Disneyland Paris Unveils World of Frozen: A Magical First-Hand Review
It has been 13 years since Frozen first captivated audiences on the big screen, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, with its sequel following in 2019. For parents of primary school-aged children, the lyrics to Let It Go are often a familiar refrain. My seven-year-old daughter has had the Frozen films on constant rotation on Disney+ for years, drawn to the sweet tales of sisters Elsa and Anna. So, when I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris for the grand opening of Disney Adventure World, formerly Walt Disney Studios Park, including the highly anticipated World of Frozen, my answer was an enthusiastic yes.
Stepping into Arendelle: A Norwegian-Inspired Wonderland
The World of Frozen is the latest part of ambitious expansion plans for Disneyland Paris. This new area features beautifully manicured gardens set around a serene lake, new restaurants, and shops. Most importantly, it offers visitors the chance to step into Arendelle itself and feel like part of the adventure. As a first-time Disney visitor with my daughter, this added an extra layer of magic to our experience.
Ahead of the official opening, we were given a sneak peek to wander around the town, and it was seriously impressive. While Frozen is set in a fictional kingdom, it draws heavily on Norwegian style, and the park has captured this perfectly. Amidst the backdrop of a huge artificial recreation of the North Mountain, where Elsa's frozen palace can be spotted in the distance, there are cute timber buildings filled with tiny details and references that will delight Frozen fans.
Activities and Dining in Arendelle
After a leisurely walk around the lake, we started our day with a visit to a wooden cabin by the water where children can choose from a range of Scandi-style hairstyles, such as braids and updos, topped with Frozen-themed hair accessories. Options also include face painting and flower crowns to achieve that authentic Arendelle villager look.
We then explored the new Nordic Crowns Tavern, a cosy quick-service dining option in the centre of the park. The menu features meatballs, fish, and other dishes that suit the general Scandinavian vibes of Arendelle, providing a tasty and immersive culinary experience.
The World of Frozen Ride: A Highlight for Families
The main attraction is arguably the World of Frozen ride. Stepping onto a boat, we ventured into the unknown, experiencing a perfect retelling of the story from the first film. The ride takes you through various scenes, spotting characters from the trolls to Sven, before climbing a steep hill to Elsa's frozen fortress. As the tune of Let It Go rings out, the boat is thrown backwards at speed, followed by a thrilling drop down the North Mountain, propelled by the terrifying Marshmallow. A small warning: items left on the floor may get soaked, as my bag did. The ride concludes with a calming firework show and lovely Frozen songs. My seven-year-old absolutely loved it, and we went around twice—it would have been rude not to!
Character Meets and Special Experiences
Timing your visit right allows you to witness A Celebration in Arendelle, where characters put on a show on boats on the water. Additionally, you can enjoy meet and greet sessions with Anna and Elsa, though booking a slot ahead of time is essential.
For a more relaxed princess meet experience without the queues, the new Regal View Restaurant is a must-visit. Stepping into this fine dining establishment after a morning in the theme park felt a bit strange, and I felt quite scruffy compared to the pretty interior adorned with oil paintings and Disney-inspired ceramics. However, the staff were exceptionally friendly.
As we enjoyed a three-course French meal, complete with edible rose petals and crowns as nods to Disney princesses, the princesses wandered around the tables to greet us. We met four princesses, from Jasmine to Mulan, all of whom were wonderfully professional and engaging. My shy daughter soon warmed up, chatting and practising princess twirls, with plenty of time for photographs. While pricey at €100 for adults and €50 for children (approximately £86 and £43), it was a relaxed and fun experience ideal for special occasions.
Other Attractions and the Grand Opening
Amidst the excitement around the World of Frozen, the new Tangled ride, Raiponce Tangled Spin, was somewhat overshadowed but is a great option for younger kids. This gentle ride involves floating on spinning boats under lanterns, providing a perfect, low-key adventure.
In the evening, we attended the opening ceremony, where the gates were flung open in an explosion of glitter and confetti, accompanied by a brass band playing Frozen tunes. French singer Santa took to the stage to belt out Let It Go, officially opening the park and sparking a rush to experience the new ride and meet the princesses. To top off the day, the new night-time show, Disney Cascade of Lights, takes place on the lake, featuring a mix of drones, fireworks, and pyrotechnics—an impressive feat and the perfect finale for Frozen fans.
Overall Impressions and Practical Information
Overall, the World of Frozen provided an incredible day out and stands as one of the highlights of Disneyland Paris. As a Disney first-timer, I had high expectations, and the level of detail and quality of entertainment in Arendelle certainly met them. Most importantly, my daughter walked around with a look of awe on her face the entire time, making the journey truly worthwhile.
For those interested in visiting, prices start from £179 per person per night for selected arrivals between 31st July and 29th August 2026, based on two adults and two children sharing a room at the Disney Hotel Cheyenne with a ticket package for unlimited access to Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World. More information can be found at the official Disneyland Paris website, though prices may be subject to change.
