First Look Images Released

Hong Kong Disneyland has confirmed Nov. 20 as the opening date for the World of Frozen themed land based on the hit animated movies “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.” And, with two months until opening, first look images are now being released.

Attractions and Experiences

The cinematic land of Arendelle contains attractions that enable guests to participate in Summer Snow Day, the day that the film’s Princess Anna saved Elsa and the kingdom with an act of love, meet Elsa at her Ice Palace, board Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs and enjoy an interactive play experience with the characters at Playhouse in the Woods.

Advanced Animatronics Figures

The films’ Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff characters are represented by fully-electric ‘Audio-Animatronics’ figures, which Walt Disney Imagineering says are its most advanced.

Immersive Experience

Visitors to the land can wear rosemaling patterned clothes, add glittering ice-inspired face paint, style their hair like Elsa or wear a cape like Anna.

Landmarks and Facilities

Landmarks within the new land include: North Mountain, with its peak as the highest point in Arendelle; the Ice Palace where Elsa unleashes her icy powers freely for the first time; Arendelle Castle, home of the royal family; the Bay of Arendelle, featuring the small fishing boat that Anna fell on when she met Prince Hans; Clock Tower where Anna danced with Hans; and Friendship Fountain where Elsa uses her magical powers to freeze its water into snowflake ornamentations. There are new retail and food and beverage facilities, as well. Said to be steeped in Nordic history and culture, these include Golden Crocus Inn and Bayside Wharf, Forest Fare, Northern Delights, Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles, and Traveling Traders.

Expansion and Growth

“World of Frozen is an integral part of the park’s latest expansion and growth,” said Michael Moriarty, MD of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Financial Outlook

The park, which is jointly owned by the Hong Kong government and the Walt Disney company, with the local authorities holding a small majority stake, has been loss-making for the past eight financial years and has made profits in only three years since its opening in 2005. Delivering its most recent financial statement in May, the park operators said that prospects were improving due to the re-opening of Hong Kong’s international borders, the ending of the city’s harsh anti-COVID measures, and the anticipated arrival of The World of Frozen.

Financial Figures

The new land will not help current year figures, however, as the park operates an unusual financial year running from October to September. It also reports its figures some seven months in arrears. Recent weeks have also seen the Lantau Island-based park temporarily closed by the passage of two typhoons. HKDL posted total attendance of 3.4 million visitors in the year running Oct. 2021 to September 2022. Revenue for the year grew by 31% to HK$2.2 billion ($282 million). Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) improved by 11%, to negative HK$861 million. Net loss narrowed to HK$2.1 billion, which represented a 12% improvement compared to the previous year.