A specialist theming and engineering company based in Cropthorne, UK, played a central role in constructing Arendelle Castle, one of the landmark structures within the newly opened World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World, working in close collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering Paris.
UK Loco Ltd, which has supplied theming and engineering services to Disneyland Paris for two decades, contributed to the project from early design stages through to final delivery. The castle, inspired by the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, draws on Norwegian architectural traditions — most notably the rooflines of medieval stave churches, or stavkirkes, including Borgund, which dates to the 12th century — blended with the visual language of a fortified castle.
The construction process began with detailed 3D modeling of the castle, walls, and turrets, allowing Walt Disney Imagineering Paris to review the structure from multiple angles and make refinements to both creative and structural elements before production began. Certified steel fabrication was then completed for the internal support framework, followed by façade work. A full-scale mock-up of a castle section was scenically painted and reviewed by Walt Disney Imagineering Paris to confirm materials, finishes, and overall creative direction prior to full-scale production.
Final delivery drew on a range of specialist disciplines: aluminum fabrication for spires and roof elements, woodwork and pattern-making for wall textures, nearly 2,000 decorative shingle panels, scenic painting incorporating references to Scandinavian rosemaling techniques, and integrated lighting design.
The finished structure employs forced perspective to reinforce visual storytelling as guests move through the land, and serves as the setting for royal encounters with the characters Elsa and Anna.
The project marks a another milestone in the relationship between UK Loco and Disneyland Paris. Over the past 20 years, the company has contributed to a range of park attractions, including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Playland, Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, and the Quinjet centerpiece of Avengers Campus.
“It is a real source of pride for everyone at UK Loco to be a long-standing supplier and trusted partner to Disneyland Paris,” said Stephen Paget, Managing Director of UK Loco Ltd. “Contributing to Disney Adventure World is especially meaningful as we mark 20 years of collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering Paris.”
Cover image courtesy of: Disneyland Paris
