The first of 10 Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove shows wowed audiences at Hamilton’s Claudelands Arena last night and this morning.

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove, which will see 30,000 event-goers visit Claudelands over four days, has proved so popular two additional shows were added to the eight show-programme originally scheduled for the city.

Feld Entertainment’s Senior Marketing Manager Kim Dreier says it has been fantastic to see such strong support for the Hamilton shows.

“We are thrilled with how well Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove has been received here and it is a great way to start our New Zealand tour,” she says.

Based on ticket sales information for the 10 Claudelands Arena shows, Hamiltonians will make up more than 30 per cent of attendees and a further 30 per cent will come from the surrounding Waikato region. Around 20 per cent are expected to come from the Bay Of Plenty. 

Ticket sales data also suggests some keen Disney fans are travelling from as far afield as the Hawkes Bay, Wellington and even the South Island to experience the ice skating spectacular at Claudelands Arena.

The show has also proven to be a draw card for schools in the region, with 18 school groups attending across the four days.

Claudelands Director of Business Development and Marketing Murray Jeffrey says: “Shows like Disney On Ice are wonderful for our community as they contribute to the vibrancy and excitement of the city, and attract visitors from surrounding regions and further afield.

“The touring group alone have occupied a significant number of room nights at local accommodation providers, while visitors to Hamilton will no doubt enjoy many of the other great things this city has to offer. The city will be busy.”

Around 80 Disney On Ice cast and crew members are currently in Hamilton for the event, bringing with them 20 40ft containers full of equipment. In addition Claudelands has employed around 60 extra staff to assist in the lead-up to and during the shows.

Set up in Claudelands Arena took five days to complete, including building and maintaining the show’s 130ft (39.6m) x 66ft (20m) ice floor.

Although these preparations have kept the touring group busy, performers and support staf have still managed to find time to experience some of region – with some dining in local eateries and others hiring campervans to visit sites throughout the region including Rotorua and Matamata.

“We are all excited to be here in Hamilton and to see the local community getting behind the show,” says Dreier.

“With a very talented cast including Olympic skaters and all your favourite Disney characters, this show has universal appeal and will entertain all ages.”

Disney On Ice at Claudelands Arena – fast figures:

• 10 shows
• Held over 4 days
• 30,000 tickets sold
• 18 school groups attending
• More than 50 Disney characters
• 80 cast and crew
• Around 60 additional staff
• 20 x 40ft containers of equipment
• Five days to set-up
• Three days to pack-down
• 130ft (39.6m) x 66ft (20m) ice floor
• 48,000 litres of water to create the ice
• 425 man-hours to install, maintain and breakdown the ice floor