Most Disney fans will have now seen the adorable footage of the walking, talking Olaf that’s coming to Disneyland Resort Paris’ newest park World of Frozen in March next year.
But that’s just the tip of the (36-metre-high) iceberg when it comes to what Disney has in store for its only resort in Europe.
I’m one of the very lucky few getting to step behind the scenes of Disneyland’s multi-billion euro venture, before it opens to the public on 29th March 2026.
And there’s plenty for kids and adult kids to sink their teeth into – from exciting new rides to a 360-degree light and drone show across the river.
But it’s the life-sized Arendelle where most of the magic can be found.
The Imagineers at Disney have managed to recreate the village from Frozen so expertly, it looks like it has simply been plucked from the movie and plonked down in France, with cobbled streets and Nordic-inspired houses and restaurants, and sparkling water fountains.
In the centre is a clock tower, where little Anna and Elsa figurines will sing Do You Wanna Build A Snowman? every 15 minutes.
And behind it is a 36-metre-high North Mountain, and musical boat ride, Frozen Ever After.
The Daily Mail’s deputy travel editor Hayley Minn (pictured) is one of the very lucky few getting to step behind the scenes of Disneyland’s multi-billion euro venture, before it opens to the public on 29th March 2026
The World of Frozen – a life-sized Arendelle – is where most of the magic can be found
. The Imagineers at Disney have managed to recreate the village from Frozen so expertly, it looks like it has simply been plucked from the movie and plonked down in France
The World of Frozen is also where you’ll be able to meet Elsa, Anna and, of course, Olaf – a life-sized animatronic, that waddles around and communicates with those around him.
It’s the first time Disney has ever introduced something like this in any of its parks.
And the only place you’ll be able to meet the absolutely adorable, little snowman is in World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris.
Another world exclusive in this park can be found in World of Frozen’s gift shop.
Here, you can buy your kids (or yourself) an animatronic troll, called Rúna.
Almost like a Furby, it interacts with owners as well as other Rúna toys, but what’s even more exciting is it reacts to attractions throughout the park too.
As Rúna is carried around Disneyland, it will vibrate with nerves, or chatter about a ride at certain points throughout the park.
To keep the magic alive, Disney’s Imagineers are being very hush-hush about where exactly these trigger points are – but, if you fancy forking out 70 euros for Rúna, it’s best to do it at the start of your day if you want to get the most out of your troll doll.
The World of Frozen is also where you’ll be able to meet Elsa, Anna and, of course, Olaf – a life-sized animatronic, that waddles around and communicates with those around him
Another world exclusive in this park can be found in World of Frozen’s gift shop. Here, you can buy your kids (or yourself) an animatronic troll, called Rúna
The World of Frozen has cobbled streets and Nordic-inspired houses and restaurants, and sparkling water fountains
Rúna is sure to get excited about the Snowflower Festival – a river parade, where Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends ride on the water on boats – that’s going to be happening in Arendelle four times a day to begin with, and ‘hopefully, around seven, eventually,’ the show’s producer tells me.
When it comes to food, there’s plenty to choose from in Arendelle – with 14 different places to eat dotted around.
But I’m absolutely blown away by the Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, where you can dine in the company of Disney Princesses – and drink signature cocktails at Disneyland Paris’ first bar.
Even without the characters around to greet us, or, sadly, the opportunity to savour any food, the restaurant is very impressive.
Painted murals of all the Disney Princesses adorn the walls and food is served on ornamental, porcelain plates, handmade by the official supplier to the Dutch Royal Family, Royal Delft, while huge, glass windows look out on to the river, giving full, unobstructive views of the nighttime spectacular, Disney Cascade of Lights.
While fireworks shows are a staple of Disney’s parks around the world, this one is a first, in that it will include nearly 400 aquatic drones made exclusively for the show – and able to tackle Paris’ very wet weather – alongside choreographed fountains, water screens, and pyrotechnics, all set to a powerful orchestral score.
And don’t worry about not being able to see – as the 360-degree show is designed to be seen clearly from every angle.
It isn’t just Frozen that’s making its way to Paris in March though.
I’m absolutely blown away by the Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, where you can dine in the company of Disney Princesses – and drink signature cocktails at Disneyland Paris’ first bar
In the centre is a clock tower, where little Anna and Elsa figurines will sing Do You Wanna Build A Snowman? every 15 minutes
As well as the Frozen Ever After boat ride, I’m taken to the site of Raiponce Tangled Spin ride – which is Disneyland’s take on magic teacups
As well as the Frozen Ever After boat ride, I’m taken to the site of Raiponce Tangled Spin ride – which is Disneyland’s take on magic teacups.
While the ride isn’t open for me to go for a spin just yet, I sit in a wooden boat surrounded by paintings of popular Tangled characters, while beautiful lanterns hang from the ceiling.
But it’s Olaf that’s the star of the show.
I can’t wait to return to Disneyland next year to meet him properly, and rediscover my inner child once again.
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