This week, guests from around the world attended a special ceremony celebrating the imminent grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland’s brand-new ‘World of Frozen’ themed land, which opens its gates to the public on November 20.
While the world’s first Frozen-themed land prepares to debut on the other side of the Pacific, it may also offer us a glimpse into the future of fresh innovations at the Disneyland Resort in California.
In fact, a new Frozen-inspired land was already pitched in 2021 as a possible theme park expansion project under the DisneylandForward plan—a long-term vision for the future growth and development of the original Anaheim theme park.
World of Frozen Will Open Next Year at Hong Kong Disneyland (Photo via Disney)
‘World of Frozen’ at Hong Kong Disneyland
A decade after the release of the wildly popular Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film ‘Frozen’, the themed land’s realization at Hong Kong Disneyland features the Scandinavian-inspired Arendelle Village at its center, where the setting is that of a “summer snow day” celebration, according to The Orange County Register.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Arendelle Village boasts a backdrop of Nordic-inspired architecture, two rides, a theatrical show, dining and shopping venues, and character encounters with the much-loved royal sisters, Elsa and Anna.
Attractions include the ‘Frozen Ever After’ flume ride, which first appeared at Epcot in Walt Disney World in 2016, and takes guests on a journey through the North Mountain to Elsa’s Ice Palace, Troll Valley and more. Then there’s ‘Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs’, a family-friendly carnival coaster that zooms through the peaks and landscapes of Arendelle Forest.
The ‘Playhouse in the Woods’ is a first-of-its-kind, engaging theatrical experience tucked away in Arendelle Forest. The show features Anna, Elsa and Olaf, and the story comes to life through songs, projection mapping, special effects and sensory elements.
Rounding out the offerings at ‘World of Frozen’ are multiple eateries and retail shops. The ‘Golden Crocus Inn’, is a nautical-themed quick service restaurant where delicious menu items are inspired by Norwegian cuisine, and there’s the ‘Northern Delights’ sweets shop, as well as the ‘Forest Fare’ cart, stocked with treats like cookies, churros and shaved ice.
Shoppers will want to head to ‘Tick Tock Toys’ to find a plethora of Frozen-themed goodies, apparel and souvenirs, with something for everyone. Just outside, the ‘Royal Post of Arendelle’ invites guests to send postcards to friends and family. Then, there’s the ‘Traveling Traders’ pop-up shop, where you can pick up petite gift items and trinkets, including keychains, shoulder plushes, headbands and more.
‘Frozen’ Lands Coming To Other Disney Parks
The new ‘World of Frozen’ is not an isolated phenomenon, as Frozen-themed lands are nearing completion in Disney parks in both Japan and France. Tokyo DisneySea's Fantasy Springs, set to debut in June 2024, will feature the ‘Frozen Kingdom’, where guests will find a thrilling boat ride, an restaurant inside Arendelle Castle and village shops. Simultaneously, construction of the ‘Kingdom of Arendelle’ is already underway at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris.
According to the DisneylandForward website, “new lands and attractions coming to Tokyo DisneySea could be the perfect inspiration for the future of Disneyland Park.” In addition to a Frozen-themed land in the Anaheim park, five other possible projects have been put forward for consideration. These new areas would create immersive experiences around the popular Disney films as ‘Tangled’, ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Zootopia’, ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Tron’.
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