Hoo Hoo, World of Frozen Debuts at Hong Kong Disneyland!

For the first time in forever, fans of “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” can step into the magical kingdom of Arendelle. Disney’s first “Frozen” themed land, World of Frozen, officially opens Nov. 20, 2023, at Hong Kong Disneyland. 

We’ve been following the progress on all three “Frozen-“themed lands – in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Paris – but the first (and largest) features an updated version of the Frozen Ever After attraction (first built for Epcot) with Disney’s most highly advanced audio-animatronics to date, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs (the first “Frozen-“themed roller coaster), and a first-of-its-kind interactive entertainment experience in The Playhouse in the Woods.

We were honored to attend a preview of the new land at the request of Queen Anna herself and share photos, video, and information about the stunning new land below… Let’s explore the new World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland!

World of Frozen Video Walkthrough

Much of the information you see below was gathered by Dusty Sage during a preview of the new land. Before he had ever set foot into the land, he grabbed his camera and recorded this video. So, let’s join along on this first look at a spectacular expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland: 

Happy Summer Snow Day!

The storyline for the land invites guests to join in the merriment of Arendelle’s national holiday, Summer Snow Day, which commemorates the day Princess Anna saved her sister Queen Elsa (and the kingdom) from the clutches of that deceitful Prince Hans.

According to Imagineering Executive Creative Director Michel Den Dulk, the concept of Summer Snow Day was already conceived for Frozen Ever After and the Royal Sommerhus at Epcot, but in World of Frozen the story spreads out over the whole land.

“It was fun to think of new things that would happen in Arendelle when it’s Summer Snow Day – and the highlight is the story behind Wandering Oaken’s ride and our Playhouse in the Woods theater experience,” he said.

During the celebration, guests will be serenaded by the Royal Arendellian Troubadours and entertained by The Royal Arendellian Conjuror, who performs impressive magic tricks while retelling Anna and Elsa’s story.

Throughout the kingdom, guests will also see the snowflower – a stylized sunflower with yellow petals that transition into icy blue crystals – which serves as the icon for the celebration symbolizing Anna and Elsa as “two parts of a whole united by love.”

Similarly, the land is divided into two parts by the Bay of Arendelle, with Arendelle Village on one side and Arendelle Forest on the other. Let’s orient ourselves with a quick overview, then we’ll dive into the details!

World of Frozen: Arendelle Village

The charming village includes a collection of colorful steep-roofed buildings along the shores of the bay – and, of course, the iconic Arendelle Castle.

The music for the land is a composition that incorporates favorite melodies from “Frozen,” and which Michel says creates “a grand, orchestral, and very cinematic feel” that perfectly compliments the picturesque village and landscape.

Features of Arendelle Village include:

The Clock Tower is one of the iconic landmarks of Arendelle, where Anna danced with Prince Hans while singing “Love is an Open Door” in “Frozen” and Elsa sang “Making Today a Perfect Day” in the “Frozen Fever” short. Every hour, the clock chimes “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”

Friendship Fountain commemorates the love between the royal sisters (at night, the fountain glows and creates a magical moment for guests).

Elsa’s Ice Palace can be seen at the North Mountain’s highest peak. The palace has 20 crystals on its facade that reflect the sun at different times of day.

The Bay of Arendelle features Anna’s boat called the “Snow Queen” (a nod to the Hans Christian Anderson story that inspired “Frozen”) there’s also the small fishing boat that Anna fell into when she met Prince Hans.

In case you were wondering (because we were), there’s currently no water or projection show on the bay, but Michel told us there’s “definitely potential” to add one in the future.

Bayside Wharf features a covered outdoor dining area with views of Arendelle Castle, the Bay of Arendelle, Arendelle Forest, and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs speeding around the mountain across the water.

Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles, the village toy shop known for its beautifully crafted wooden toys, keepsakes, and collectibles, including carved depictions of favorite Frozen friends.

Fun Fact: The carved wood figures of Anna and Elsa on the Clock Tower were created by the owners of Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles to celebrate the day Anna saved her sister with an act of true love.

Golden Crocus Inn, where guests can enjoy delicious Norwegian-inspired cuisine.

Fun Fact: The restaurant’s facade echos the colors of Anna and Elsa’s coronation gowns, with Elsa’s purple dress represented on the left and Anna’s green and yellow dress on the right.

Northern Delights, a one-of-a-kind sweet shop inspired by the Northern Lights.

World of Frozen: Arendelle Forest

King Agnarr Bridge named after the royal sisters’ father (and Arendelle’s one-time king). Guests can use the bridge to cross the fjord to Arendelle forest (and may even hear trolls chatting near the bridge).

Across the King Agnarr Bridge from Arendelle Village is Arendelle Forest, where eagle-eyed guests might spot the adorable Fire Spirit, Bruni.

Fun Fact: There are three hidden Bruni to be found throughout the land. 

