Arendelle Castle has been created for Disney Adventure World through the combined work of Walt Disney Imagineering Paris and UK Loco Ltd, a United Kingdom based theming and engineering company in Cropthorne and a long-standing supplier to Disneyland Paris. Together, the teams have translated the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios Frozen into a built environment designed to feel cohesive, believable, and richly detailed.
The castle draws on a distinctive architectural language. Its design blends the foundations of a fortified castle with rooflines inspired by Norwegian stave churches (stavkirkes), referencing well-known examples such as Borgund, dating from the 12th century. Translating those influences into themed construction requires precision: layered roof forms, refined silhouettes and surface finishes that hold up from multiple viewpoints, at different distances and in changing light.
A key part of the project has been engineering and craft expertise applied to complex creative requirements, to deliver structures intended for long-term durability. UK Loco Ltd supported the design intent from the outset through detailed 3D modelling of the castle, walls and turrets, enabling the teams at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris to review the project from all angles and refine both creative and structural elements before production.
Following the design phase, certified steel fabrication was completed for the internal support structure. Once foundations were in place, work progressed to the façade. A full-scale mock-up of a castle section was produced and scenically painted for review by Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, helping to confirm materials, finishes and overall creative intent prior to full production.
Delivery then brought together multiple specialist disciplines, including:
- Aluminium fabrication for spires and roof elements
- Woodwork and pattern-making for detailed wall textures
- Near 2000 decorative shingle panels across roof and wall surfaces
- Scenic painting, including references to Scandinavian rosemaling techniquesLighting design to support the final appearance
The finished structure has been designed to act as a visual magnet within the land. The design uses forced perspective to reinforce the visual storytelling as guests move through the land, inviting them to visit the Castle for a royal encounter with Elsa and Anna.
This project also continues a long-standing collaboration between Disneyland Paris and UK Loco Ltd. Over twenty years, the teams have contributed to park experiences including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Playland, Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, and more recently the Quinjet created for 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, UK Loco Ltd. “Contributing to Disney Adventure World is especially meaningful as we mark 20 years of collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering Paris.”
