Walt Disney World Resort has officially unveiled some of the upgraded audio-animatronics for Frozen Ever After ahead of the attraction’s reopening at EPCOT on Thursday.
The reimagined figures replace the projection-mapped facial technology that plagued the Norway World Showcase Pavilion boat ride since it opened nearly a decade ago. On Wednesday, theme park journalist Scott Gustin shared preview images on X (formerly Twitter) showing the new Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff animatronics:
NEW: Disney released a first look at the upgraded Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics installed at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. The refreshed figures officially debut tomorrow.
NEW: Disney released a first look at the upgraded Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics installed at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. The refreshed figures officially debut tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/fIRd3c6CCm
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 11, 2026
Sculpted Faces Replace Projection Technology
The updated animatronics feature sculpted faces and heads rather than projection mapping, along with more fluid body movements that match the characters’ film appearances. The technology draws inspiration from Hong Kong Disneyland’s Frozen Ever After at World of Frozen, which opened in 2023, and Tokyo DisneySea’s Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey in Fantasy Springs.
Frozen Ever After closed January 26 for the refurbishment focused on eliminating the problematic projection system. The original technology frequently malfunctioned, causing character faces to freeze mid-expression, go black, or display distorted images—issues that generated widespread criticism and viral social media videos over the years.
The Norway World Showcase Pavilion attraction reopens Thursday, February 12, with the technology overhaul complete.
Disneyland Paris Version Coming Soon
Disneyland Paris will open its own Frozen Ever After on March 29, 2026, as part of World of Frozen at the renamed Disney Adventure World. That version will feature the advanced animatronic technology from opening day, avoiding the projection mapping problems EPCOT experienced.
The European Disney park will also debut a walk-around Olaf audio-animatronic capable of participating in shows and guest encounters—technology not yet implemented at other Disney parks globally.
What do you think about the new Frozen Ever After animatronics? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
