Marne-la-Vallée, France – The air in Disneyland Paris was thick with anticipation and the joyful cries of children this past Sunday, March 29, 2026, as the park officially unveiled its enchanting new expansion dedicated to Disney’s beloved ‘Frozen’ franchise. Known since its film debut in 2013, the characters of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf have now found a permanent home in the heart of Europe’s leading private tourist destination, a project that has been years in the making and was even inaugurated by President Emmanuel Macron on March 27.
Arendelle Comes to Life: A Two Billion Euro Dream
The new ‘Frozen’ themed land, a colossal two-billion-euro investment, immediately became the epicenter of excitement. From the moment the gates opened, visitors surged forward, eager to step into the wintry world of Arendelle. The sheer volume of guests, however, quickly led to the park becoming a victim of its own success, with attractions experiencing unprecedented wait times.
Among the first to brave the crowds was Lana, a young fan who, according to her mother Nadia, has sung ‘Let It Go’ countless times. “It went backward, then we had the drop; I really liked the decoration,” Lana recounted, her eyes still sparkling with the thrill of the ‘Frozen Ever After’ ride. But for Lana, the true highlight was seeing her favorite character: “Olaf! Because he’s cute and adorable.” Lana and Nadia, who hold annual passes, are already planning their return. “Logically, we’re going back next Wednesday,” Nadia confirmed, suggesting that one visit simply isn’t enough to soak in all the magic.
The Crown Jewel: ‘Frozen Ever After’ and a Dazzling Night Show
At the heart of this new realm lies ‘Frozen Ever After,’ the signature attraction that transports guests on a musical boat journey through Anna and Elsa’s icy world. Visitors navigate river descents and encounter the main characters, all set against the iconic soundtrack. Adding to the spectacle is a sprawling three-hectare lake designed for an elaborate nightly show, promising a breathtaking display of water jets, pyrotechnics, and hundreds of aerial and aquatic drones.
However, the immense popularity came with its challenges. Maeva, who visited with her daughter and partner, shared her experience: “We waited about three hours just to get into the land. There were several breakdowns, so it was very long. We were there from 8 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon.” Despite the arduous wait, Maeva unequivocally stated, “It was worth it.” So much so that her family is already planning a follow-up trip to Disneyland Tokyo in two weeks, a testament to the immersive experience.
A Dream Deferred for Some, Hope for Others
Not all visitors were as fortunate. Meleri and her grandchildren, who traveled from Wales specifically for the opening, were unable to even enter the new area due to the overwhelming crowds. Undeterred, Meleri expressed her determination to try again on Monday. “We’ll see what happens, but I hope we’ll spend the day there,” she said, a hopeful glint in her eye. A self-proclaimed ‘Frozen’ enthusiast, Meleri admitted, “I must have watched the movie six or seven times, and I still love it just as much.”
Beyond Arendelle, the new expansion also offers access to other Disney universes, including a ‘Tangled’-inspired spinning boat attraction. And the development isn’t over; in the coming years, the park is set to introduce an attraction dedicated to ‘The Lion King,’ further solidifying its position as a premier entertainment destination.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Impact
This ambitious new space is strategically designed to further boost attendance at Disneyland Paris, which already holds the title of Europe’s top private tourist destination. As Sébastien Durand, an expert on the park’s economic impact, noted, “Disneyland Paris is a very important economic machine.” The continuous investment in new attractions and experiences is crucial for maintaining its appeal and driving tourism to the region.
As the initial flurry of excitement settles, the ‘Frozen’ expansion at Disneyland Paris promises to be a magical draw for years to come, captivating new generations of fans and reaffirming the park’s status as a beacon of enchantment.
Source: https://www.rfi.fr/fr/france/20260329-disneyland-paris-inaugure-une-nouvelle-zone-d-attraction-consacr%C3%A9e-%C3%A0-la-reine-des-neiges
