Last year MacGirl and I had the honor of attending a Disney on Ice show with VIP Dining Seats, courtesy of Feld Entertainment. Below is a list of pros and cons of VIP Dining that may help you decide if this is a ticket option you'd like to consider.
Pro: VIP Dining is a unique experience that is especially perfect for celebrating a special event, like a birthday!
Con: It’s not available everywhere (and perhaps not for every show). In the Atlanta-area, I’ve only seen it offered at Gwinnett Center. It was available for last year’s (2014) Disney On Ice’s 100 Years of Magic and this year’s (2015) Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy. I have not seen it offered at Philips Arena yet.
Pro: VIP Dining seats are floor seats, usually in the “second” and “third” row, front and center of the Ice/Stage.
Con: The first-row seats are Rinkside seats. Since these are floor seats, there will be no elevation in the seating, which can pose problems for little kids sitting right behind adults. It can even pose a problem for adults sitting behind adults!
Pro: VIP Dining gives you seats at a beautifully decorated banquet-style table. It includes kid-friendly menus (hot dog, hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken fingers, with fries and a beverage), personal table side service, and unlimited popcorn. The table allows you the luxury of having a place for all of your and your kids’ belongings. It gives you room between your neighbors so you don’t feel like sardines. And it gives you the luxury of not having to wait in line (with young kids), juggling your meal purchase by yourself (try 3 drinks! on top of popcorn and entrees) and walking up or down steps in a dimly lit arena. You also will be eating at a table, not off your lap!
Con: It’s the priciest ticket option available. Of course, you are paying for 2nd or 3rd row floor seating, food & beverage, unlimited popcorn, and speedy tableside service… but it will cost you the price of an admission ticket into Walt Disney World!
Pro: You can usually find Half-Priced Tickets via Goldstar.
Con: If you’ve ever tried VIP Dining (Or Rinkside) it’s hard to go back to general seating for a future show! It's that awesome!
Although….
Pro: I find all the seats at Gwinnett Center are great seats. They all have great vantage points. maybe that’s why their ticket prices tend to be higher than that of Philips Arena.
On a rating scale, I’d recommend Rinkside seats first (they are cheaper and closer to the ice!), then VIP Dining Seats (you will really feel like royalty), then VIP Seats (although I’ve never been seated in that section, but they are the 3rd closest section to the ice) and then General Seating. You’ll definitely want to check deal sites, like Goldstar for discounted tickets, and make sure you’re following Macaroni Kid for presale and discount codes, as well as giveaways!
Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador. In exchange for my time and effort reviewing shows and sharing the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to select Feld shows. Although I receive these benefits, the opinions I share are always my own.
