3 Things That'll Make Your Ride on Frozen Ever After in Disney World 10x Better

Frozen Ever After has been one of EPCOT’s most popular experiences since it opened nearly a decade ago (yes, it really has been that long). However, a major change is coming to Arendelle that’s going to change the way guests experience the ride forever.

Frozen Ever After

In 2025, Disney announced a long-awaited update would be coming to Frozen Ever After’s animatronics in 2026, which is sure to make the ride even more popular — and more crowded — going forward. However, there are ways to make sure your ride goes well.

Check Out the New Animatronics

Let’s start with those aforementioned updates. In 2025, Disney announced that the attraction’s Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff animatronics would be receiving upgrades similar to the highly regarded figures from the Hong Kong version. Frozen Ever After is scheduled to close for refurbishment on January 26th, 2026, and is scheduled to reopen in February 2026.

Frozen Ever After animatronics (EPCOT)

These new animatronics will be replacing the ones that have been present since the attraction opened, which used projection instead of traditional sculpting for the figures’ faces. While some liked this look, seeing it as true to the original animation, others felt the approach was very uncanny valley, giving them a “creepy” bulb-headed look.

©Disney Frozen Ever After Hong Kong Disneyland

Many fans have been waiting for this change for years, and in turn, the attraction is sure to get even busier, which brings us to…

Use a Lightning Lane!

According to our weekly wait times data, Frozen Ever After is often one of EPCOT’s busiest rides, and that’s sure to only go up — at least temporarily — once the new animatronics debut. Therefore, you may want to do your best to book a Lightning Lane for the attraction (Lightning Lanes can be purchased 7 Days in advance for Disney hotel guests, and 3 days in advance for all other guests) as early as possible.

Frozen Ever After Lightning Lane and Standby Line sign in EPCOT

Just bear in mind, if you prebook a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Frozen Ever After, you won’t be able to book one for EPCOT’s other Tier 1 attractions, Test Track, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Of note, EPCOT’s busiest ride — Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — is only available for the separate Lightning Lane Single Pass option.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Enjoy it with a Child Who Loves Frozen, if Possible

Between those long (soon to be longer) lines and the fact that many Disney adults still hold a bit of a grudge with the attraction for replacing the beloved EPCOT institution, Maelstrom.

However, if one is able to see the attraction through the eyes of a Frozen-loving child, that grudge will melt away (no, we couldn’t avoid that pun) and they’ll be able to let it go (nope, couldn’t avoid that one either) and enjoy the improved attraction for what it is.

Frozen Ever After

With new changes — and corresponding crowds — coming to Frozen Ever After in 2026, keep these tips in mind to make your journey with Anna, Elsa, and co. flow smoothly. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips.

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