CHESSY – The enchanting kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s beloved movie “Frozen” has found a permanent home just east of Paris. This new attraction features not only a picturesque lagoon and a charming wooden Nordic village but also a delightful robotic snowman that engages with children, adding to the magic of the experience.
The grand opening of “World of Frozen” on Sunday marks the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. This is part of a monumental €2 billion (approximately $2.18 billion) expansion effort that is set to reshape what is already Europe’s most-visited theme park.
Among the highlights of this enchanting land are the Frozen Ever After boat ride and opportunities for character encounters with Anna and Elsa, promising unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.
The expansion includes a vast central lake, a new attraction themed around “Tangled,” and a total of 15 new dining locations. The nighttime spectacular will utilize what Disney has dubbed the world’s first combined aquatic and aerial drone system, promising a unique and mesmerizing show for guests.
Remarkably, since its opening in 2002, over 90% of the park has undergone redesign, reflecting Disney’s commitment to constantly enhance the guest experience.
Choosing “Frozen” and “Tangled” as cornerstones of the new offerings is a strategic decision, as both stories are deeply rooted in European folklore—“Frozen” draws inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” while “Tangled” is based on the Brothers Grimm’s version of Rapunzel. This connection to European heritage resonates with visitors and enhances the authenticity of the experience.
“’Frozen’ has its roots in European storytelling,” explained Michel den Dulk, vice president and creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. “To have a northern European, charming wooden little village here in Disneyland Paris just made sense.”
Since its inception in 1992 as Euro Disney, the park faced skepticism and criticism, with some French intellectuals referring to it as a “cultural Chernobyl.” However, today, Disney proudly states that the resort has hosted 445 million visits and supports around 70,000 jobs, showcasing its significant impact on the region.
The investment in Disneyland Paris is part of a broader strategy, reportedly contributing to a global expansion of Disney’s parks and experiences valued at approximately $60 billion. This segment generated 57% of the company’s operating income in fiscal 2025, underscoring its financial importance.
During a recent visit to the park, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the resort as “the leading tourist destination in Europe” and noted that the expansion would create 1,000 direct jobs, further emphasizing the economic benefits of this ambitious project.
