You know that feeling when a movie theme starts playing and suddenly the entire arena of five-year-olds (and, let’s be real, a lot of the parents) starts screaming at the top of their lungs? That’s basically the vibe whenever Moana hits the ice. It’s loud. It’s blue. It’s honestly kind of incredible how they make a frozen sheet of ice feel like the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
But here’s the thing: Moana Disney on Ice isn't just one static show. If you’re planning to go in 2026, you’re actually looking at a few different versions of the character's journey depending on which tour stops in your city. Disney doesn't just have one "Moana Show"; they’ve woven her story into several different productions like Into the Magic, Mickey’s Search Party, and the newest 2026 addition, Jump In!.
What’s different about Moana in 2026?
If you’ve seen the show before, you might think you know what to expect. You’ve seen the "How Far I’ll Go" solo, right? Well, for the 2026 season, things have shifted because of the Moana 2 theatrical release.
The newest tour, Disney On Ice presents Jump In!, is officially bringing the story of Moana 2 to the ice for the first time. This isn't just a rehash of the 2016 movie. You’re getting new characters like Matangi, and the choreography has been updated to reflect Moana’s growth from a "wayfinder in training" to a full-blown leader.
Honestly, the way they handle the "water" is what usually gets people. Obviously, they can’t flood the rink. Instead, they use these massive, undulating blue silks and clever projection mapping that makes the ice floor look like it’s rippling. When Moana is out there on her "boat"—which is essentially a cleverly disguised hover-platform or a wheeled prop that skaters push with insane precision—the lighting makes it look like she’s genuinely cresting waves.
The Maui Factor
Let’s talk about Maui for a second. Playing Maui on ice is probably one of the hardest jobs in the show. Why? Because the guy is huge. The performer has to wear a "muscle suit" that is heavily padded to give him that signature demigod bulk, but they still have to pull off double axels and high-speed footwork.
In Mickey’s Search Party, the Maui segment often involves some of the best technical skating of the night. You’ll see him using his giant hook as a prop for spins, and the crowd always goes nuts during "You’re Welcome." It’s basically a high-energy Vegas show on skates.
The Wayfinding Pre-Show Experience
One thing most people miss because they don't want to spend the extra cash is the "Wayfinding with Moana" character experience. This is a separate ticketed event that happens before the main show starts.
Is it worth it? Sorta. It depends on how much your kid loves the character. You get about 45 minutes of:
- A sing-along (which is basically a warm-up for the main event).
- A small craft activity.
- A "photo op" where you use your own phone to take pictures.
The cool part is that the performers stay in character the whole time. If you’ve got a toddler who thinks Moana is a real person, their brain will probably melt with joy. If you’re on a budget, though, you can skip this. The main show gives you plenty of Moana time without the $50+ add-on.
Technical Magic: How they do it
I’ve spent a lot of time looking into how Feld Entertainment (the folks who produce these shows) actually pulls this off. For the Moana segments, they use a mix of aerial arts and traditional skating.
In some versions of the show, like Into the Magic, Moana actually goes airborne. We’re talking about "Spanish Web" routines where she’s hanging from a rope by one ankle, spinning over the ice while the "ocean" (the other ensemble skaters) moves beneath her. It’s pretty athletic stuff.
According to Julia Choi, a professional skater who has portrayed Moana in the Into the Magic tour, the acting is just as hard as the skating. Moana isn't a "dainty" princess. She’s stubborn, curious, and moves with a lot of power. The skaters have to translate that personality through their skates, using deep edges and powerful strides rather than the soft, flowing movements you’d see from someone like Cinderella.
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The Gramma Tala Moment
Usually, the show includes a segment where Gramma Tala appears, often as a stingray. The lighting turns neon purple and gold, and it’s one of the more emotional parts of the night.
They use a lot of dry ice and "low fog" machines for this. It’s a nice break from the high-energy pop songs, and the visual of a giant, glowing stingray "swimming" across the dark ice is actually pretty stunning, even if you're a cynical adult.
Real Talk: The Logistics of Attending
Look, going to see Moana Disney on Ice is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some cold, hard facts to help you survive:
- The Temperature: It’s an ice rink. I know it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people show up in shorts because it’s 80 degrees outside. It’s usually around 60°F inside. Bring a jacket.
- The Merch Trap: The "Oars" and light-up wands are everywhere. They cost a fortune—sometimes more than the ticket itself. Pro tip: Buy a generic light-up wand at a dollar store or on Amazon before you go and pull it out of your bag when the lights go down. Your kid won't know the difference.
- Timing: The show is about 90 to 120 minutes long. There is a 15-minute intermission. This is the "danger zone." Everyone rushes for the bathroom at once. If your kid can hold it, wait until 5 minutes after the intermission starts or go 5 minutes before it begins.
What to watch for in the 2026 Tour
The Jump In! tour is the big one for 2026. It’s the first time we’re seeing the Moana 2 storyline integrated into the ice show.
Expect to see:
- New Costumes: Moana’s updated voyager outfit.
- The Kakamora: These coconut pirates usually make an appearance in most shows, but they’ve been given more complex "tumbling" routines lately. They aren't just skating; they’re doing flips and handsprings on the ice.
- Shiny (Tamatoa): If the tour you’re seeing is Into the Magic, you’ll get the Tamatoa segment. It’s a giant, glow-in-the-dark crab puppet that takes up a huge chunk of the ice. It’s easily the most visually "trippy" part of the production.
Actionable Steps for your Trip
If you're ready to pull the trigger on tickets, don't just buy the first ones you see.
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First, check the official Disney on Ice website to see which specific show is coming to your city. If you want the Moana 2 content, look for Jump In!. If you want the classic "defeat the lava monster" story, Into the Magic or Mickey’s Search Party are your best bets.
Second, aim for seats in the "lower bowl" but not necessarily front row. If you're too close to the ice, you actually miss some of the floor projections that make the water look real. Being about 10-15 rows up gives you the best perspective of the choreography and the lighting effects.
Finally, check the "Character Experience" availability early. These sell out way faster than the actual show tickets. If your heart is set on that photo with Moana, you need to book it the same day you get your seats.
The whole experience is pretty much designed to be a sensory overload, but in a good way. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the price of popcorn, and you’ll have a great time watching Moana prove once again that she really can go the distance—even on skates.