Disney’s "Frozen" Inspires Travel Offerings in the Parks, at Sea, and Abroad

by  Christine Dayao | Jul 15, 2014
Disney Magic
Disney Magic / Photo courtesy of the cruise line

[Updated August 2016]

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Disney’s animated film Frozen has become a global sensation since its release last year. It’s currently the highest-grossing animated film of all time, and the demand for film merchandise at Disney Stores led to the implementation of a limit of two items per guest. Guests hoping to meet the film’s animated stars, Anna and Elsa, in the Magic Kingdom have reported wait times of three to five hours.

Cashing in on the movie’s success, Disney is bringing more Frozen offerings to its parks this year, and even to its Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney vacation company in 2015. Here’s what’s brewing…

At Walt Disney World
In 2014, it was announced that Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando would have its own Frozen entertainment running through September 1. The daily activities kick off at 11 a.m. with Elsa and Anna’s procession down Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh, flanked by skaters and skiers. Later in the day, you can find the sisters and their friends at the Premiere Theater, where they retell the history of their kingdom with some sing-along moments in between.

Take a break from the rides and make a trip to Soundstage One, where a Frozen Funland is set up. Here you can ice skate ($10 for 30 minutes including skates, socks, and a helmet), let kids run loose in a play area, and browse for themed merchandise. There are themed food and beverages for purchase, too.

At 5:30 p.m., the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage hosts a nightly dance party. A live DJ and band play classic and contemporary rock and roll, plus some new favorites from Frozen. Stay until 9:45 for a fireworks spectacular that’s set to music from the movie.

If you and your family are Frozen fanatics, maybe you’ll consider budgeting another $34-$59 per person (on top of park admission) for a Frozen premium package that includes reserved space for viewing the morning procession, sing-along, and fireworks. Guests booking this package check in at 10:30 a.m. at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner and have refreshments before the morning procession. The evening ends with an exclusive dessert party from 8:30 to 10 p.m. to coincide with the fireworks show.

On the High Seas
Can’t make it to Disney World this summer? In 2015, the Disney Magic cruise ship will take guests to the Norwegian Fjords, which were the backdrop and inspiration for the movie, during seven-, nine- and 11-night itineraries. All trips will begin in Copenhagen; the two shorter cruises will make stops in Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen. The nine-day cruise will also visit Molde and Olden. The 11-night excursion stops in Kristiansand and Stavanger, plus Akureyri and Reykjavik, Iceland and Kirkwall, Scotland, before ending in Dover, England.

Rates, based on double occupancy in a standard inside stateroom, for the seven-night cruise start at $1,561 per person (seven nights), $2,133 per person (nine nights), and $2,453 a person (11 nights).

In Scandinavia
For a more immersive Frozen experience, Adventures by Disney has an eight-day, seven-night Norway itinerary, in which guests will stay at four different hotels. The trip starts in Bergen, which inspired the royal sisters’ kingdom, followed by a visit to the region’s historic “stave” churches, which were an architectural inspiration for the movie. Other tour activities include sightseeing, taking in views of coastlines, snow-capped mountains and the fjords, and going river rafting and trout fishing. Rates start at $5,099 for adults and $4,849 for children.

Coming in 2016 and beyond...
Frozen is about to get more permanent fixtures in the parks. In 2015, the Maelstrom attraction at Epcot's Norway pavilion closed to make way for an upcoming boat attraction called Frozen Ever After. Guests will sail past audio-animatronic characters through the kingdom of Arendelle, get glimpses of Elsa's ice palace, see Olaf, and more -- with that famous soundtrack playing in the background -- during a Winter in Summer celebration.

Disney California Adventure is not left out on the frenzy, either. In 2016, the park debuted "Frozen -- Live at the Hyperion," with Broadway-style performances, sets, projections, and beautiful costumes. Naturally, it's become a huge hit, so be sure to grab a FastPass.

For more Frozen fun on the stage, the Disney Wonder will return from dry dock on November 10, 2016 with "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular." Guests can expect to hear the movie's famous tunes and get an eyeful of puppetry, dazzling sets, choreography, and more.

And in spring 2018, it looks like Anna, Elsa, and friends will headline a Frozen Broadway musical at a yet-to-be-determined theater. If you can't wait to see the Great White Way production, the show will make its world debut in the Mile-High City at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in August 2017, Entertainment Weekly reports.

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