Ever since the titular film’s release in November 2013, Frozen has taken the world by storm (and by ‘storm,’ we mean a veritable blizzard) with its tale of sisterly love, ridiculously catchy songs, and a cast of lovable characters. After all, what’s not to like about a dog-like reindeer and a snowman with a penchant for summer and warm hugs?
But Disney Princess-obsessed kiddos and their families aren’t the only ones with “Love Is an Open Door” stuck in their heads. Frozen fever has swept Disney Parks, too, and that includes the Walt Disney World Resort. There is a flurry of Frozen things at Disney World—including icy entertainment, snow-covered character meet-and-greets and a blustery boat ride—for guests of all ages to enjoy.
Fortunately, Frozen fans heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth won’t have to go “into the unknown” when it comes to these frosty offerings. You’ll find all of the winter-worthy details in this comprehensive guide. So, grab a cozy blanket and maybe a stocking hat as we dig into the many Frozen attractions Walt Disney World has to offer.
Stage Shows, Sing-Alongs & Other Frozen Rides at Disney World
Whether at Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World has a variety of attractions themed after the wintry world of Frozen. Sure, they can’t quite compare to the immersive epicness of Arendelle: The World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland, which is scheduled to open later in 2023, but they’re still enough to melt the heart of any Frozen fan (and Olaf’s, too!).
While most of the Arendelle-inspired experiences at Disney World are available all year round, there is some seasonal Frozen fun to be had as well. During the holiday season, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party transforms the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland worthy of Anna, Elsa and the rest of the Arendelle gang. Honestly, what could be more magical than an enchanted snowfall in Central Florida? (Shhhh, we’ll let you in on a little secret. It’s actually soap!)
Not only do your favorite Frozen characters take to Main Street, USA as part of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during this seasonal event. But, if you’re lucky, you may even see Elsa turn Cinderella Castle into a glittering ice palace that would be right at home in Arendelle in A Frozen Holiday Wish. Sadly, due to Covid-19 and the 50th-anniversary decorations currently covering the castle, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guests have had to miss out on A Frozen Holiday Wish for the past few years. However, with the World’s Most Magical Celebration set to conclude on March 31, 2023, we’re hopeful that the sparkling display will return for the festive soiree this year.
Just keep in mind that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed seasonal event, and entrance isn’t included in regular park admission. That said, although you may not be able to see A Frozen Holiday Wish during normal park hours, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is usually shown to non-party guests during the week leading up to Santa‘s big day. Just keep an eye on the entertainment calendar for the official schedule.
Looking for the perfect souvenir or a gift for the Frozen fan in your life? Whether you’re visiting during the winter months or any other time of the year, be sure to visit Frozen Fractal Gifts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Located in Echo Lake near the Hyperion Theater, this gift shop next to For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration sells all sorts of Frozen things, including everything from apparel to toys.
Now, without any further ado, get ready to “let it go” with these Frozen attractions on your next visit to Walt Disney World.
Frozen Ever After at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion
Along with newer attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, one of the most popular rides at Epcot is Frozen Ever After, which is the icy centerpiece of the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase. For this charming dark ride, guests board boats and embark on an enchanting journey through Arendelle, encountering some of their favorite Frozen characters and iconic songs from the film along the way.
After climbing in ride vehicles inspired by ancient Nordic sailing vessels, the voyage begins with a fitting welcome from Olaf and Sven and a covetable invite to Elsa’s ice palace. From there, you drift past Troll Valley and into frozen fjords adorned by ice sculptures before being treated to a fireworks display in honor of the coronation of Queen Elsa. Then, it’s onward to the frost-kissed castle, where you see Elsa unleash a flurry of magic.
After feeling the chill (we don’t know about you, but the cold never bothered us anyway), the voyage soon turns perilous as a gaggle of adorable snow monsters looms up ahead. Luckily, everyone is whisked away to safety just in the nick of time with the help of a short but thrilling backward drop. Finally, as you finish your Arendelle adventure, wave goodbye to Anna, Elsa and Olaf, who are celebrating springtime amid a riot of flowers.
While Frozen Ever After is a must for any Frozen fan, remember that it’s also the only Frozen ride at Walt Disney World, making it one of the most in-demand attractions in the entire resort. As a result, wait times are typically on the higher end, and it isn’t unheard of for guests to experience a long line of an hour or more. If you don’t mind spending a bit more to save some time, you can upgrade to Disney Genie+ and take advantage of Lightning Lane access.
Otherwise, if you’re hoping to ride Frozen Ever After without spending anything extra, your best bet is to go during the first hour of the day to avoid most of the crowds. On the bright side, the queue here is decidedly cute, with details from around Arendelle, like Kristoff’s shop and Oaken’s sauna. So, even if you do have to wait in line for longer than expected, at least you’ll have something to keep you entertained while you wait.
