nassau coliseum /disney on ice - some questions

I have actually never been to nassau coliseum. we are taking 3 yo and 18 mo. hoping someone can help

1. what is the deal with parking? how far from lot to arena?
2. can I bring my own food/snacks for kids? on the website, it says no- how strict are they?
3. how early before show should i plan on being there? - hwo long to park, find seats, so on?
4. woudl you bring a stroller for 18 mo or just carry him? i mean, he walks, but he cant walk there in the crowds

Re: nassau coliseum /disney on ice - some questions

I've been twice (ETA: twice to Disney on Ice, Nassau Coliseum all my life). Once when DS was about 5 months and then at about 16 months.

1. They do not sell out the arena for the ice show so the parking lots are not incredibly full. The walk is not that far. Windy but not too far. We come in on the Hempstead Tpke entrance and park by the field trip school bus drop off. I'd check your ticket for the gate/section then look on the website to see which side would be best for parking.

2. We always bring snacks and drinks. They do a bag check outside but it's quite quick and not strict. Just open your diaper bag and they look in, no touching, so put your stuff under a blanket. Don't have a big bag of cheetos popping out.

3. I would say give yourself no less than 15 minutes. It's not crowded so the parking lot line is not long. The bag check goes quick, even behind a field trip. The lobby looks mobbed but it's a steady flow past the rip off souvenier tables. Lots of ushers with flashlights to help you find your seats. If you plan on meeting up with someone or getting some souveniers, 30 mins.

4. I would not bring a stroller. I saw a woman carrying her child down the steep stairs in an umbrella stroller and it just looked scary. Both times, I put DS in a sling to help make it easier and my diaper bag has long handles so I can put it on like a backpack so consider swapping out to a backpack or messenger bag to give you more hands to hold on to the kiddos.

5. Have fun!

Message edited 1/6/2011 10:02:32 AM.

Re: nassau coliseum /disney on ice - some questions

thanks. ok, no stroller. dh is going to, so someone can hold baby and someone can hold 3 yos hand.

Re: nassau coliseum /disney on ice - some questions

were going tonite for disney princesses, they also say to arrive early for the princess gown tour or something...one of the princesses is going to show all the kids the princess dress collection..cant wait!!

Re: nassau coliseum /disney on ice - some questions

I wouldn't bring a stroller I have seen people with it - but there is really no place to leave it and it can be a pain. I have been to the coliseum with DD#1 since she was 10 months. I always either carried her or she walked or a combo of the above.

I always bring a diaper bag. They have never said anything to me. I bring a straw cup and small gerber juice and water. Worst case they tell me to chuck the water - but have not been told to yet. I usually bring a zip lock of cheerios. I think if someone questioned you - you could either chuck it or tell them your child can't eat what they sell.

Parking - really depends on when you arrive. There is a little walk but nothing too bad - but it depends where in the lot you end up.

There is a preshow deal - where you can walk around the concourse and see princess dresses from the shows and I think there might be a princess to meet - but not 100% sure on that. It starts 1 hour before the show.

Also last disney show we went to there were plenty of little girls in costumes in case your DD wants to wear one - she won't be the only child in costume.