World of ‘Frozen’ opens ot Disneyland Paris with walking Olaf and Ice Palace

Disneyland Paris has officially opened the World of Frozen, giving visitors a chance to step into the magical kingdom of Arendelle. The new attraction, located in the park’s Disney Adventure area, features an ice sculpture fountain, a Frozen Ever After boat ride, and a walking Olaf, bringing the beloved characters from the 2013 animated film to life.

The World of Frozen was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, led by creative directors Michel den Dulk and Roger Gould, who have extensive experience installing Frozen attractions at other Disney parks. Den Dulk described the challenge of translating the icy landscapes of the film into a safe and practical environment for guests, using stainless steel, fiber optics, and crystal-like materials to recreate Elsa’s iconic ice palace and the sparkling village fountain. At night, these features illuminate, creating the illusion of stepping directly into the movie.

A highlight of the experience is Olaf, the lovable snowman. Advanced robotics developed in collaboration with Disney’s Zurich R&D studio allow him to walk around the park and interact with visitors, with Josh Gad providing his signature voice. While he cannot give warm hugs yet, Olaf can converse and mimic the character’s signature personality traits from the film.

The Frozen Ever After ride takes guests on a musical journey through Arendelle, complete with a small backward drop to add a thrill. Den Dulk explained that the ride balances family-friendly fun with moments designed to surprise and delight.

The World of Frozen also includes A Celebration of Arendelle, a 15-minute musical show on Arendelle Bay featuring Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf riding Viking longships. Songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who worked on the original film and its sequel, crafted new lyrics for the performance, blending classic tunes like ‘Let It Go’ and ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’ with fresh musical moments.