Disneyland Paris debuted its new “Frozen” Nordic village Sunday, marking the center of a $2.18 billion transformation for the resort.
The expansion includes renaming one of the resort’s two theme parks from Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World. The opening also became the first major international appearance for Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, who took the helm March 18.
“Few stories have resonated with fans around the world like ‘Frozen,’” D’Amaro said in a statement. “From the screen to our parks, cruises, and beyond, its impact continues to grow.”
The expansion is the largest in the 34-year history of Disneyland Paris, according to The Associated Press.
Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, said in a statement the reimagining of the resort’s “second gate” reflects the company’s “boundless imagination.”
The project is part of Disney’s estimated $60 billion global investment in its parks, resorts and cruise lines. Last year, the parks-and-experience sector generated 57% of the company’s $17.5 billion in segment operating income last year, according to The Associated Press.
French president, Emmanuel Macron attended the opening, calling the resort “the leading tourist destination in Europe” and a “genuine ecosystem of success,” according to The Associated Press.
What is in the World of Frozen?
The new land brings the fictional Kingdom of Arendelle to life through Scandinavian-inspired architecture. where guests can experience what life as a citizen of Arendelle is like.
“Frozen, of course, has its roots in European storytelling,” Michel den Dulk of Walt Disney Imagineering said, according to The Associated Press.
“It’s very loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen. So to have a northern European, charming wooden little village here in Disneyland Paris — it just made sense.”
Frozen World includes:
- North Mountain: The land’s centerpiece is a 118-foot-tall peak topped by Elsa’s Ice Palace.
- Frozen Ever After: A musical boat attraction takes guests through scenes and songs from the films, according to Disney.
- ‘Celebration in Arendelle’: The live show will feature characters like Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff, according to Disney.
- Nordic Crowns Tavern: The dining destination offers Nordic-inspired cuisine along with vegan and gluten-free options.
Disney Adventure World now consists of World of Frozen, Marvel Avengers Campus (opened in 2022) and Worlds of Pixar (opened in 2021).
Disney noted the French park is Europe’s leading tourist destination and is continuing to innovate new experiences for guests from around the globe.