World of Frozen, a fully immersive land inspired by the beloved animated franchise, officially opened on Sunday, March 29, marking a key aspect of a €2 billion ($2.18 billion) makeover at Disneyland Paris.
This renovation rebrands one of the two theme parks at the Disneyland Paris complex from Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World. The grand opening attracted stars such as Penélope Cruz, Naomi Campbell, and Teyana Taylor.
Naomi Campbell attends the inauguration of Disney Adventure World and World Of Frozen at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallee, east of Paris, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
This expansion is the largest in Disneyland Paris’s 34-year history and part of a broader global investment of around $60 billion in Disney’s parks, resorts, and cruise lines.
It also represents the first major international appearance for Josh D’Amaro, who became Disney’s chief executive on March 18—just 11 days before the park’s grand opening—after nearly three decades in the theme parks division.
The parks-and-experiences segment generated approximately 57% of Disney’s $17.5 billion in operating income last year, a driving force behind D’Amaro’s ascent to the corner office.
An Associated Press reporter joined D’Amaro on the “Frozen” ride Saturday evening.
The boat splashed through water, eliciting childlike cheers and laughter from the new CEO as they passed singing Elsa in the dim light. Some disembarked slightly damp.
“The Walt Disney Company was built on one man’s dream, and for over 100 years we’ve shared that dream with the world,” D’Amaro shared with the audience.
“Storytelling is at the core of everything we do, whether it’s on screen or stage, in our theme parks, on our cruise ships, or even at home.”
He described the opening as “a transformational moment” and acknowledged the creative team behind the land, including “Frozen” writer-director Jennifer Lee, who is currently working on “Frozen 3.”
On Friday, D’Amaro stood alongside Emmanuel Macron at the resort.
The French president emphasized the park’s significance as a national economic asset, labeling Disneyland Paris “the leading tourist destination in Europe” and affirming it as “a true ecosystem of success.”
Chairman of Disney Parks Josh D’Amaro, left, French president Emmanuel Macron, center, and President of Disneyland Paris, Natacha Rafalski, visit Disneyland Paris ahead of the inauguration of the new World of Frozen, in Marne-la-Vallee, east of Paris, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, pool)
Macron stated that the latest expansion would generate 1,000 new direct jobs.
“Since the beginning, that’s 13 billion euros invested in this territory,” Macron added.
Disneyland Paris now boasts a workforce of over 20,000 individuals, supports 70,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and has seen more than 445 million visits since 1992—accounting for 6.1% of France’s tourism revenue.
Macron’s presence highlighted an astonishing turnaround.
When the park debuted as Euro Disney in 1992, it faced criticism from French intellectuals, who labeled it a “cultural Chernobyl.” Now, the French president stands before cameras, recognizing it as a pillar of national prosperity.
It’s no coincidence that “Frozen” and “Tangled”—the two main attractions at Disney’s only European resort—are both rooted in European folklore.
“Frozen” loosely adapts “The Snow Queen,” while the new Tangled family ride brings to life the Brothers Grimm’s Rapunzel.
“Frozen, of course, has its roots in European storytelling,” noted Michel den Dulk from Walt Disney Imagineering.
“It’s very loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen. So, establishing a charming, northern European wooden village here in Disneyland Paris, where visitors can meet their favorite Frozen characters, was a natural fit.”
The land recreates Arendelle set around a lagoon, featuring timber buildings painted in soft Scandinavian pastels, with facades adorned with rosemaling, a traditional Norwegian decorative art.
At its heart is Frozen Ever After, a boat ride showcasing cutting-edge animatronics and captivating projection effects.
Guests can meet Anna and Elsa within Arendelle Castle, converse with a responsive baby troll named Mossy, and enjoy a lagoon celebration called the Snow Flower Festival, complete with an original song.
A next-generation robotic Olaf roams the area.
Beyond the World of Frozen, the reimagined park will host a vast lake called Adventure Bay, a Tangled family ride, 15 new dining venues—including the upscale Regal View Restaurant—and a nighttime spectacle titled Disney Cascade of Lights featuring over 380 drones.
A Lion King-themed area, currently under construction, will debut next.
More than 90% of the offerings in the second park will have been revamped since its 2002 opening, with Disney claiming the space will roughly double once the complete transformation concludes.
While Disney’s streaming service has shifted from significant losses to profitability, the parks continue to serve as the company’s most reliable source of earnings—and D’Amaro is the executive who oversaw them.
“We continue to dream bigger and bring stories to life in exciting new ways,” D’Amaro expressed to the audience.
Fireworks illuminated Arendelle Village.
The ice palace atop the mountain glowed blue.
And 34 years after Euro Disney became a punchline, a brand-new kingdom emerged in the fields east of Paris—heralding a new era.