Features of Arendelle Forest include:

Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, an attraction entrepreneur Oaken built to capitalize on the Summer Snow Day celebration.

Playhouse in the Woods, Anna and Elsa’s childhood playhouse where guests can expect fun (and maybe even some magic).

Forest Fare, where guests can enjoy food and beverages.

Traveling Traders featuring souvenirs sourced by nomads.

Solstice Meadow, an outdoor gathering space behind Forest Fare and Traveling Traders, where guests can enjoy seasonal celebrations in Arendelle like the Harvest Festival, the Winter Solstice, and, of course, Summer Snow Day

World of Frozen: Attractions

Frozen Ever After

An updated version of Frozen Ever After attraction in Epcot at Walt Disney World, the boat ride takes guests on a journey to the North Mountain to see Elsa’s magnificent Ice Palace and join the Summer Snow Day celebration with the royal family.

Frozen Ever After Highlights:

When guests leave the harbor, they drift through a snowy forest transformed by Elsa. Olaf (along with Sven) greets them by singing, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”

In Troll Valley, the young trolls gather around Pabbie, begging him to tell their favorite story.

After passing through Troll Valley, guests hear “Vuelie,” sung by the Arendelle chorus, and ascend toward the Ice Palace as if pulled by Elsa’s magic. They then pass through a grotto beneath the palace before reaching the top of the North Mountain, where Olaf, Anna, and Cristoff sing “For the First Time in Forever.”

As the glittering doors of the Ice Palace open, Elsa stands on the balcony singing “Let It Go” while playful snow formations appear and disappear.

Elsa’s Ice Magic energizes the guests’ boat to leave the palace through a foggy portal where it emerges on top of a snowy mountain ridge inhabited by Marshmallow (surrounded by smiling Snowgies) who sends them on their way with a mighty blast of cold breath as he roars, “Let it goooooo!!!

As the boat splashes into the Bay of Arendelle, guests can see magical snowflake-shaped fireworks as they return to the harbor and are serenaded by Olaf, Anna, and Elsa singing “In Summer.”

NOTE: There is no height requirement to ride, but like in Epcot, the ride does include backward and forward plunges down waterfalls, so don’t be surprised if you get wet. P.S. The drop in Hong Kong is almost double the one in Orlando.

For the full ride through of Frozen Ever After, check out our video here:

Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs

Built specifically for Summer Snow Day, Oaken has constructed a family-friendly mountain coaster that speeds through the forest behind his Trading Post. Designed to be a first coaster for young kids, this ride still manages to pack a punch… but be warned, the attraction is less than one minute long. If there is a lengthy wait, you might want to reevaluate your priorities. 

You can see Kristoff and Sven’s footprints heading from the forest towards the ride’s entrance.

Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs Highlights:

As riders prepare for their sleigh ride, they journey through Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna (Hoo Hoo, Big Summer Blowout!)

Next, guests climb into their sleigh (the front sleigh resembling Kristoff’s) and ascend toward the summit, where Olaf and Sven (but mostly Sven) are running on a treadmill that propels guests up the track lift.

The sleighs then drop into the forest outside, zooming across hills, through caves, and over fjord waters.

NOTE: The minimum height requirement for this attraction is 95cm (about 37.5 inches), and guests must transfer from wheelchairs.

Ride along with Dusty on Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs:

Playhouse in the Woods

In celebration of Summer Snow Day, the royal sisters have opened their secret childhood hideaway in the forest for a first-of-its-kind theatrical experience that invites guests to be part of the story with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf.

There will be four different versions of the show, as each of the four spirits is called and takes over the room through projection mapping, special effects, and sensory elements.

The show culminates with Elsa using Ice Magic to freeze the entire room and transform everything into a Ahtohallan-style ice cavern.

Fun Fact: Oaken’s coaster & queue, Playhouse in the Woods, and a restroom facility are all located inside the same giant mountain structure. 

Join us for the enchanted new show in the Playhouse in the Woods:

World of Frozen: Dining

The land features two food and beverage locations, the quick-service Golden Crocus Inn and the Northern Delights sweet shop.

Golden Crocus Inn

Throughout its history, the inn has provided food, shelter, and comfort for travelers (especially during storms and blizzards). As a result, the owners of Golden Crocus Inn have a deep connection with the royal family, and diners will notice portraits of Anna, Elsa, and their parents are displayed throughout the restaurant.

The nautical-themed quick-service restaurant has two sides of indoor seating (plus guests can dine in an outdoor area along the Bayside Wharf), and a menu inspired by authentic Norwegian dishes featuring ingredients from the nearby forest and bay. 

Look Up! According to Walt Disney Imagineering Asia Senior Producer Amanda Chiu, the kitty from the “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” short is hiding upstairs just inside the restaurant’s entrance (and occasionally you’ll hear him meow).

