
Disney Parks Blog announced yesterday new changes that will hit the parks soon, all inspired by the hit movie “Frozen.” Anna & Elsa have already taken up residence in Princess Fairytale Hall for meet-and-greets which remain very popular. And, this summer, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we saw the addition of Frozen Summer Fun Live which featured a sing-along show, special fireworks, Wondering Oaken’s Trading Post, an ice skating rink & snow play area, & a dance party. This proved to be so popular that it has been extended through September 28th! How else can the movie be incorporated into the parks? Well…..I’m sure you won’t be very surprised by what will be happening next.
We all wondered what would happen over at the Norway pavilion at Epcot. Would Anna & Elsa be brought back for meet-and-greets? Would the Maelstrom attraction be changed into a Frozen theme? The answer yes! The new attraction will replace Maelstrom & take guests to Arendelle to re-live some favorite moments & music of Frozen. There will also be a royal meet-and-greet location in the pavilion. While no dates were announced, we have noticed that no Fastpasses are available for Maelstrom after October 5th. We assume this is going to be the beginning of construction.
Also announced were additional appearances at Magic Kingdom for the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the current meet-and-greets, Queen Elsa will transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace beginning in early November. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, & Olaf will also make appearances in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at each Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Some parts of Frozen Summer Fun Live will also remain in place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The sing-along show will continue. Wondering Oaken’s Trading Post will move closer to the show area for the holiday season & feature an even larger snow play area for guests to enjoy.
What do you think of these changes? I’ve heard mixed reactions from fans- everything from concerns over the departure of Walt’s vision of Epcot to the desire to have even more Frozen elements to unpleasantness regarding Queen Elsa transforming Cinderella Castle. I’m sure the imagineers have something wonderful in store for us all! I look forward to seeing how Elsa will transform the castle. I hope it will be as heartwarming & magical as it has been in the past.