Type of Attraction: Slow-moving boat ride
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Height Requirement: None
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Do you have the Frozen soundtracks constantly on repeat in your household? (“Love is an open door! With you! With you! With you! With you!”) Then, before you go to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, head over to the Hyperion Theater in Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, a laugh-out-loud musical retelling of the blockbuster hit. For this half-hour stage show, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa and Kristoff team up with the Royal Historians of Arendelle, recounting their arctic adventures during an interactive songfest.
The whole family can sing and dance along to some of the most popular songs from the movie, including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and, of course, “Let It Go.” Don’t worry if you don’t know all of the lyrics—the words are projected on a large screen at the front of the Hyperion Theater, along with scenes from the movie. Aside from all those beloved tunes, you’ll also get plenty of laughs, thanks to the punchy jokes told by the comical storytellers who narrate. Plus, we can’t forget the show’s fittingly frosty finale: a magical snowfall!
To make the experience even more enchanting, try to see this stage show during the holiday season when it adds on an extra-special ending. Featuring an appearance by Olaf, as well as some festive song additions, this seasonal event is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit.
Since the Frozen sing-along is typically held once per hour, starting roughly an hour after Hollywood Studios opens (not including early entry) and continuing until a couple of hours before the park closes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Anna and Elsa here and enjoy this wonderful experience without too much of a wait.
Type of Attraction: Singalong-style stage show with a character appearance
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Showtimes: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM (subject to change)
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom
Can’t stop singing “Let It Go” after the Frozen sing-along? (Us either!) Then don’t miss out on Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom, which is hosted in the shadow of Cinderella Castle. Formerly known as Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, this unofficial Frozen attraction sees Mickey Mouse and his pals bring together their favorite Disney characters for a heartwarming gathering and a celebration of friendship.
Not only do a few Frozen characters stop by, namely Anna, Elsa and Olaf, but so do Tiana, Naveen and Louis, and Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and some ruffians, making it a can’t-miss experience not just for Frozen fans but lovers of the Disney Princesses and the company’s newer animated films in general. Along with Elsa’s earworm of a power ballad and an original new song, the show also includes other quintessential songs like “Dig a Little Deeper” from The Princess and the Frog and “I’ve Got a Dream” from Tangled and, not to mention, some high-energy dance numbers.
These days, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire takes center stage several times per day at the Castle Forecourt Stage. With a performance time of roughly 23 minutes and several showings a day, this is another fun yet convenient way to fit in a sighting of Anna and Elsa at Disney World. Best of all, since the area in front of Cinderella’s castle slopes downward towards the stage, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Type of Attraction: Musical stage show with character appearances
Lightning Lane Available: None
Showtimes: 10:10 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:50 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM (subject to change)
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom
While you’re hanging out around Cinderella Castle, catch a glimpse of Anna and Elsa during another popular attraction at Magic Kingdom: the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. Making its debut in March 2014, this whimsical parade weaves its way across Magic Kingdom, starting in Frontierland before winding through Liberty Square and down Main Street, USA, and is jam-packed with Disney characters.
As you can probably guess from the name, the Festival of Fantasy Parade takes its inspiration from Fantasyland, with each float serving as an animated ode to some of Disney’s most beloved films and characters. Kicking off the grand procession along with a slew of Disney Princesses and their princes are Anna and Elsa, who wave to guests from the very first float. However, it’s arguably a steampunk take on Maleficent’s fire-breathing dragon form that steals the show.
This cavalcade of characters takes place at least once daily (two times are typically offered during peak season), so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for specific times. The parade typically lasts around 12 minutes from start to finish. That said, the actual start time will depend on where you are along the parade route. We recommend snagging a spot near the beginning of the parade route in Frontierland or in Town Square on Main Street, USA for prime viewing spots.
Type of Attraction: Parade
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Showtimes: 12:00 PM (sometimes), 3:00 PM
Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Another wonderful experience you won’t want to miss that features an appearance by Elsa at Disney World (that’s right, she’s flying solo here, so you won’t see Princess Anna) is Fantasmic, the incredible nighttime spectacular at Hollywood Studios. For the uninitiated, this Fantasmic pits Mickey Mouse against some of Disney’s most ruthless villains in a battle of truly epic proportions and is filled with colorful projections, dazzling pyrotechnics, beloved songs and a star-studded cast of characters.
While the snow queen wasn’t a part of the show’s pre-pandemic iteration, Elsa was added into a heroic new Fantasmic scene during its re-debut in 2022, which also stars Aladdin, Moana, Pocahontas and Mulan. As someone who was a huge fan of the old Fantasmic, I won’t even lie that this new addition made me a bit emotional. The music, the on-stage appearances—all of it is chef’s kiss perfection.
