not need to be vaccinated but you do need to show one of the following: 

• Lateral flow/PCR negative test results email or text received within 24 hours of attending the event (do not bring your test - enter your results online and they will be sent to you electronically)
• A NHS COVID pass via the NHS app (this should also show if you have tested positive for COVID in the past 6 months)
• A COVID Pass Letter 
  

The above applies to over 18s only. At the moment, under 18s do not need to show proof. 

Do not attend if you have COVID or have been asked to self isolate. 

There is a checkpoint (ours was at the bottom of the stairs) where you have to show this proof before you are let through. I don't know what happens if you don't have the required proof so please be prepared. 

There is more info about where you can get free tests from/download the app etc in the link above. Both myself and my mam used our NHS COVID pass which we had downloaded to our phones and was quick and easy. 

When we walked through the checkpoint at the front at around 5:40pm,  they were checking every single person's pass and people who didn't have proof were standing to one side while they sorted it out. 

However other people have mentioned they weren't checked at all (this especially seems to be the case when coming into the arena from the rear car park). 

Either way, it is a condition of entry so I would strongly advise you have something organised especially with stronger restrictions coming into place. 

Queue to check COVID passes/test results 

PLEASE NOTE, there are changes to this as we switch to plan B as announced today but as it stands, the changes to entry for large events does not come into place until 15 December. This is a fast moving situation so please keep an eye on the news and Newcastle Arena social media for any changes. 

Do I need to wear a face covering? 

On the day we attended, it was strongly advised but not compulsory. Nobody was wearing face coverings when seated and I would say around 30% were when moving around. 

Again, this is set to change as we switch to Plan B and it looks like they will be compulsory when not eating and drinking from 10 December with the usual exemptions (see here for info). 

What items are prohibited from the arena? 

Once you have passed through the COVID queue, you need to queue to walk through metal detectors. This queue was fairly long (almost as far back as the rear car park) but it moved quickly. 

It's just like an airport, bags are searched, you put your phone/keys in a tray and walk through a metal detector before you reach the arena doors.

There is a long list of prohibited items with any kind of backpacks, large bags, food and drinks being the main things to avoid. If you need to bring a prohibited item into the arena for medical reasons / special needs, there is an email address in the link where you can ask for an exemption. 

I've heard they are pretty quick to respond and I think it's just a case of you showing their email/response to security. 

Parking and Public Transport 

I absolutely hate driving at night in town, especially in December. In the past, I have parked at the arena car park which is around £6 (pay at the machine/by phone). You just need to show your event tickets to the stewards and thry let you into the car park. 

I've never found the queues coming out of the arena car park to be too bad. At 5:40pm, Times Square Car Park still had spaces but there were huge queues as we left and I would avoid. 

Grainger Town Car Park across from Discovery Museum is free after 5pm and somewhere I would recommend parking as it's not too far to walk. 

We decided to use park & ride and get the Metro to Central Station direct from Four Lane Ends. Parking is currently free here and kids aged 11 and under go free.

Merch / Food & Drink Prices 

Food inside of the arena is expensive but the food and drinks queues are fairly short. Example prices: 

• Nachos and soft drink £8.80 
• Nachos and beer £10.80 
• Hot dog and soft drink £9.20 
• Crisps and a soft drink £7.20 
• Bag of Sweets and a Hot Drink £6

The bar is card only. 

Merchandise is also pricey, it was £12 for a snow cone in a novelty cup and £13 for popcorn in a novelty bucket. Flashy wands were £25, soft toys were £24-£26, cotton candy with a crown was £11, programmes were £10 and it was £10 to get your photo taken against a green screen. Again, card only. 

Official arena policy states you can't take your own glow sticks/light up toys into the arena but security did let these through tonight. If you'd like to save cash, take your own (check out Home Bargains) but make sure you know that there is a chance it could be confiscated. 

Some kids did seem to be able to take their own sweets in too but again, this is against arena policy and I guess it depends on how strict the security guard you encounter on the night is being during bag searches. 

NB Fancy dress is encouraged for kids but not permitted for over 18s. 

How long does the show last? 

Our 6:30pm show ended at 8:38pm (including an interval). We were pretty much straight out of the arena without any queuing. It's well managed. 

Can I take a pushchair? 

Yes and there is a pushchair store in the foyer. This is limited though and you leave your pushchair in the foyer at your own risk. If you can, I'd probably leave the pushchair behind. 

Can you recommend anywhere for food beforehand? 

Lane 7 (although you need a bowling reservation too) and Mantra Thai both have good options for kids and are within an easy walking distance of the arena. 

Is the show good? 

We absolutely LOVED the show. There are mini versions of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Moana, Frozen and Tangled plus Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald. 

The routines, sets and skating were just as spectacular as always. I always get a lump in my throat watching and this year was no different.

I loved the opening scenes with Sebastian and 'Under the Sea' felt really magical as did 'Be Our Guest' in the second half. 

I shared a special moment with Dee as they snuggled in and we watched the Tangled montage - a film we have watched together time and time again. 

I really don't think you're ever too old for some Disney magic and I am so pleased we were able to attend, even if there were a few hoops to jump through to get there compared to the last time we visited. 

What to wear

I wasn't actually that cold. A Christmas jumper and a winter coat worked well for me. Lots of kids wear dress up costumes with leggings under / their winter hats and coats.  


Please note, this post is based on my personal experience and does not replace official guidance which should always be checked before heading out, especially in these current times as situations are forever changing. 

I do not work for the arena or the NHS and will not be able to help with any questions. Please contact official sources for further guidance or if you have any questions.