Disney Drops Surprise Update on 2026 Disneyland Expansion

in Disneyland Paris

Fireworks around Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris at nighttime

Credit: Disney

A Disneyland Park has reached a new milestone today, marking a historic era for a significant new expansion coming in 2026. Here’s what we know.

Elsa in the Frozen: A Musical Invitation show at Disneyland Paris
Credit: Disney

Frozen Ever After Is Coming to Disneyland…in France

Cheers erupted, cameras flashed, and Disney Imagineers gathered in celebration—but not for a grand opening, a parade, or a character debut. Instead, the applause was for something far more symbolic: water. More specifically, the first splash of water coursing through the flume of Frozen Ever After, marking a significant step toward the completion of Disneyland Paris’ most ambitious new land in years.

Why is this so important? And what does it signal for the future of this iconic park?

Disney Gives Update on World's First 'Frozen'-Themed Land
Credit: Disney

Disney’s Next Icy Expansion Begins to Take Shape

Set to open in 2026, World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris isn’t just a new attraction—it’s a game-changing addition designed to transform the former Walt Disney Studios Park, now known as Disney Adventure World. Situated at the edge of Adventure Bay, this new land will immerse guests in the snowy splendor of Arendelle, complete with the North Mountain, intricate facades, and storybook surroundings that mirror the beloved world of Frozen.

Water has been added to the flume at Frozen Ever After at Disneyland Paris, marking a big milestone in the progress of the ride set to open in 2026. Disney shared video of Imagineers celebrating the moment by adding water from other Frozen-themed rides into the flume. – @ScottGustin on X

At the heart of the new land lies Frozen Ever After, a reimagined boat ride that fans of EPCOT in Walt Disney World may recognize. Guests will glide through familiar scenes from Frozen, encounter stunning animatronic figures, and relive musical moments from the blockbuster film. But this version is uniquely tailored for the Parisian park, promising fresh magic for first-timers and Disney veterans alike.

With the recent water test—featuring water from other Frozen-themed rides as a nod to international unity—this milestone signals more than just construction progress. It’s a heartwarming sign that Disney’s storytelling engine is alive and well, bringing fantasy to life in physical form.

frozen ever after animatronics
Credit: Disney

A Royal Invitation: Anna and Elsa Await

Beyond the ride itself, World of Frozen will offer an intimate and immersive meet-and-greet experience where guests can interact with Anna and Elsa in a regal Arendelle setting. Unlike the typical queue-based encounters in other parks, this royal reception promises elevated storytelling, photo opportunities, and memorable character interactions that elevate the magic.

The launch of Frozen Ever After was done on the Disney Adventure World construction site side! For the occasion, the Imagineers held a small ceremony with water from other Frozen attractions around the world!

@ultrosinfos on X

This adds another layer of richness to the land, creating experiences that extend beyond rides and into emotional engagement—something Frozen fans, especially younger guests, are sure to cherish.

Frozen ever after billboard at Brick wall
Credit: Inside The Magic

More Than Just a Ride: An Entire Kingdom Awaits

In true Disney fashion, the land won’t stop at attractions and characters. World of Frozen is designed to be a fully themed environment where shopping and dining will echo the aesthetics and culinary tastes of Arendelle. Guests will be able to shop for Nordic-inspired merchandise and enjoy meals surrounded by the snowy charm of the kingdom.

These immersive elements not only round out the guest experience but also signal a broader push by Disney Parks toward creating richly themed lands that compete with modern storytelling expectations and rival park expansions.

A bustling scene of visitors at Disneyland Paris in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, with its pink and blue spires under a cloudy sky.
Credit: Dave Brett. Flickr

Why This Matters for the Future of Disneyland Paris

While the addition of a Frozen-themed land is exciting in and of itself, its greater significance lies in how it elevates Disneyland Paris as a destination. With World of Frozen, Disney is clearly investing in the future of its European resort, not just by rebranding and expanding Disney Adventure World, but by reinforcing the park’s appeal to a global audience.

The move also demonstrates how Disney continues to integrate its most powerful intellectual properties into park experiences, ensuring that beloved stories like Frozen remain not only on screens, but in the hearts—and footsteps—of park guests around the world.

As we inch closer to 2026, one thing is certain: Arendelle is no longer just a fairytale. It’s becoming a place you can visit, explore, and fall in love with all over again.

Will you be ready to let it go… and dive in?

in Disneyland Paris

Be the first to comment!