Savory items are the Sausage Platter, a Prawns Cocktail, the Forest Fare Gourmet Box, the Village Chicken Roll stuffed with ham and cheese, the Bayside Seafood Medley of shrimp, fish, and mussels, the Forest Mushroom Pasta, the Arendelle Meatballs in Mushroom Cream Sauce, and the Innkeepers Special Braised Lamb Shank served with colorful vegetables.

The kid’s meal at Golden Crocus Inn is a Forest Mushroom Pasta and Meatball Platter served with corn and a special Summer Snow Day dessert.

Sweet treats include the Forest Friends Stein with mango-flavored shave ice, Forest Valley Green Tea Cookies, and Celebration Chocolate Fondue (no doubt Anna’s favorite).

Northern Delights

Northern Delights is as old as the village itself but has recently come under new management by an outgoing young woman. Her skill at making sweets and her love of the Northern Lights are both well-known among Arendelle.

Fun Fact: The shop’s owner made the desserts for Queen Elsa’s coronation and the cake for Anna’s birthday celebration (you’ll even spot the sunflower birthday cake Elsa ordered for Anna in the shop’s window).

Merchandise highlights from Northern Delights:

You can enjoy Northern Delights’ sweets and snacks, just like Anna and Elsa. The shop sells many packaged treats to enjoy on the go or later at home. The chocolates are already popular favorites. But there are hard candies and cookies, too.

The store also offers cups, dishes, flatware, and cookware decorated with a Rosamaling motif as well as a Marshmallow figural mug.

World of Frozen: Shopping

The merchandise sold at all of Arendelle’s shops fit wonderfully into World of Frozen’s theming. And collectors will be interested to know that nearly everything sold is items that can only be found in this new land. In fact, according to Mary Lam, the Merchandise Director for Hong Kong Disneyland, “about 90 percent of the items [found in Tick Tock Toys, one of the land’s stores] is actually exclusive to the World of Frozen, and we have developed those exclusively at Hong Kong Disneyland for the World of Frozen.” 

Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles

Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles is run by the woodcarver Björn and his artist wife, Thea. The crafting couple created all of the wooden toys decorating Tick Tock Toys’ interior, including a doll house version of Arendelle Castle, complete with little Anna, Elsa, and Olaf dolls.

But even before you set foot inside the store, you’ll encounter a one-legged toy soldier watching over the entrance, a nod to another story written by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” He is also inside the store, this time joined by his ballerina friend.

Merchandise highlights from Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles:

Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles houses the greatest variety of merchandise, including apparel, accessories, toys, and basically anything else you would need to, as Mary Lam put it, “immerse yourself as an Arendellian.”

For character-inspired items, there are headbands topped with plush characters of Olaf, a trio of Snowgies, or a rag doll version of Anna or Elsa as children.

You’ll also spot an enchanting light-up Ear headband inspired by Elsa’s crown and novelty plush hat shaped like Marshmallow the snow monster.

And the young and young-at-heart can look forward to shoulder plushes of Olaf (not pictured), a gnome, a Snowgie, and Marshmallow. There are also accessory sets sold separately to dress your shoulder plush in different outfits, like a lei and luau skirt.

For an even more unique shoulder toy experience, check out this talking Olaf toy. He doesn’t just chat as he chills on your shoulder; his mouth and body move, and he interacts with his fellow Olafs that he encounters.

The Nordic-style Rosamaling apparel and accessories offer a more subtle way to show your Arendelle pride. Some of the pieces incorporate characters, like the sweater with gnomes around the waist or the vest dotted with Intarsia Snowgies.

During the grand opening event, we spotted many invited guests wearing these ribbons in their hair. 

World of Frozen: Characters

In addition to meeting Anna and Elsa at the Playhouse in the Woods, guests will encounter the royal sisters, along with Kristoff and Oaken, roaming around Arendelle.

Mossy, the baby Troll, interacts with guests.

During the Summer Snow Day celebration, Arendellians wear special name badges with a message flag indicating their occupation and location, making it easy to get to know them and their roles in the kingdom.

Grand Opening Ceremony

The land opens to guests on Nov. 20, 2023, but last night Disney held a grand opening ceremony befitting royalty, including a magical “kiss goodnight!”

Check out our two videos below to join the celebration:

 

Hoo Hoo, Let’s Hear From You!

The new Frozen-themed land was filled with joy and wonder. The cast were completely into their roles and eager to interact. There are whimsical touches to be explored throughout the land, and the air is filled with uplifting music from the films. This is what a Disney land should feel like.

What do you think of Disney’s first “Frozen-“themed land? Would you plan a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland to see World of Frozen yourself? And how exciting would it be to have our very own Arendelle in a U.S. park? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

We’ll have more for you soon, be sure to bookmark this page!

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Information and videos gathered by Dusty Sage, article assembled by Samantha Davis-Friedman with assistance from Natalie Kipper.