Credit: Walt Disney AnimationDisney has shared a new look at Olaf as part of its ongoing expansion of the Frozen franchise across its global theme parks, offering an early glimpse at how the character will appear in an upcoming land debuting next year.
Olaf has long occupied a key role within the Frozen universe, both on screen and in the parks. However, everybody’s favorite snowman is about to receive a major update.
Olaf’s Presence at Disney Parks
First introduced in Frozen (2013), Olaf – a walking, talking snowman created by Elsa’s (Idina Menzel) icy powers – quickly became one of Disney Animation’s most recognizable characters. Voiced by Josh Gad, Olaf’s mix of earnest optimism and self-aware humor helped propel Frozen into a global phenomenon.
The character returned prominently in Frozen 2 (2019) and headlined Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), reinforcing his status as a franchise cornerstone rather than a supporting figure. He will also appear in the upcoming Frozen 3 (2027) and Frozen 4, for which Gad and his co-stars are reportedly set to receive a whopping $60 million each.
Within Disney Parks, Olaf currently appears in limited meet-and-greet settings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and as part of Frozen Ever After at EPCOT and Hong Kong Disneyland, as well as Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey at Tokyo DisneySea.
Those appearances, however, have relied on traditional costuming or ride-based audio-animatronics rather than free-form interaction.
Disney Introduces a New Robotic Olaf
Disney is now preparing to debut a significantly updated version of the character as part of World of Frozen, set to open at Walt Disney Studios Park in March. The park will be renamed Disney Adventure World when the land officially launches.
Rather than a performer in costume, guests will meet a to-scale robotic Olaf designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, marking a notable shift in how the character is presented.
First announced in November, the robotic Olaf was described as “one of the most expressive and true-to-life characters built” via Disney Parks Blog.
A newly released video shared by Tim Sypko, president and managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, offers the clearest look yet at the character ahead of its debut.
“I love so many things about Arendelle, but especially when new friends visit,” Olaf says in the video, before later turning to the camera and adding, “See you soon!”
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The free-roaming Olaf is scheduled to debut simultaneously at Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney Adventure World on March 29, 2026.
Early fan reaction to the footage has been largely positive. “Ok Olaf is cute!!!” wrote one Instagram user. Another commented, “Awww… he is so cute and impressive.” A third added, “I can’t wait to finally meet Olaf!”
Disney has not announced whether the character will appear beyond those two locations.
What World of Frozen Will Include
Beyond Olaf, World of Frozen will introduce several new experiences tied to the franchise. The land will feature Frozen Ever After, incorporating the same upgraded audio-animatronics recently added to EPCOT’s version.
Guests will also be able to meet Anna and Elsa through A Royal Encounter with Elsa and Anna, which will take place inside Arendelle Castle.
A new live performance, A Celebration in Arendelle, will debut at Arendelle Bay. The show will feature Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff appearing aboard boats during what Disney describes as “a magical moment that brings their cherished traditions to life.”
Additional character appearances are planned throughout the land, including Mossie, the baby troll, and Oaken from Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna.
Dining and retail offerings will include Nordic Crowns Tavern, Arendelle Boutique, and Fjord View Shop.
Will Olaf Appear at EPCOT?
Disney has not confirmed whether the new Olaf will ever appear at EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, where guests can currently meet Anna and Elsa.
Some fans have speculated that a free-roaming Olaf could present crowd-management challenges within World Showcase, which is already one of the resort’s most congested areas.
Disney’s history with free-roaming audio-animatronics has been limited. Lucky the Dinosaur previously appeared at Disney California Adventure Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom before being retired from regular guest interaction.
Disney has also previously teased similar technology for characters such as Judy Hopps from Zootopia, though no permanent installations have been announced.
Fans have shared fears that, thanks to the high costs and presumably high risk factors, Olaf will prove equally short-lived at the parks.
Are you excited for Disney’s new free-roaming Olaf animatronic?