Frozen Ever After is set to receive a significant update to its Audio-Animatronics. Disney has announced plans to replace the current rear-projected faces on the animatronic figures found in the Norway Pavilion’s star attraction with a new design inspired by the advanced technology used in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. This update, scheduled for early 2026, aims to enhance the visual experience for guests while maintaining the magic of the Frozen story.
Let’s take a closer look at the history of the attraction, the planned updates, and what this means for the future of Disney’s animatronic technology.
The History of Frozen Ever After
A Groundbreaking Attraction
Since its debut in 2016, Frozen Ever After has been a highlight of EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion. The ride features a variety of Audio-Animatronic figures, including Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Sven, all brought to life with innovative technology. It was the first Disney attraction to use all-electric animatronics, combining electric motors with 3D printing to create lifelike movements.
The Role of Rear-Projected Faces
To achieve the expressive facial animations of characters like Anna and Elsa, Disney Imagineers utilized rear-projected faces. While this technique allowed for detailed expressions, it has faced criticism for its lack of realism and occasional technical issues.
The Upcoming Updates
What’s Changing?
The planned update will replace the rear-projected faces with sculpted, fully animated faces, similar to those used in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. This change is expected to provide a more seamless and immersive experience for guests.
Why the Update?
The move away from rear-projected faces reflects Disney’s commitment to advancing its animatronic technology. By adopting the latest innovations, the company aims to enhance the visual quality and reliability of its attractions.
The Future of Disney Animatronics
Building on Innovation
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, have showcased the company’s ability to push the boundaries of what animatronics can achieve.
A More Immersive Experience
By incorporating more lifelike animatronics, Disney continues to elevate the storytelling and guest experience in its parks. These advancements ensure that attractions remain engaging and relevant for years to come.
Conclusion
The upcoming updates to Frozen Ever After represent an exciting step forward for Disney’s animatronic technology. By replacing the rear-projected faces with sculpted, animated designs, the attraction will offer a more immersive and visually stunning experience. As Disney continues to innovate, guests can look forward to even more magical moments in the parks.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
