The new World of Frozen land at Hong Kong Disneyland will open to guests on November 20, 2023, but executives and Cast Members first attended a grand opening ceremony on Thursday.
World of Frozen Grand Opening
Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairperson Josh D’Amaro were both in attendance. Iger revealed that Jennifer Lee is working on both “Frozen 3” and “Frozen 4.”
World of Frozen will feature Frozen Ever After, the new Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs coaster, and the “Playhouse in the Woods” show.
Prior to the grand opening, Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members had a chance to experience the land with a total of 11 #DisneyCastLife previews.
The grand opening ceremony included fireworks, drones, and appearances by “Frozen” characters.
Oaken and Kristoff kicked off the evening alongside the Hong Kong Disneyland Ambassadors. Not only were there many citizens of Arendelle in attendance. Along with Iger and D’Amaro, guests included Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Michael Moriarty, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment Alan Bergman, and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee, who also wrote and co-directed “Frozen” and “Frozen II.”
Iger said, “The Frozen franchise is one of the most successful in Disney history and it’s a testament to the power of great storytelling, which is the foundation of The Walt Disney Company. It’s been this way for 100 years, and our commitment to storytelling and creativity will continue to define our next 100.”
“Our Imagineers worked with Jenn’s team at Disney Animation to ensure every detail is just right,” D’Amaro added. “World of Frozen transports you to another world, where you can have fun with your loved ones and make some incredible memories together.”
The evening ended with Elsa summoning Olaf and Anna proclaiming the gates of Arendelle officially open.
A fleet of drones formed images inspired by the films and patterns mirroring Elsa’s ice magic.
HKDL Fantasy shared more pictures of the drone show on X.
A “Frozen” area will also open as part of the Fantasy Springs expansion in Tokyo DisneySea on June 6, 2024. The Kingdom of Arendelle is under construction at Disneyland Paris, set to open in 2025.
The first “Frozen” film premiered at the El Capitan Theatre on November 19, 2013. It was released in U.S. theaters on November 27 and proved to be a huge success for Disney. “Frozen” stars Kristen Bell as Princess Anna and Idina Menzel as Queen Elsa, Anna’s older sister with secret ice powers. After Elsa accidentally reveals her powers, she runs away. Anna, with help from snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) and ice carver Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), pursues Elsa. The film was written by Jennifer Lee from a story by her, Chris Buck, and Shane Morris. Buck and Lee directed “Frozen” with music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. “Frozen” won two Oscars — Best Animated Feature and Best Song.
“Frozen II” was released in 2019, with Buck and Lee still at the helm. Set three years later, Elsa hears a strange voice calling her into the Enchanted Forest. She, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf set out on a journey to find the voice and learn more about Anna and Elsa’s late parents. “Frozen 2” earned $1.45 billion at the global box office, and the film’s song “Into the Unknown” was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2020 Academy Awards.
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