World of Frozen Hints at the Future of American Disney Parks
Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro have spent the end of last month at Hong Kong Disneyland.
While there, they have proudly displayed the fruits of years of Imagineering labor.
Finally, World of Frozen has opened. It’s the first of several planned – and currently under construction – themed lands based on Arendelle.
Eventually, Disneyland and/or Walt Disney World will likely open an Arendelle as well.
Iger recently referred to Frozen as one of Disney’s “most valuable franchises.”
With Frozen 3 and Frozen 4 currently under development, it’s easy to envision a vast expansion of Arendelle throughout the Disney empire.
Let’s talk about World of Frozen and how it hints at the future of American Disney parks.
What Is World of Frozen?
In 2016, Shanghai Disneyland opened and thereby established a new standard for Disney theme parks.
And, like Michael Jordan, Hong Kong Disneyland took that personally.
Photo: Disney
China’s first theme park had opened 11 years earlier. Alas, many financial restrictions limited the park during its earliest days.
Once Shanghai Disneyland debuted, Hong Kong Disneyland officials committed to a competition that has benefited all Chinese Disney fans.
Photo: Disney
In late 2016, the Hong Kong government and Disney officials announced a series of upgrades coming to the parks.
One of them proved to be World of Frozen. Disney planned this theme park recreation of Arendelle to open in 2021, but the pandemic slowed the process.
This delay proved beneficial as Imagineers gained extra time to perfect an entire themed land based on the Frozen franchise.
In November 2023, almost six years day to the day after the Hong Kong Disneyland expansion announcement, World of Frozen debuted.
Photo: Disney
This version of Arendelle represents the tip of the iceberg, as Tokyo DisneySea and Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris will also open versions.
Disney officials have also hinted that an Arendelle expansion could be part of Disneyland Resort.
Photo: Disney
Similarly, even though EPCOT already hosts the original version of Frozen Ever After, Walt Disney World might add an Arendelle as well.
That’s how bullish Disney has become about Frozen as a theme park brand.
What Are the Rides at World of Frozen?
Photo: Disney
We all love thematic Imagineering designs that create the illusion of immersion.
So, the thought of getting swept away on an Arendelle excursion appeals to all of us.
Photo: Disney
Before we discuss the themed land, we should talk about the rides, though. After all, the attractions are what drive theme park attendance.
At World of Frozen, Hong Kong Disneyland has recreated something you’ll find familiar. Here’s one of the new rides:
Yes, that’s Frozen Ever After. And yes, World of Frozen is such a big deal that Entertainment Weekly sent a reporter to cover its grand opening.
Photo: Disney
Still, most of that should look familiar to you. While Hong Kong Disneyland’s version of Frozen Ever After isn’t an exact copy, it’s about 98% the same.
Even after seven years, Imagineers can’t do much to improve what’s already a nearly perfect ride experience. Isn’t it joyous?
Photo: Disney
The other attraction at World of Frozen is short but terrific. It’s called Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs.
As the name implies, it’s a roller coaster. Here’s a look at Disney’s newest thrill ride:
I would describe this coaster as a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train variant without the interior mine sequences that stop the cart.
Also, you might have noticed something familiar here. Disney understandably removed Oaken from the attraction queue at Frozen Ever After.
Fittingly, you’ll find him while waiting in line for his Sliding Sleighs instead. These are the little touches Disney gets right.
The Theming of World of Frozen
Photo: Disney
According to Disney, World of Frozen is “a themed land that fully immerses guests into the world of the films during the celebration of Summer Snow Day.”
Frozen Ever After superfans may recognize that premise. Here’s an article I wrote in 2020. And here’s the relevant picture:
I took that while standing in line for Frozen Ever After; it’s a part of the attraction queue.
Disney’s Frozen stories celebrate the moment when Anna’s act of unselfishness and true love for her sister saved Elsa’s life.
The entirety of Arendelle cherishes this holiday, and you’ll see several memorable landmarks from the film at World of Frozen.
Photo: Disney
Disney lists examples as Arendelle Caste, Friendship Fountain, and the Clock Tower.
The last one is where Anna danced with Prince Hans before later realizing he was a weasel…err, Weselton resident.
Elsa’s Ice Palace is also visible as a lovely background touch at Arendelle.
Imagineers have encapsulated all the wonders from Frozen and Frozen II here, and they knew they had to get it right.
Photo: Disney
I say this because Jennifer Lee, the creator of Frozen, the co-director of Frozen/Frozen II, and the current Chief Officer at Walt Disney Animation, appeared at the event.
You can imagine how awkward it would be if she didn’t love everything about World of Frozen.
Thankfully, that’s not a problem due to the beauty and authenticity of this place.
Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro bragged, ““Our Imagineers worked with the team at Disney Animation to ensure every detail is just right.”
Later, D’Amaro added, “World of Frozen transports you to another world, where you can have fun with your loved ones and make some incredible memories together.”
The Future of Frozen at American Disney Parks
Photo: Disney
Obviously, Frozen Ever After could feasibly become a part of Disneyland Resort at some point.
Similarly, a version of Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is a possibility here as well. I don’t expect this one at Walt Disney World, though.
Credit: Good Morning America
My argument stems from its similarity to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Also, after Tron Lightcycle / Run, I doubt Disney could excite fans with an even shorter roller coaster.
Photo: Disney
Still, I expect a Frozen themed land in America at some point in the next decade as part of the proposed $60 billion in park enhancements.
We’ve already witnessed elements that are likely to translate as well.
At World of Frozen, guests can shop at Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles or eat at either Forest Fare or the Golden Crocus Inn, which serves authentic Norwegian fare.
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea will host a restaurant called Royal Banquet of Arendelle, which sounds somewhat similar to a Disney Wish offering. It’s all connected!
More importantly, Fantasy Springs will introduce a new Frozen ride next Springs. It’s a longer boat ride than Frozen Ever After, and it features soundtrack songs.
Nobody knows yet which similarities it’ll share with Frozen Ever After, but if it’s entirely new, we might get that in America, too.
Photo: Disney
Still, the most essential part of World of Frozen, the part all American fans want, is the Arendelle experience itself.
At World of Frozen, guests can visit Playhouse in the Woods, Anna and Elsa’s secret hideaway when they were kids.
Credit: Good Morning America
As the name implies, it’s a stage show where Elsa performs her snow magic and meets guests afterward.
Imagineers have crafted an interactive theater experience, and it’s epic. You’ll find video projections and Audio-Animatronics as part of the presentation.
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Feature Photo: Disney
