Are you feeling the freeze yet? A host of Frozen activities have descended on Disneyland Resort just in time for winter. The highest grossing animated film of all time was such a surprise hit, that even Disney seemed unprepared. Last summer’s Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was the first real push to bring the film into the parks. Finally, Disneyland Resort has gone all-out, taking advantage of the chilly season to finally bring Frozen to life. The new Frozen Fun event is centered in the Hollywood Studios section of Disney California Adventure’s Hollywoodland, but the event reaches into Disneyland Park, too.
Even if you’re feeling a bit of “Frozen Fatigue,” don’t turn into a Scrooge about it. Remember that this happens every time that Disney releases a hit film. I’m sure that after The Little Mermaid was released, folks got pretty tired of the constant influx of songs, shows, and characters all over the parks. Not to mention, at least Frozen has earned a presence. (Remember Home on the Range Frontierland Petting Farm or an inflatable Chicken Little standing three stories over California Adventure’s entrance?)
So even if Frozen isn’t your thing, recognize that today’s kids connect to it, and that it does deserve a presence in the parks. If you don’t like it, it’ll be gone soon enough. For now, enjoy the tremendous effort Disney had put into making this event something special for the kids who are growing up alongside Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Sven.
7. Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post
While Hollywood Studios’ half-baked version of Wandering Oaken’s drew heavy criticism from fans, that didn’t stop the relentless consumption of Frozen goods that flowed from the shop-inside-a-soundstage. With California Adventure’s Frozen Fun tucked away inside the park’s single neglected area – the Hollywood Studios portion of Hollywoodland – there was only one gift shop ripe for the freezing.
The tiny Studio Store kiosk would have to become the Trading Post. Luckily, Disney went all out. The kiosk was dressed in wood paneling and snow, with its interior opened up and reconfigured to create a nice warm retreat from the frosty blue tundra of the rest of the area. And even a year later, it seems that the thirst for Frozen merchandise can’t be quenched…
6. Arendelle… In Miniature
A small but tasteful addition (and one that’s sure to be permanent, outlasting the Frozen Fun event) is across the way at Disneyland Park. The charming Storybook Land Canal Boats attraction (an exclusive to Disneyland Park and Disneyland Paris) sends guests along a narrated voyage through the iconic mouth of Monstro the Whale and into a beautiful secluded grotto full of miniature recreations of classic Disney locales. From Toad Hall to the palace of Agrabah and everything in between. Those with a keen eye will even find King Triton’s castle behind a waterfall. It’s an ultra-classic ride (dating to 1956) and just one of the many charming, quiet, relaxing asides that Disneyland offers.
Disney’s teams have worked diligently to bring the kingdom of Arendelle to life on a hillside of the attraction, recreating the village, the castle, the grassy cliffs, and the snowy peaks with Elsa’s icy fortress forming its own mountain peak. Despite some fans’ vocal repulsion at the idea, the end result ended up blending perfectly into the attraction. It looks like it’s been there forever.
5. For The First Time In Forever
Of course, one of the first elements announced for Disney California Adventure’s Frozen Fun celebration was this sing-along show for all ages. A version of the attraction opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for their own Frozen event last summer, and its sell-out crowds were a no-brainer for Disneyland’s roster.
The show introduces two Arendelle historians who recount the time that Queen Elsa ran away. The show uses film clips, live narration, and surprising guest appearances. And of course, being a sing-along, you can expect to “let it go” once or twice.
Most impressive, though, is that the show is placed into the former Muppet*Vision 3D theatre. Re-christened the Crown Jewel Theatre, the entire interior of the zany Muppet queue and attraction have been very impressively re-dressed with details and props befitting a permanent installation… Does that mean that the Muppets won’t be returning? We’ll have to see. But with a staggering twelve performances a day (and Fastpass reservations more or less required to get a good seat), it seems that this show may have a healthy lifespan…
4. Frozen Fantasy Faire
Disneyland’s Fantasy Faire area – a new and gorgeous extension of Fantasyland – opened to rave reviews just a few years ago. Chief among its charms is the Royal Theatre, an intimate vaudevillian stage where a tiny cast of actors accompanied by minimalist costumes and a live piano instrumentation reenact Tangled or Beauty and the Beast. That is, at least, until now.
