The air at Disneyland Paris, usually filled with the scent of popcorn and cotton candy, is now tinged with an anticipation as icy as Arendelle itself. Just two weeks shy of its grand opening to the public, a select group of journalists were given an exclusive sneak peek into the new ‘World of Frozen’ and ‘Tangled’ zones at Disney Adventure World (formerly Walt Disney Studios). And even without the hailstorm that surprisingly graced the preview day, the immersion into the beloved animated worlds is nothing short of magical.
A Historic Transformation for Disney Adventure World
The expansion, part of a two-billion-euro investment to transform the park, marks a significant milestone for Disneyland Paris. Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, emphasized the ambition behind the project: “This opening marks a historic moment with the metamorphosis of our second park and the opening of its spectacular extension, including the world of Frozen. With this step, we are continuing the most ambitious transformation of our destination, pushing the boundaries of storytelling.” The new areas are centered around a sprawling 3-hectare artificial lake, leading directly to Elsa’s majestic ice palace.
Arendelle Comes to Life: More Than Just a Theme Park
Stepping into Arendelle is like walking straight into the movie. The Scandinavian-inspired village bursts with vibrant, colorful houses, and villagers, or rather, over 350 dedicated cast members, joyfully serenade visitors, celebrating their beloved idols, Anna and Elsa. Every nook and cranny is meticulously designed to transport guests, young and old, into their favorite film moments. Lucky visitors might even encounter a remarkably lifelike and utterly charming Olaf. However, the true standout, a personal favorite, is Oaken, the jovial owner of the Provisions and Sauna. His character is utterly delightful, adding another layer of authenticity to the experience.
Immersive Entertainment and Show-Stopping Attractions
The ambiance is undoubtedly the strongest suit of this expansion. Beyond the visual splendor, a constant stream of entertainment keeps the magic alive. From captivating shows on the lake to a charming mini-parade featuring Olaf and the entire ‘Frozen’ gang, and the enchanting ‘Cascade of Lights,’ there’s always something to delight. Musical moments abound, with a lively fanfare featuring Minnie Mouse and a mini-show starring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Time seems to melt away in this joyous atmosphere, making it easy to almost forget the two highly anticipated attractions awaiting exploration.
Frozen Ever After: A Technological Marvel
The ‘Frozen Ever After’ attraction is a masterclass in immersive storytelling, boasting animatronics that are strikingly realistic. This technology, already a staple in several Disney parks across the globe, breathes life into the characters. Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff are flawlessly articulated, their movements and expressions bringing them to vivid life. For over four minutes, the attraction sweeps guests through the narratives of both ‘Frozen’ films, all set to the iconic tunes of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go.” What was anticipated as a gentle boat ride turned into a thrilling surprise, as guests emerged delightfully soaked, having experienced a section of the ride in reverse – a rare and exhilarating feature within the park.
Rapunzel’s Journey: A Lantern-Lit Dream
Beyond Arendelle, visitors can also discover an attraction and boutique dedicated to Princess Rapunzel. The ride, an immersive take on the classic Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, plunges guests into the magical atmosphere of the Lantern Festival, one of the most memorable scenes from the movie, where Rapunzel and Flynn Rider share a romantic moment under a sky filled with glowing lanterns. While the attraction itself may not be groundbreaking in its mechanics, the breathtaking ceiling, adorned with countless luminous lanterns, is a sight to behold. While princesses are at the heart of this new zone, anticipation is already building for the third part of the park, dedicated to The Lion King, set to open in the coming years.
Source: https://www.20minutes.fr/tempo/4206188-20260315-disneyland-paris-liberee-delivree-visite-nouvelle-zone-dediee-reine-neiges
