Frozen's magic secrets unfrozen

Guests can enjoy a "For the First Time in Forever" immersive travel experience in the world's first and largest Frozen theme land from November 20 at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which features authentic recreations of scenes from Walt Disney Animation Studios' Frozen film series.

Unveiling the design at the theme park's 18th birthday yesterday, the park producers said the World of Frozen blends the natural landscapes of Hong Kong and features the Norwegian-style Arendelle village and forest where film characters live.

There is also a restaurant and stalls where visitors can experience traditional Norwegian food and purchase souvenirs, as well as celebrate the Summer Snow Day which commemorates the day that Anna saved her sister Elsa and the kingdom with an act of true love.

Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said: "World of Frozen is an integral part of the park's latest expansion and growth, and with the launch on November 20, we look forward to welcoming even more guests from around the world."

HKID and Macau ID holders can purchase a one-day Early Park Entry ticket offer at HK$189, along with a standard park ticket, to enter the theme land three days ahead of its opening. Park ticket holders can also choose to purchase an early pass at an additional cost of HK$199, which will allow them to experience the new area an hour before the park opens.

In addition to drawing inspiration from the film series, Michel Den Dulk, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, said they also "borrowed scenery" from the natural landscape of Lantau Island into the design.

"Hong Kong Disneyland is the only Disney Park with a mountain as a backdrop. We worked really carefully to create a beautiful land with a seamless transition between what we created with the natural beauty of Lantau Peak," he said.

The kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen is inspired by Norway in the mid-nineteenth century. The team carried out extensive research for its landscape and architecture, which helped them incorporate some new elements to the theme land, such as two houses sharing one main entry in the center.

"We are very serious about the design to ensure we are telling an authentic story," said Amanda Chiu, senior producer at Walt Disney Imagineering Asia.

The team also worked with award-winning composer Andrew Cottee to rearrange the iconic music from the movies for World of Frozen to tell the story for a stronger connection with visitors.

There will also be two new attractions - a boat ride, Frozen Ever After, through North Mountain to Elsa's Ice Palace, and a first-ever Frozen-themed roller coaster, Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs, on which riders can enjoy the forest view.

The Frozen Ever After features Walt Disney Imagineering's fully-electric Audio-Animatronic figures which bring to life characters like Anna, Elsa and Kristoff.

"It is a great testament to the amazing talents at Walt Disney Imagineering who made the impossible possible," Chiu said.

"We share the same goal with Walt Disney Animation Studios to create incredible entertainment for people of all ages, using innovative technology to tell a compelling, heartfelt story like never before."

Visitors can meet Anna and Elsa at the playhouse in the woods.