No, Disney On Ice is not directly owned by The Walt Disney Company.
While Disney On Ice features beloved characters and stories from the Disney universe, it is not an owned subsidiary or a direct production of The Walt Disney Company. Instead, it is a touring ice show that is produced by Feld Entertainment. This arrangement operates under a specific licensing agreement between Feld Entertainment and The Walt Disney Company.
The Partnership Between Disney and Feld Entertainment
The relationship between The Walt Disney Company and Feld Entertainment is a prime example of a successful licensing model in the entertainment industry.
- Feld Entertainment's Role: As the producer, Feld Entertainment is responsible for the show's entire operation, including its creation, staging, casting, touring logistics, and financial management. They are the entity that brings the live ice spectacular to audiences worldwide.
- Disney's Role: The Walt Disney Company licenses its intellectual property – including characters, storylines, music, and the overall Disney brand – to Feld Entertainment. This allows Feld Entertainment to use Disney's vast catalog of popular content to create the Disney On Ice shows. In return, Disney receives licensing fees and royalties.
This strategic partnership allows Disney to extend its brand reach into the live touring show segment without directly managing the complex logistics of a global touring production. It leverages Feld Entertainment's expertise in large-scale live entertainment.
Understanding the Business Model
The business model for Disney On Ice is distinct from Disney's wholly-owned properties, such as its theme parks or animated studios. Here's a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Disney Wholly-Owned (e.g., Disney Parks) | Disney Licensing Agreement (e.g., Disney On Ice) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Ownership | The Walt Disney Company | Feld Entertainment (for the show's production) |
| Operational Control | Fully managed by The Walt Disney Company | Managed by Feld Entertainment |
| Brand & IP Use | Internal use and development | Licensed from The Walt Disney Company |
| Primary Revenue | Ticket sales, merchandise, experiences | Licensing fees, royalties from Feld Entertainment |
This licensing approach allows both companies to focus on their core strengths: Disney in creating compelling intellectual property, and Feld Entertainment in producing and touring large-scale live events.
Key Takeaways
- Ownership: Disney On Ice is owned and operated by Feld Entertainment.
- Relationship: It operates under a long-standing licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company, which grants Feld Entertainment the rights to use Disney's characters and stories.
- Benefit: This model enables widespread distribution of Disney's brand in live entertainment, managed by a specialist in touring shows.
