In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Walt Disney World has confirmed additional details about changes coming to Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. While the motive for the refurbishment was to upgrade the Audio-Animatronics on the ride, Imagineers took the time while the attraction was down to make additional changes. Here’s the inside scoop on what to expect!
Changes at Frozen Ever After Beyond Audio-Animatronics
When Frozen Ever After reopens on February 12th, guests will notice that a number of the Audio-Animatronics have been updated to remove the “rear-projected” faces. This means that Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will have molded faces, giving them a more true-to-life look that is consistent with other versions of Frozen Ever After in other Disney theme parks around the world.
The new heads for the Audio-Animatronics include silicone skin that creates a look that makes the figure look like it stepped right out of the movie.
The technology advanced, and there was opportunity to improve the quality of the show and the guest experience. As we saw these figures progress for [Disney parks in] Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong, we saw that as an opportunity to leverage that technology for Walt Disney World.
The look of the new figures is said to be similar to the Tiana figures seen in the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction that opened in 2024 at Magic Kingdom. While the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction faced criticism, the Audio-Animatronics are impressive.
The change of the Audio-Animatronic figures at Frozen Ever After wasn’t simple, but there was plenty of planning that took place ahead of time that allowed for a smooth changeover.
Ricci said that Disney had to modify the necks of the figures to accept the change in the heads. He said that it took a few days, but there was a lot of pre-planning using technology and software to ensure that the change would go smoothly.
In addition to the updated figures, there were other changes to the attraction, including an update of the show control system for the ride.
Teams also “touched up a lot” and made some changes to the show lighting. Ricci says that the attraction should feel refreshed.
Here’s a final look back at the rear-projected faces on Frozen Ever After as we excitedly await the attraction’s reopening. Photography on Frozen Ever After has traditionally been challenging due to the rear-projected faces, and should be greatly improved when the ride reopens next week.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
It looks cool and different