Arendelle Arrives in Paris: Disney Adventure World Unveils “World of Frozen”
Disneyland Paris has officially transformed into Disney Adventure World, marking a significant milestone with the grand opening of “World of Frozen.” This immersive land, a cornerstone of a monumental €2 billion expansion, brings the enchanting kingdom of Arendelle to life east of the French capital. Visitors can now step into a meticulously crafted replica of Arendelle, complete with its iconic lagoon, charming Nordic village, and even a robotic Olaf ready to engage with younger guests.
The “World of Frozen” promises a truly magical experience, featuring the beloved “Frozen Ever After” attraction and opportunities to meet the film’s cherished characters, Anna and Elsa. Guests are invited to embark on a “fascinating musical cruise” that winds through the heart of The Snow Queen‘s captivating story. As the park’s dedicated website enthusiastically states, “Get ready to sing along with Elsa, Anna and their friends as you sail from The North Mountain to Elsa’s Ice Palace on a thrilling family adventure.”
This expansive €2 billion investment represents a dramatic overhaul of Europe’s most visited theme park. Beyond the “World of Frozen,” the expansion introduces a vast central lake, a new “Rapunzel” attraction, and a diverse culinary offering with 15 new restaurants. Adding to the spectacle is a breathtaking night-time show, which Disney claims utilises the world’s first integrated system of aquatic and aerial drones, promising a visual feast for all who attend. This extensive renovation means that over 90% of the park’s second area, which originally opened in 2002, has been redesigned.
The strategic choice to feature The Snow Queen and Rapunzel as flagship attractions is no accident. Both films draw heavily from rich European folklore, a heritage Disney is keen to embrace. The Snow Queen is loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale, while Rapunzel finds its roots in the tales of the Brothers Grimm.
Michel den Dulk, Vice President and Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering, elaborates on this connection, stating, “The Snow Queen is deeply rooted in European oral tradition. So it was only natural to incorporate a charming little wooden village from Northern Europe into Disneyland Paris.” This thoughtful integration allows the park to resonate deeply with European visitors while offering an authentic glimpse into the fantastical worlds that have captured imaginations worldwide.
The journey to Disney Adventure World’s current success has been a long one. The park, initially launched in 1992 as Euro Disney, faced significant criticism, with some French intellectuals famously deriding it as a “cultural Chernobyl.” However, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Today, Disney proudly announces that the resort has welcomed an impressive 445 million visitors and has been instrumental in generating 70,000 jobs.
This significant investment in Paris is part of a broader global expansion strategy for Disney Parks and Experiences, a division that contributed a substantial 57% of the segment’s operating income in fiscal year 2025, with an overall investment nearing €58 billion. French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the resort during a recent visit, calling it “Europe’s top tourist destination” and highlighting that the expansion project alone is set to create 1,000 direct jobs.
Disney’s Financial Pulse: Theme Parks Drive Profitability
The recent financial reports from The Walt Disney Company underscore the immense success of its theme park division. Last Monday, the company revealed strong growth across its streaming services, alongside record-breaking revenues from its theme parks. Despite this positive outlook, Disney issued a cautionary note regarding a potential slowdown in the United States market.
The company’s net profit stood at €2.15 billion, a slight decrease of 6% year-on-year. However, the Experiences division, encompassing all Disney parks, resorts, and cruise lines, posted a robust quarterly sales figure of €8.69 billion, setting a new record.
Specifically, the US parks, including the iconic Walt Disney World, demonstrated healthy growth, reporting an 8% increase in operating income for the three months ending December 31st. This surge was attributed to a 1% rise in attendance and a notable 4% increase in spending per visitor, indicating strong guest engagement and a willingness to invest in the Disney experience.
