A decade after first welcoming guests to Arendelle, Frozen Ever After at EPCOT is preparing for a major transformation inspired by the latest advancements in Disney technology.
Since its debut in 2016 at the Norway Pavilion, Frozen Ever After has invited guests to set sail through Anna and Elsa’s story during “Summer Snow Day,” featuring Olaf, Kristoff, Sven, and more beloved characters. The attraction replaced the former Maelstrom boat ride, blending classic Audio-Animatronics with projection effects to bring Arendelle to life.
At the time, EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After was groundbreaking—it marked Disney’s first use of fully electric Audio-Animatronics and integrated electric motors with 3D printing, a major step in theme park design. Imagineers even faced unique challenges in animating Elsa’s delicate ice-casting gestures, carefully scaling her figure and surroundings to accommodate the intricate network of motors and cables.
However, one creative choice sparked ongoing debate among fans: the projection-faced characters. These figures used internal projectors to animate facial expressions with precision and flexibility, allowing for smooth lip-sync and movement. Yet, when slightly misaligned or temporarily malfunctioning, the result could leave characters looking frozen mid-expression.
Now, Disney Imagineering is bringing Frozen Ever After into a new era. In early 2026, Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff’s figures will be upgraded with the latest generation of lifelike Audio-Animatronics—technology inspired by the World of Frozen attraction that opened at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2023.
“…in a full circle moment of innovation, the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures will soon receive new updates after ten years of delighting fans in Frozen Ever After,” Disney Parks Blog announced. “Taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, the Frozen Ever After figures will face the future of Audio-Animatronics.”
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Frozen Ever After closely mirrors EPCOT’s layout and story but features upgraded scenes, warmer lighting, and next-generation figures with sculpted faces. Unlike EPCOT’s projection-based versions, these figures have detailed, physical features that move naturally and align seamlessly with the characters’ bodies, offering a more cinematic experience for guests.
The success of World of Frozen has since inspired new projects across Disney Parks worldwide. Tokyo DisneySea welcomed Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey in its Fantasy Springs expansion in 2024, and Disneyland Paris is set to debut its own World of Frozen in 2026.
From EPCOT’s early innovations to today’s global expansions, the story of Arendelle continues to evolve, reminding guests everywhere that the magic of Frozen is forever worth melting for.
How do you feel about the changes coming to Frozen Ever After? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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