Some events can be enchanting, magical even, and Disney on Ice is the perfect example. Much more than just a show, this mega-production travels the globe, fascinating families with the wonders of Disney. And that’s what happened in Utrecht last December when Royal Jaarbeurs hosted Disney on Ice. It was an event which required meticulous planning as everyone recognised that ‘no ice’ meant ‘no show.’
We’re talking to Matteo Tagliabue, regional marketing director at Feld Entertainment which organised the event. “Our ultimate goal was to give people the chance to experience the magic of Disney close to home,” he explains. “Not everyone is able to go to Disneyland or book a Disney cruise, and that’s why we bring Disney characters old and new to the doorstep of families around the world. Enjoying a show with your loved ones makes memories which last a lifetime. And that’s what makes us tick.”
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Major production
Disney on Ice tours worldwide and plays in scores of countries every year. These are large-scale productions that attract tens of thousands of people. The Jaarbeurs complex welcomed some 70,000 people in just ten days and a show on this scale demands serious preparations and seamless cooperation. Matteo: “When you create a major production like this, you need a partner that understands your needs and provides the necessary support.”
Strategic partner
The decision to select Jaarbeurs as the event location was an easy one to make, continues Matteo: “Feld Entertainment and Jaarbeurs have been working together for nearly ten years. We are more than just an producer and a location, we’re partners. Moreover, Jaarbeurs is flexible, has experience with international productions and is strategically located. It’s a short walk from the train station to the event and the halls can be adapted to suit our needs.”
Fine-tuned
The next step was a collaboration that ran for months, including intensive consultations with technical teams and detailed logistic planning. Every detail was discussed, from the height of the roof to how to welcome visitors in an extra hall that was transformed into a foyer. And then, of course, there was the ice.
“No ice, no show,” Matteo says with a smile as he describes an ice rink with a very specific construction: “We built a dedicated structure that was connected to pipelines & cables and filled with liquid. The ice was slowly built up, layer by layer in a special method that takes around 48 hours. This demands a core team who are responsible for the quality of the ice throughout the duration of the show. Their job is to ensure the ice stays perfect by constantly monitoring its temperature and quality. After all, if the ice isn’t flawless, the show can’t go on. Loss of power is our greatest nightmare.”
Forward-thinking
Although Feld Entertainment provides its own cooling systems, technical equipment and dedicated ‘ice team’, Jaarbeurs as a partner needs to ensure the space is optimised for building up and preserving the ice. “And they excel at doing so,” adds Matteo. “We have specific agreements in place to ensure the ice is kept at the ideal temperature. Jaarbeurs is very proactive in its contribution, ensuring that they have a solution to any problem which may arise in advance.”
Creating a unique experience
Matteo can now look back at ten incredible days, a spectacular show and a unique partnership. He emphasises how Jaarbeurs and Feld Entertainment share the same vision of creating an amazing experience for visitors. “And that makes our partnership so strong. The moment everything comes together is just magical. After weeks of preparations and close cooperation, seeing the smiles on people’s faces… That’s why we do what we do. It’s magic.”
New tradition in Utrecht
Although he cannot confirm it officially, Matteo suggests that a new tradition has started in Utrecht. “We hope that Disney on Ice will become a fixture on the Christmas calendar in the Netherlands. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see families, generation after generation, enjoying these magical moments together?” Royal Jaarbeurs is proud to be hosting the following edition as Disney on Ice returns to Utrecht from 19 to 28 December to enchant young and old alike with another spectacular show.
Photos © Disney
