Disney is getting ready to unveil an entire land for the epic hit Frozen. But is it possible that one day it can come to the U.S. parks?
Given its standing as one of Disney’s biggest box office hits and a full-fledged phenomenon thanks to the song “Let It Go,” it’s no surprise Disney would want to place Frozen in its theme parks. In Walt Disney World, they made the controversial movie of reworking the Maelstrom attraction at Epcot’s Norway into Frozen Ever After, which did work out pretty well. Yet even with that and meet and greets with Elsa and Anna, Frozen hasn’t had much impact in the parks.
That is changing with the coming World of Frozen land, set to open in Hong Kong Disneyland this November. This may be an experience in so many ways for fans of the movie.
What’s coming for the World of Frozen land?
The entire land is designed like Arendelle, with a village area, a recreation of the palace and the huge snow mountain in the background with Elsa’s ice tower. The concept drawings show gorgeous bridges and walkways to capture the feel of the films.
Frozen Ever After will be a replica of the Epcot attraction, housed in the village area and using the mountain for the ride. While it’s the same storyline of the sisters celebrating the Summer Snow Day celebration, the Imagineers are taking advantage of building it from scratch to add a few twists and upgraded audio-animatronics.
Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is a roller coaster on a hilltop, looking the same format as the Seven Dwarves Mine Coaster in Walt Disney World. Guests follow Oaken, Sven and Olaf pulling logs around in a high-pitched coaster themed for the younger set.
Playhouse in the Woods will offer a special show in the woods with an interactive Olaf (similar to the Crush encounter in Epcot), among other experiences.
For dining, guests can enjoy the Golden Crocus Inn and Northern Delights. The former is a regular sit-down restaurant, while the latter is more for quick snacks. There will also be the Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles gift shop for all the Frozen-themed merchandise you can ask for.
Can World of Frozen come to the U.S.?
With so much going for it, U.S. Disney fans may wonder if it’s possible World of Frozen gets a counterpart for U.S. parks. The critical issue would be space, as it’s hard to see the Magic Kingdom able to add it on. This area is rather expansive with the mountain and palace and Disney may figure one castle per Magic Kingdom is enough.
Reworking all of Norway at Epcot to become Arendelle can be too much, although there is a possibility the Studios can make some extension of the Animation Courtyard area. Disneyland is even worse with available land to the point that even putting in a Frozen Ever After ride would be tricky.
Now, if Disney were to ever get around to the fifth gate in Disney World that’s been talked about for years, this would be a perfect land for it. They could expand it more with the coaster and a larger boat ride and instantly get attention. For now, it’s Hong Kong Disneyland that gets this massive land and guests can only dream the U.S. parks can replicate this experience.