More than seven months after the big-screen release of “Frozen,” the demand for all things related to the movie still is overwhelming at Walt Disney World.
About a month ago, the meet-and-greet for Anna and Elsa was moved from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom in an effort to tame the outrageously long wait times to meet the film’s stars. Unfortunately, even adding the FastPass+ option at Princess Fairytale Hall did not diminish the standby queue, which regularly stretches for three- to five-hour waits.
In another attempt to accommodate the eager “Frozen” fans, Disney officials this week have extended the hours that the royal sisters will greet guests at the Magic Kingdom. Instead of being replaced by other princesses for the evening, Anna and Elsa will remain in their post for the duration of each day’s operating hours.
Norway’s darlings also have a new role in the Festival of Fantasy Parade, which debuted in March. The pair can be seen on the first float, the Princess Garden. Watch closely because they are on a slowly rotating turntable at the back. This allows many more guests to catch a glimpse — and maybe a wave — from the sisters.
Still, “Frozen” fans want more opportunities to interact with the movie’s characters when they are at the epicenter of Disney, and that got us thinking about the possibilities. We have a few suggestions for “Frozen”-themed attractions we’d like to see at Walt Disney World. (To clarify, these are NOT plans in the works; we are just playing Imagineer and invite you to do the same.)
First, it would seem to be a natural fit for Elsa and Anna to take over the Princess Storybook Dining at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion. After all, that’s where the movie takes place and the venue already is set up for this type of experience. Perhaps, Kristoff could join them. Then, of course, Walt Disney World would need to relocate Princess Storybook Dining, which in and of itself is very popular because it’s one of the few locations where guests can dine with the Disney Princesses.
Rumors have persisted that Maelstrom, the boat ride also located in the Norway pavilion, will be replaced by a Frozen-themed attraction. A trip through Arendale, anyone? The trolls already are there. Disney officials have not made any official announcements about Maelstrom, though.
And how about giving lovable snowman Olaf his due? Blizzard Beach, Disney World’s water park, would be the perfect place. The theme there is based on the story that a freak snowstorm led to the development of Florida’s first ski resort. However, the snow quickly melted, leaving behind a watery wonderland that is now the water park. So, a snowman who longs to experience summer would be right at home here. We’d all love a character meet-and-greet, but to date, Olaf only has been available as a statue for photo opportunities. If that holds true, there is a perfect vignette that could be transformed as a “Frozen” backdrop at the front of the park.
If Disney could catch up with the demand for Frozen merchandise, we’d also love to see the “Frozen” packages at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique become permanent offerings. When they were offered during the promotion of the movie, the “Frozen” packages included a choice of the Anna or Elsa wigs, shimmering makeup, face gems, nail polish, a Princess sash and a Princess cinch bag for $59.95 plus tax. The Anna or Elsa costumes and crowns were added for an additional charge — about $65 plus tax for the gowns and $18 plus tax for the crowns.
Have an idea for a “Frozen”-themed attraction at Walt Disney World? Tell us in the comments.
I think I agree with the previous post about turning the Little Mermaid attraction at DS into a Frozen one. It’s about time that Animation Courtyard got something fresh on the menu. I think that Frozen might be a watershed for a new generation of children. People of my generation (40+) tend to think primarily of Cinderella or Snow White when they are asked to name Disney Princesses, while my little sister (30 years) is more likely to suggest Ariel or Belle. Maybe in 15 years time, young adults will be quick to name Elsa and Anna as their favorite Disney Princesses from their childhood.
I would love to Kristoff out and about. I know the movie centers around the sisters, but there really aren’t enough male face characters around.
I just don’t understand the over-the-top hype for this movie. It was very good, but not great enough to warrant anything other than the meet and greet with the characters. There are so many other, better classic Disney movies!
The Frozen crew could take over Akershus w/o evicting everyone…. they could just take the place of Belle as the main photo op. Maybe throw in Kristoff and/or Olaf for good measure! Then the rest of the princesses can still circulate during the meal.
I think there could be some sort of Frozen snack shack set up someplace with all kinds of tasty treats! Snowflake cookies, some kind of ice cream, marshmallow Olafs…
Love Frozen and I have heard nothing but rave reviews of the Pooh Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland so combined the two together and it would be the perfect E ticket ride I am sure!
I would like to see them take over the Little Mermaid musical theater show in Hollywood Studios.
HS needs some new shows and Little Mermaid now has its own dark ride. I think this would be the perfect place. Instead of bubbles during the show, Disney could make it snow.