Despite more recent hits like Moana (2016) and the highly anticipated Inside Out 2 (2024) capturing headlines, the Frozen franchise remains one of Disney’s most beloved juggernauts. With the powerhouse duo of Kristen Bell’s Anna and Idina Menzel’s Elsa at its heart, Frozen (2013) and its sequel Frozen II (2019) shattered records and became cultural icons. From the infectious “Let It Go” to the global fandom surrounding Olaf, Frozen has proved itself a modern classic.
Disney’s commitment to the franchise is evident in its global theme parks. The franchise’s first fully themed land, World of Frozen, debuted at Disneyland in Hong Kong last year. In 2023, Tokyo DisneySea unveiled the stunning Frozen Kingdom as part of its Fantasy Springs expansion. By 2026, Disneyland Paris will join the lineup, welcoming World of Frozen to Walt Disney Studios Park, which will also undergo a transformation into Disney Adventure World.
However, a visit to Disneyland Paris this holiday season revealed a surprising scarcity of Frozen experiences—particularly odd considering the franchise’s upcoming starring role at the resort. One would expect Frozen to dominate during the winter months, but the reality was a frosty reception for fans eager to celebrate the magic of Arendelle.
Sparse Frozen Offerings Leave Fans Cold
Searching for Frozen-themed attractions at Disneyland Paris leads to a dedicated section on the resort’s official website. Guests are directed to several shows and appearances, including Frozen: A Musical Invitation at Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney Stars on Parade at Disneyland Park, and the signature Mickey and the Magician show at the Animagique Theatre. But during the peak holiday season, many of these offerings were conspicuously absent.
Frozen: A Musical Invitation—featuring iconic songs like “Let It Go” and “Love Is an Open Door” alongside characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf—is on a scheduled hiatus from November 4 to February 14. Similarly, Disney Stars on Parade has been temporarily replaced by Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade! for the holiday season, with no Frozen characters included in the festive lineup. For fans hoping to immerse themselves in Arendelle’s magic, the only option left was Mickey and the Magician—a multi-character production where Elsa and Olaf play supporting roles.
Missed Opportunities for Winter Magic
The absence of Frozen during the winter months feels like a missed opportunity. The franchise’s snow-covered landscapes and seasonal themes seem tailor-made for the holidays. Yet, Disneyland Paris, poised to become a Frozen hub in less than two years, has done little to embrace this natural synergy.
This lack of offerings raises questions about the park’s strategy leading up to the opening of World of Frozen in 2026. The new land will bring guests into the heart of Arendelle, complete with a version of the Frozen Ever After attraction from EPCOT at Walt Disney World, themed dining, merchandise locations, and character meet-and-greets with Anna and Elsa. The area will be situated around Adventure Bay lake, the centerpiece of the reimagined Disney Adventure World.
Disneyland Paris has also announced plans for a breathtaking nighttime spectacular at Adventure Bay. According to official statements, the show will combine water screens, fountains, special effects, and drone choreography to create a mesmerizing experience. Guests will be able to enjoy the show from several prime spots, including the Regal View Restaurant & Lounge.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Disneyland Paris
While Frozen fans may feel disappointed by this year’s limited offerings, the future looks promising. The introduction of World of Frozen will undoubtedly elevate Disneyland Paris into a must-visit destination for fans of Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. And that’s not all—the park will also debut Disney’s first-ever Lion King-themed land. Inspired by the beloved 1994 animated classic, this new area will allow guests to explore the Pride Lands and interact with iconic characters.
Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This new area… exists nowhere else in the world. It will make it possible for guests of all ages to make one of their wildest dreams come true: exploring the Pride Lands alongside all their favorite characters.”
Currently, The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands show at Frontierland Theater offers a taste of what’s to come. The addition of a full land dedicated to Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa will solidify Disneyland Paris’s reputation for immersive storytelling and one-of-a-kind attractions.
Final Thoughts
The lack of Frozen at Disneyland Paris this winter feels like an oversight for a franchise so intertwined with themes of snow, ice, and family. With the holiday season being one of the park’s busiest times, a stronger Frozen presence could have enhanced the guest experience and built excitement for the upcoming expansion.
Still, as the countdown to World of Frozen begins, fans can look forward to a future where Disneyland Paris becomes the ultimate destination for all things Arendelle.
Until then, the question remains: where is the magic of Frozen when it’s needed most?
