10 Places to Experience Frozen in Real Life

It’s the worldwide, runaway, Oscar-winning smash that shows no signs of losing popularity. Loosely based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, Frozen is the highest grossing animated film of all time.

Voiced by Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff, it’s a timeless tale of estrangement and overcoming one’s fears.

There’s not much these days that’s NOT carrying the Frozen sparkle. In addition to dolls and teddy bears, there’s bread and bridal gowns, chocolate, make up and coding lessons.

The Disney Frozen Sing-Along Edition on DVD & Digital HD was released on November 18, just in time for Christmas shopping and Elsa is popping up at parties and parades with Anna, Kristoff and Olaf. The Simpsons had the “Obligatory ‘Frozen’ Reference” at the start of their Christmas episode.

Meanwhile, the long-awaited short film – Frozen Fever – will be released with Cinderella in March 2015, but for those who don’t want to Let It Go, here are 10 places you can experience Frozen in real life:

Walt Disney World Florida

The world’s most famous sisters are taking over the Norwegian pavilion at Epcot. In 2016, a new Frozen attraction will be added to the Norway Pavilion. The ride will take guests on a journey to Arendelle, through their favourite moments and songs. And Anna and Elsa will have a new meet-and-greet location at Epcot.

Over at Magic Kingdom Park, the Frozen characters have moved in for the holiday season. Queen Elsa has taken over the Fairy Godmother’s job of lighting up Cinderella’s Castle. Each night, Elsa uses her cryokinetic powers to ice the palace.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will also feature Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf for the first time.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration takes place in the Premiere Theater almost hourly. Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland are located in Soundstage One near the Toy Story Mania ride. There’s an ice rink and a (real) snow play area for children. Ice skating is available – US$10 for 30 minutes including skate rental.

Disneyland Resort California

Under the Californian sun, Disneyland is one of the most Frozen places on earth. The sisters dispense “goodwill greetings” at Disney Animation in Disney California Adventure Park. At the Animation Academy, a Disney animator teaches park goers how to draw a snowman. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration takes place at the Crown Jewel Theatre (formerly Muppet*Vision 3D). Olaf is giving away warm hugs at Stage 17 and there’s real snow, food and drinks with Arendellian entertainment. Hollywood Land is hosting Freeze the Night Family Dance Party, with music from DJ Snow, interactive fun at The Ice House, a dance crew and more.

Disneyland Paris

Anna and Elsa will hold court at the Princess Pavilion in Fantasyland until January 7. The night-time show Disney Dreams®! of Christmas will be conducted by Olaf who steps out of Frozen to conjure up the projections, fountains, special effects and fireworks.

Frozen at shopping malls

In shopping malls around the US, Santa Claus is almost an afterthought this year. Westfarms joined forces with Disney to bring the movie attraction to Connecticut. There’s a 30-foot Ice Palace with falling snow, a light show and other family activities. Interactive globes highlight favourite movie scenes. Adults and children can leave their hand print in ice at The Icy Hand Print experience and have their photo taken with Olaf (in plush form) at the Ice Throne. Taubman Centers Inc. has built 30-foot-tall ice palaces in ten of its malls, complete with clips from the film, snow and a light show.

Frozen on Ice

The Disney on Ice shows that are mega popular in the UK, US and Canada (and slated for Australia in 2015) are hosted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse with special guest appearances by other Disney Princesses and favourite characters.

Frozen Norway

Norway is the home of Frozen, it was where Michael Giaimo, Frozen’s art director, found the colour, light and atmosphere he wanted. Disney have a foothold here too.

Adventures by Disney offers special itineraries that start in Bergen (the city that inspired Arendelle), take in Geirangerfjord, a spot of Norwegian folk dancing, ice fishing and visiting Stave churches.

In a bid to take ownership of the Frozen phenomenon, Norway has set out its stall. It has some superlative goodies. For example, the Northern Lights, which dance across the sky when Anna and Elsa are children.

Northern Norway sells Ice-Age Arendelle exceptionally well with the snow-capped mountains of Helgeland, peaks of Lofoten and the Lyngen Alps. There are cosy ice hotels, the Sami and trolls. Legend has it that the towering peaks of Northern Norway are trolls that were turned to stone in the light of the rising sun.

Frozen Sweden

Kristoff is a Sami. If you want to live like Kristoff for a short while, utti Sámi Siida is a Sámi (Lappish) ecotourism company in Jukkasjärvi village, in the far north of Sweden.

Between December and April guests can share their way of life – driving reindeer, sleeping in cosy cabins and in a tepee (lávvu). You don’t have to share your carrots with your reindeer.

Build-A-Bear – Frozen Bears

Build-A-Bear Workshops have teamed up with Disney on a range of Frozen bears – and snowman.

There’s around 400 Build-A-Bear workshops around the world and children can create Olaf or Elsa and Anna, complete with wigs, crystal appliqued dresses and capes. Plus for around $25 children can carry home their very own Frozen bear. Kiddies can also add “Let it Go!”, “In Summer” and “The First Time in Forever” songs or sing their own version for $8.

Frozen singalongs

Earlier this year, Disney put out a special sing-along version that hit 1,000 theatres around the US. The version featured on-screen lyrics with a magical bouncing snowflake to follow along.

Around the UK, Singalonga Productions screen the film with the lyrics to help audiences sing along with Anna and Elsa. Live hosts show you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices and teach you some hand actions and heckles before you sit back and “Let it Go”. The London showing is at the Prince Charles Cinema.

Ice hotels

Pre-movie, members of the production team travelled to Quebec, Canada, to experience the Ice Hotel, inspiration for Elsa’s ice palace.

There are dozens of ice hotels around the world. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, located at Alta has been rebuilt every year since 1999.

Featured by Ron Meck