FRANCE, ÎLE-DE-FRANCE: Disneyland Paris launches immersive World of Frozen as part of massive park transformation, boosting tourism, jobs, and global Disney expansion strategy
Disneyland Paris has officially opened its highly anticipated World of Frozen, unveiling a sprawling, immersive land that marks the centerpiece of a €2 billion transformation of the resort. The launch signals a major milestone not only for the park but also for Disney’s broader global expansion strategy.
Located in Chessy, east of Paris, the new attraction introduces visitors to the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, complete with a towering 118-foot ice mountain crowned by Elsa’s palace. Below, a meticulously designed Nordic village recreates the charm of the blockbuster animated franchise that inspired it.
The opening ceremony, held over the weekend, drew international celebrities including Penélope Cruz, Naomi Campbell, and Teyana Taylor. Their presence underscored the global cultural reach of Disney’s storytelling empire.
The expansion also brings a significant rebranding. One of the resort’s two parks, formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park, has now been renamed Disney Adventure World, reflecting its broader thematic ambitions and modernized attractions.
At the heart of the new land is Frozen Ever After, an advanced boat ride combining animatronics and immersive projection technology. Visitors glide through scenes featuring beloved characters, including Elsa and Anna, in a multisensory experience designed to blur the line between fiction and reality.
Josh D’Amaro, who recently assumed the role of CEO of The Walt Disney Company, described the opening as a “transformational moment.” Having taken over just days before the inauguration, D’Amaro used the event to emphasize Disney’s commitment to storytelling across all platforms.
“Storytelling is fundamental to everything we do,” D’Amaro told attendees, highlighting the company’s ability to bring narratives to life through theme parks, films, and experiences. His leadership comes at a time when Disney’s parks division continues to be its most reliable revenue driver.
The parks and experiences segment reportedly generated more than half of Disney’s operating income last year, reinforcing its importance within the company’s overall strategy. The World of Frozen is a key component of a wider $60 billion global investment in Disney’s parks, resorts, and cruise lines.
French President Emmanuel Macron also attended the event, framing Disneyland Paris as a cornerstone of the country’s tourism economy. He described the resort as Europe’s leading tourist destination and praised its contribution to employment and regional development.
Macron noted that the latest expansion would create approximately 1,000 additional direct jobs. Since its opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris has attracted more than 445 million visitors, contributing significantly to France’s tourism revenue.
The president’s endorsement reflects a dramatic shift in perception. When the park first opened as Euro Disney, it faced criticism from French intellectuals who feared cultural homogenization. Today, it is widely recognized as a major economic and cultural asset.
The design of the World of Frozen draws heavily on European influences. Inspired loosely by the works of Hans Christian Andersen, the land incorporates Scandinavian architectural elements, including wooden facades, pastel tones, and traditional Norwegian decorative art known as rosemaling.
Beyond the Frozen-themed attractions, the transformation introduces a new central lake called Adventure Bay, additional dining venues, and enhanced entertainment offerings. Among these is a nighttime spectacle featuring more than 380 drones, adding a technological dimension to the park’s storytelling.
A Tangled-themed family ride, inspired by the Brothers Grimm tale of Rapunzel, further reinforces the European storytelling roots embedded throughout the park. Meanwhile, a Lion King-themed land is already under construction, promising further expansion in the coming years.
Visitors have responded positively to the new attraction, praising its scale and attention to detail. Many noted that the immersive design allows them to momentarily escape reality and feel transported into the fictional world of Arendelle.
For Disney, the project represents more than just an addition to its theme park portfolio. It highlights the company’s ability to adapt and evolve, leveraging its intellectual properties to create experiences that resonate across cultures and generations.
The opening also showcased Disney’s longstanding partnership with charitable organizations. During the ceremony, a young girl whose wish was granted through Make-A-Wish France performed on stage, marking the 25,000th wish fulfilled at Disneyland Paris since its inception.
As fireworks illuminated the night sky and the ice palace glowed in shades of blue, the event symbolized a new chapter for Disneyland Paris. The transformation is expected to nearly double the footprint of the park once fully completed.
More than three decades after its debut, Disneyland Paris continues to redefine itself, balancing entertainment, innovation, and economic impact. The World of Frozen stands as a testament to Disney’s enduring appeal and its vision for the future of themed entertainment.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members