Disney has unveiled its inaugural themed land dedicated to the Frozen” franchise at Hong Kong Disneyland on November 20, bringing the ice-kingdom of Arandelle to the Lantau Island.
After Frozen became one of the most successful Disney franchises, and as it celebrates its 10th anniversary since the release of the first film in 2013, Disney saw the opportunity for a new attraction land, spending over three years crafting the concept and design for this new immersive experience.
World of Frozen represents Hong Kong Disneyland’s largest and boldest expansion since it opened in 2005.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences
The architectural and design elements of the land draw inspiration from Norway, mirroring the setting of Arendelle in the films. Visitors will encounter 19th century Dragestil-inspired (“dragon style” in Norwegian) storefronts and the theme park cast will be dressed in stylized floral motifs, reminiscent of rosemaling decorative art.
The food will also reflect Norwegian cuisine. At The Golden Crocus Inn’s, guest can expect dishes such as Bayside Seafood Medley. At the Northern Delights, “the oldest sweet shop in Arendelle”, desserts shaped as characters from Arendellian legends and featuring Northern Lights colors will be available.
The new land boasts two rides: Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs – a high-speed roller coaster offering views of the Arendelle Castle – and Frozen Ever After – a boat ride where characters, including Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven the reindeer and Olaf, play the sountrack of the movies, recorded by the movie’s original English-language cast, such as Idina Menzel’s “Let It Go” and Kristen Bell’s “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever”.
Despite its subtropical climate, opposite from the icy universe of Frozen, Hong Kong was chosen as the location for the inaugural World of Frozen due to the high regional interest in the franchise and the unique natural elements of Lantau Island.“I think also when you look at the beautiful space that we have, with our ability to create mountains that wind together with the Lantau mountains and the scenery, to create a very specific and unique immersive environment, I think it was an easy decision that Hong Kong should be the first”, said said Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland.
“When you think about the scenes that really connect you with Anna and Elsa and Kristoff and Sven, we tried to recreate those”, said Moriarty on the decision of which scenes and elements from the Frozen universe to feature at park. According to Morariarty, World of Frozen is “the most immersive attraction” Hong Kong Disneyland has ever built.