Arriving at Disneyland Paris in the midst of unexpected snowy weather seemed almost too perfect considering I was there to discover the park’s upcoming Frozen Celebration.
It definitely set the scene - and immediately threw me into that magic Disneyland is known for.
While the Frozen characters already feature in the parks’ shows and parades, the new celebration marks the first time they step into the spotlight in both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park with a new attraction, meet and greets and a brand new parade float.
The excitement kicked off with a meet and greet with Olaf at Walt Disney Studios Park, where I learnt that he does indeed offer out warm hugs. (He’s very popular and you will need to book meet and greets through the LineBerty app so he isn't snowed under).
I was particularly excited to discover the brand new attraction Frozen: A Musical Invitation at Walt Disney Studios Park, which runs several times a day.
The live, interactive show has you helping Anna to surprise Elsa at her ice palace. There are two rooms; the first is Kristoff’s Barn where Anna, Kristoff and Sven teach you some magic dance moves, the second is the Ice Palace where Olaf provides the giggles and Elsa belts out Let It Go.
The impressive sets immerse you into Arendelle straight away. In fact, the whole attraction is quite sweet and definitely geared for families with younger children.
As part of the celebrations, Disneyland Paris will also unveil a brand new Frozen 2 themed float where Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Sven will be joined by 20 dancers for what’s sure to be a spectacular show! (At 6 metres tall, it will also be the highest float in Disneyland).
Other highlights will include over 40 new food options including Frozen inspired cookies, heaps of new toys and costumes designed for both children and adults, and for three nights in January a ‘Magic Over Lake Disney: The Frozen Edition’ show in Disney Village where you can relive the film’s iconic scenes.
I’d been to Disneyland Paris before so as well as the new Frozen additions, I hit some of my favourite rides - Peter Pan’s Flight and the Ratatouille ride for the Disney magic, Tower of Terror and Hyperspace Mountain for the thrills.
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel, I had plenty of time to squeeze it all into a weekend; the hotel is inside the theme park so you’re just a few steps away from the Sleeping Beauty Castle and attractions, and minutes from Walt Disney Studios Park.
A Character Brunch at the hotel’s Inventions Restaurant was a must - it’s got some great views of the castle and Mickey and his friends wander around causing mischief!
Of course no trip to Disneyland is complete without watching the fireworks spectacular at night, and the current show Illuminations delivers its own dose of Frozen magic alongside other classics such as the Lion King, The Little Mermaid, as well as nods to Star Wars and Beauty and the Beast.
It served up a major dose of nostalgia - enough to melt even the most frozen of hearts.
Frozen Celebration runs from 11 January to 3 May 2020.
Book the holiday
Frozen Celebration runs from January 11 to May 3.
Two nights at Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe starts at £1,746 based on two adults and two children sharing a Cars Standard Room.
Includes three-day park hopper tickets to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park and Eurostar on February 21. You can find out more on the Disneyland Paris website.
