Disney film production: Luxury hotel equipment hire
When Disney needed identical fitness equipment delivered to Claridges and Sopwell House in Hertfordshire on a tight timeline, Fit Hire stepped in to manage the complexity. In January 2021, the studio commissioned us to supply and install bespoke gym equipment across both luxury venues for a cast member during filming. The project showcased Fit Hire's ability to work with high-profile entertainment clients whilst strengthening relationships with the luxury hotel sector, who now regularly recommend our services to their most discerning guests.
The story of Disney's UK production
Disney's productions demand precision, speed, and absolute discretion. When the studio needed identical fitness equipment installed across two separate locations for a cast member during their UK stay, they reached out to Fit Hire.
The entertainment industry frequently requires bespoke solutions at short notice, and hotels hosting A-list talent need partners who understand both the technical requirements and the sensitivity of working with high-profile clients. Luxury venues like Claridges and Sopwell House are accustomed to accommodating exceptional requests, but installing heavy gym equipment in suites designed for comfort, not fitness facilities, presents genuine challenges. Fit Hire was chosen precisely because we'd demonstrated this capability before, and because we have a track record of discreet, professional service.
The challenge of simultaneous installations at Claridges and Sopwell House
The brief was straightforward on the surface, but operationally complex. Disney needed identical fitness equipment installed at both Claridges in London and Sopwell House in Hertfordshire for a three-week period. The cast member would be based at both addresses during their stay in the UK, so duplicating the equipment across both hotels was essential. This wasn't simply a matter of having two sets of weights and a stand available, it required careful coordination between two distinct luxury hotel environments, each with their own protocols and physical constraints. Neither venue was originally designed to accommodate gym equipment, which meant planning installation carefully to protect the rooms and maintain the standards these prestigious hotels are known for. In some cases, this requires laying protective rubber flooring before equipment placement, which adds another layer of logistical planning.
Why Disney chose Fit Hire
With over 20 years' experience supplying equipment to the commercial sector, Fit Hire had built the stock depth and operational flexibility that a major studio requires. We understood that for a project like this, it wasn't enough to simply deliver equipment, we needed to manage the entire process with the professionalism and discretion that both Disney and the hotels demanded. Our experience working with luxury venues meant we grasped the unspoken requirements, the careful handling that protects high-end interiors, and the need to work seamlessly with hotel management. Disney knew they could trust us to deliver without complications.
How Disney used Fit Hire's hire service
Fit Hire managed the full scope of the project across both locations. We selected appropriate weights and equipment suitable for suite-based training, coordinated deliveries to Claridges and Sopwell House, and ensured meticulous handling throughout installation. The equipment was treated with the care required in luxury hotel environments, protecting both the items themselves and the rooms they were placed in.
Nothing was damaged or marked when the studio signed off the equipment at the end of the three-week hire period. ["[Hotel/Disney testimonial would go here if client wishes to provide one]"] The experience reinforced what luxury hotel operators like Claridges and Sopwell House already understand, that Fit Hire isn't just a supplier, we're a partner who grasps the demands of working in prestige environments.
The results
The Disney project delivered more than just successful equipment installation. It strengthened our relationships with both Claridges and Sopwell House. These iconic luxury venues understand the challenges involved in sourcing and installing heavy equipment in spaces not originally designed for that purpose. They've seen how we approach these challenges with professionalism and care. Fit Hire now regularly supplies equipment to hotels for guests who prefer to remain nameless, a testament to the trust and discretion we've earned through projects like this one. The work with Claridges and Sopwell House proved that whether you're working with a global entertainment studio or a luxury hotel's most discerning clientele, Fit Hire delivers the technical expertise, operational flexibility, and professionalism your project demands.
Get in touch
If you're managing a high-profile project, planning a corporate gym, or looking to offer premium fitness facilities to your guests, Fit Hire can deliver. We work with the entertainment industry, corporate clients, and luxury hospitality venues across the UK. Contact our team to discuss your requirements, or visit our advice and enquiries page to start a conversation about what's possible for your space.