For a limited time, Messrs Smythe and Jones will exclusively tell the tale of Frozen in the theatre’s unique, theatrical, wonderful style. It’s sure to be a charming addition to the theatre’s roster and perhaps will become a regular presentation even when Tangled and Beauty return – likely in late spring.
3. Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome
When Frozen debuted in theatres in November 2013, Disney expectantly constructed meet-and-greets to advertise the film. What they couldn’t have expected was that Frozen would go on to sweep the planet and become the highest grossing animated film of all time. Suddenly, a hug, hello, and autograph from the Arendelle princesses earned wait times of four, five, and six hours. Disney reeled to find a better system or place for the sister, switching their space at Walt Disney World no less than three times.
Disneyland’s characters have been relocated from their snowy chalet in Fantasyland to their own Royal Reception Hall inside Disney California Adventure’s Animation Building. The Character Close-Up spot (previously home to the Toy Story rotoscope) has been recast as the princess’ greeting hall. Best of all, a new roving Fastpass distribution cart parked outside of the Animation building distributes necessary Fastpass return tickets (with twenty minute windows) to cut the wait for the princesses. Now, Anna or Elsa is only a few moments away!
Just next door, the Animation Academy has been sub-titled “Do You Want To Draw a Snowman?” with continuous drawing lessons led by animators who teach guests how to illustrate Olaf, Sven, and Marshmallow.
2. Olaf’s Snow Fest
One of the big draws for Frozen Fun has to be Olaf’s Snow Fest. The attraction takes place inside California Adventure’s Stage 17, which had most recently hosted an odd Disney dance party and (way back when) Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play it!. Now, the soundstage has been totally transformed into the village of Arendelle. The incredibly impressive environment (which does not look anywhere near as temporary as it supposedly is) includes awesome details, like the clocktower from “Love Is An Open Door,” the frozen fountains from Elsa’s escape, and even real falling snow.
Besides an Ice Slide and Snowground, the Snow Fest also includes interactive entertainment courtesy of the kingdom’s Troubadours and Frolicking Fjords ensembles. There’s also an entire courtyard of snacks and special treats you can eat under the starlight. And, of course, you can share a “warm hug” at Meet Olaf and say, “freeze!” for the camera in the character’s first meet-and-greet at the resort. Mirroring the innovative new queuing method at Magic Kingdom’s Dumbo, guests are able to play in the snowground as they wait for their meeting with Olaf rather than standing in line! Way more than we expected from a temporary spot that was supposedly way behind schedule in construction… and an indication that Disney could do GREAT things with an entire Arendelle land…
1. Freeze The Night!
Since all of Frozen Fun’s events are centered on the Hollywood Studios portion of the park’s Hollywoodland, it wouldn’t make much sense to keep the Mad T Party dance fest there as well. Instead of removing the stages and food vendors, Disney cleverly recast the setup as the Freeze The Night! Family Dance Party. While the event still serves alcohol (now in frosty Arendelle-inspired concoctions), the focus is now on families and special snowy drinks for all. An icy archway leads to the bright and lively area that pulsates with energy and music.
Probably the coolest and most unexpected element of the dance party is one of Disney’s most unique character meet-and-greets: an encounter with a massive puppet of Marshmallow, Elsa’s guardian abominable snowman from the movie. You can also leave “footprints” in the “snowy ground” thanks to texture mapped projection technology and watch ice carvers create masterpieces. It’s a very cool, dynamic space and a very nicely done transition from the “club” atmosphere of The Mad T Party to a softer, more family friendly use of the space.
Everything Else
Frozen Fun officially begins at Disney California Adventure on January 7, 2015, but many of the elements we’ve listed above are already open for sneak-peaks. The event will run through “at least” May 15, 2015, but some events may end earlier or be extended as Disneyland team see fit… For better or worse, Shawn Slater – the Communications Manager for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment – stated that Mad T Party is expected to return when Frozen Fun’s run has ended.
Frozen lives on elsewhere, too. Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink is back for its second annual go-round at Downtown Disney through February 22, 2015, near the new Anna & Elsa’s Boutique, selling all the Frozen merchandise you could ever want. The two sisters are also prominently featured on their own pre-parade float during Mickey’s Soundsational Parade at Disneyland Park.
