Check Out Disney's New Frozen Attraction That's Officially Open For Fans

Updated on 6/21/2016 at 6:40 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Rebecca Gruber

Having trouble deciding what to make your first destination on your next visit to Walt Disney World? If you have little Elsa and Anna fans, that will no longer be a question. Almost a year after announcing the new Frozen Ever After ride, Disney is ready to welcome visitors to Arendelle this Summer.

The Frozen Ever After ride replaced the Maelstrom attraction in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, and we have an inside look at the magical space. Read on for all the details on what is sure to become Epcot's most popular attraction.

About the Expanded Norway Pavilion

The Norway pavilion now houses both the Frozen Ever After ride and a meet-and-greet area, called the Royal Sommerhus, with Anna and Elsa. The Royal Sommerhus cabin, inspired by Norwegian architecture, houses artifacts and pieces from the royal princesses' childhood. "This is really a cabin, where they spent their childhood with their family," Lauren Niederhiser, assistant project manager, told us at a behind-the-wall preview. "So you're really going to see a lot of elements in there from their childhood, harkening back to that happy family time back when their parents were still alive. Now that true love has conquered all, we are able to open up the Summer cabin, invite guests in, and that's where Anna and Elsa will meet you."
The buildings don't look or feel like cartoon versions of Norwegian architecture. Rather, they look like real replicas of existing buildings. "We really had the opportunity to extend the architectural story of the Norway Pavilion," Niederhiser explained. "On the original pavilion side, you've got our castle, city architecture more inspired by the Bergen area. This is more of a rural transition."

About the Frozen Ever After Ride

If you're a fan of the original Maelstrom ride in the Norway Pavilion, the Frozen Ever After ride is very similar. "We're tweaking the ride system slightly," Niederhiser said. "But it's going to be very similar, with some unexpected twists."
The ride is a trip through Arendelle. "We really are going to have the opportunity to go on a Norwegian boat adventure," she explained. "Going through Arendelle, you set sail from there. You go up to the North Mountain and it really is a Winter in Summer celebration that Elsa has invited everyone up to the North Mountain, into her ice palace. So you get to see some of your favorite characters, hear some of your favorite songs."
The Frozen Ever After ride is designed for children of all ages, though Niederhiser declined to compare it to any other rides at other Disney parks. She said, "It's really for anyone who loves Frozen and loves the story of love conquering fear."

About the Voices and Songs

Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Idina Menzel are back, kind of. The original film's cast members provide the voices for the ride.
All of your favorite songs are present. "We had Bobby and Kristen Lopez relyric some of our songs," Niederhiser shared. "You'll hear all of the classic songs that you remember from the movie, with a slight twist."

More Fun Facts

There is plenty of stroller parking! Understanding that the ride will be particularly popular with families with young children, Niederhiser promised, "You'll be able to drop off your strollers! We know that there's going to be lots of little ones and old ones who want to visit this space!"
There's a gift shop, of course. The Wandering Reindeer is designed to look like a "royal garage" and is packed with Elsa and Anna's favorite things.
Speaking of reindeer, there are reindeer tracks all over the plaza of the pavilion, which is fun for kids to follow.