Fantasmic is offered at least once a night, twice during peak periods, in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater on Sunset Boulevard and lasts around 30 minutes. Due to the show’s popularity, you can always expect a very long line to get in, particularly for the first showing. That’s why, if you’ve got enough gas in your tanks, we usually recommend you wait it out for the second showtime, as you’ll typically enjoy a more manageable wait.
As for where to sit, while it can certainly be worth it to snag a front-row seat, there is such a thing as being too close, and your view of the projection effects may be hindered if you aren’t careful. To truly take in the entirety of the spectacle, you’re better off sitting toward the middle of the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater instead.
Type of Attraction: Nighttime spectacular
Lightning Lane Available: None
Showtimes: 8:00 PM, 9:30 PM (subject to change)
Frozen Character Meet-and-Greets
No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without meeting some Disney characters, and that includes the dynamic sister duo of Anna and Elsa. Luckily, there are a couple of meet-and-greet locations where Frozen fans can see Anna, Elsa and Olaf and possibly get a photo, an autograph and a warm hug or two.
Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion
Currently, the only place you can meet Anna and Elsa within the Walt Disney World Resort is at Epcot in World Showcase. Located in the Norway Pavilion just a short walk from Frozen Ever After, Royal Sommerhus is Anna and Elsa’s permanent meet-and-greet location. Upon entering, you’ll find the sisters greeting guests from inside their quaint summer home, a cozy cabin with breathtaking views of Arendelle. Unlike other parts of the resort, which usually show Anna and Elsa in their dresses from the original Frozen film, here the sisters meet guests in their regal Frozen 2 looks.
This meet-and-greet typically opens shortly after park opening and continues through the early evening, making it easy to squeeze in after you ride Frozen Ever After. Since Anna and Elsa hold court continuously throughout the day (no one said being royalty was easy!), the line usually doesn’t get too out of hand. Expect a wait time of around 10 minutes to a little less than an hour.
Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you’re anything like us, then one member of the Arendelle crew you won’t want to miss is Olaf, the summer-loving snowman. Olaf’s meet-and-greet is located not too far from the Hyperion Theater and Frozen sing-along in a spot called Celebrity Spotlight. For this adorable character greeting, everyone’s favorite snowman lives out his warm-weather dreams in a beachy setting filled with plenty of sand and sun. There’s even some sunscreen to help protect his carrot nose.
Like the Frozen sisters, Olaf is usually available for meet-and-greets from a little after park opening until the middle of the evening. However, unlike where you can meet Anna and Elsa, which uses a standby line only, Lightning Lane access is available through Disney Genie+ to meet Olaf. That said, since the wait times tend to be pretty reasonable overall, you’re probably better off using your reservations on something else instead.
Where You Won’t Find Anna and Elsa at Disney World
Now, the bad news. There are a couple of notable places where Anna and Elsa don’t hang out at Walt Disney World. They include:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
While it might seem like you can meet all the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Anna and Elsa are conspicuously missing from this World Showcase character dining location. This is especially surprising considering that the restaurant is part of the Norway Pavilion and can be found in between two of the most Frozen things at Walt Disney World: Frozen Ever After and the meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa.
Nevertheless, even though you can’t meet Anna and Elsa, if you’re traveling with an aspiring Disney Princess or you’re a fan of these regal ladies yourself, then it’s definitely worth booking a table here. During your meal, you’ll get to see the likes of Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Belle and Jasmine, all while enjoying a smorgasbord of Norwegian-inspired dishes served family-style, including meatballs, mashed potatoes, salmon, lefse and lingonberries. Just remember that as a Disney Princess dining experience, tables here are very in demand, so advance dining reservations are highly encouraged.
Frozen Ever After Dessert Party
While the fireworks dessert party may have returned to Magic Kingdom, these sweet soirees haven’t made a comeback to World Showcase yet. So, if you’re hoping to stuff some chocolate in your face like Princess Anna during the nightly fireworks show at Epcot, we’re sad to say that you’re out of luck. As of right now, the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is still on hiatus, and there’s been no word from Disney about it coming back anytime soon.
Of course, that could always change at some point in the future. However, in the meantime, we suggest you go and grab some treats, like School Bread or Rice Cream, from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion and have your own impromptu Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. And bonus, it’s a whole heckuva lot cheaper, too!
Well, Frozen fans, that brings our roundup of all things Frozen at Walt Disney World to a close. What are your favorite ways to see Anna, Elsa and Olaf at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can make like Elsa and work some magic on your vacation with our discount Disney tickets.
