It’s been a remarkable 13 years since Frozen made its debut on the silver screen. The enchanting journey of Elsa and Anna swiftly rose to become one of the highest-grossing animated movies ever, paving the way for its 2019 sequel. Almost every parent with a child in primary school has likely found themselves singing along to the iconic Let It Go at some point.
My seven-year-old daughter has been immersed in the Frozen universe on Disney+ for years now. The captivating stories of the two sisters hold an irresistible charm for children her age. When the opportunity arose to visit Disneyland Paris for the unveiling of Disney Adventure World, featuring the World of Frozen within the revamped Walt Disney Studios Park, I eagerly accepted.
This new addition is part of Disneyland Paris’ ambitious expansion strategy, featuring meticulously landscaped gardens surrounding a picturesque lake, novel dining and shopping options, and most notably, the chance to immerse oneself in the world of Arendelle and partake in the adventure.
This visit marked not only my first trip to Arendelle but also the maiden Disney experience for both my daughter and me, enhancing the magic of the occasion. Prior to the grand opening, we were given a sneak peek to explore the town, and it was truly impressive. While Arendelle is a fictional realm with Norwegian influences, the park authentically captures this essence. Against the backdrop of a grand artificial rendition of the North Mountain, with Elsa’s frozen palace in the distance, charming timber structures adorned with intricate details and nods to Frozen delighted fans.
After a leisurely stroll around the lake admiring the scenery, we began our day with a visit to a lakeside wooden cabin for my daughter’s hair styling session. Kids can choose from a selection of Scandinavian-inspired hairstyles, such as braids and updos accessorized with Frozen-themed hairpieces. Additionally, face painting and floral crowns are available to complete the Arendelle villager look.
We also explored the new Nordic Crowns Tavern, a cozy dining spot at the heart of the park offering quick-service Scandinavian fare like meatballs and fish, perfectly complementing the Arendelle ambiance.
The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the World of Frozen ride, where boarding a boat takes you on a journey through scenes from the first film. Encounter various characters from trolls to Sven before ascending a steep hill to Elsa’s icy fortress.
As the iconic Let It Go melody fills the air, the boat swiftly moves backward before hurtling down a steep drop from the North Mountain, courtesy of the formidable Marshmallow. Following this exhilarating segment, guests are treated to a serene fireworks display and enchanting Frozen tunes. My daughter, aged seven, adored the ride, making it a standout moment of our visit. And yes, we couldn’t resist riding it twice.
Timing your visit right allows you to witness the Celebration in Arendelle, where characters perform a show on boats on the water, and of course, meet and greet sessions with Anna and Elsa (advanced booking required).
For those seeking more Disney princess encounters minus the queues, a visit to the new Regal View Restaurant is a must. Despite feeling a tad out of place stepping into a fine dining establishment after a morning in a theme park, the elegant interior adorned with oil paintings and Disney-inspired ceramics provided a charming setting. The attentive staff enhanced the experience, as we indulged in a three-course French meal featuring subtle nods to Disney princesses through edible rose petals and crowns. The princesses graciously visited our table, allowing us to interact with four beloved characters from Jasmine to Mulan, making it a delightful and memorable experience.
While the meal comes at a premium price of €100 for adults and €50 for children for the set menu (approximately £86 and £43), it offers a relaxed and entertaining experience, perfect for marking a special occasion.
Amidst the buzz surrounding the World of Frozen, the newly introduced Tangled ride may have been slightly overshadowed, yet it’s a delightful attraction for younger children. On the Raiponce Tangled Spin, guests leisurely glide on spinning boats beneath glowing lanterns, making it an ideal ride for the little ones.
The day culminated with the grand opening ceremony, characterized by a glittering spectacle as the gates were unveiled. Echoing the excitement of the first movie’s gate-opening scene in Arendelle, guests followed a brass band playing Frozen melodies.
French singer Santa graced the stage, delivering a stellar rendition of Let It Go among other tunes, officially marking the park’s opening. Visitors eagerly flocked to experience the new ride and meet the princesses. To cap off the day at the World of Frozen, the Disney Cascade of Lights, a dazzling nighttime show on the lake combining drones, fireworks, and pyrotechnics, provided a spectacular end for Frozen enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the World of Frozen proved to be an extraordinary adventure and a standout feature of our Disneyland Paris visit. As a first-time