DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
Kristen Bell is known for a ton of different roles as her talent and footprint in Hollywood has been huge over her ongoing career, but if you are a Disney fan, you surely know her as princess Anna, or, mind you, queen Anna in Frozen and Frozen 2.
Credit: Walt Disney Animation
Bell brought to life the spirited, optimistic, and determined younger sister of Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel. Frozen quickly became a box office smash, grossing over $1.28 billion globally, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.
Its sequel, Frozen 2, released in 2019, continued the success, surpassing the original with over $1.45 billion in global box office sales. The Frozen franchise has not only conquered the box office but also won critical acclaim, earning two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the iconic “Let It Go.”
Outside of her career, Kristen Bell has had a very public and heartwarming marriage with actor and podcast host Dax Shepard.
The two are known for their candidness about their relationship, often sharing the ups and downs of marriage, emphasizing the importance of therapy and communication.
Bell and Shepard married in 2013 after a long engagement and have two daughters together, Lincoln and Delta. As a couple, they have often used their platform to discuss mental health, parenting, and the challenges of balancing family life with demanding careers, endearing them to fans for their openness and humor.
Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell/Credit: Good Morning America
Kristen Bell has recently garnered attention for her unconventional parenting choices while on vacation in Denmark with her husband, Dax Shepard, and their two daughters, Lincoln and Delta.
Embracing free-range parenting, Bell allowed her children to roam unsupervised at Tivoli Gardens, a renowned amusement park connected directly to their hotel. This decision reflects a growing trend among some parents who prioritize independence and self-reliance in their children’s exploration.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bell expressed her view on family vacations, noting that parents often find themselves merely overseeing their children in a different setting. She humorously articulated the challenges by stating, “Going on vacation as a parent is not a vacation. You’re just watching your kids in a different city.”
Credit: Kristen Bell Instagram
This sentiment resonates with many parents who realize that travel can be more stressful than relaxing.
What is Tivoli Gardens?
With a setup designed for their children’s independence, the Bell-Shepard family found themselves at a hotel situated right at Tivoli Gardens. The amusement park, which spans seven acres, offers various rides and activities for visitors of all ages, reminiscent of attractions in Disney parks.
Recognizing the opportunity, the couple decided to allow their daughters to experience the park independently.
Bell recounted, “They scanned their bracelets to go outside.” She shared that they did not see their daughters for an impressive seven hours as the children delighted in the vast attractions of Copenhagen. During this time, Kristen and Dax engaged in relaxed activities, including enjoying coffee and playing card games.
Credit: NBC
This approach to parenting emphasizes the value of trusting children and allowing them the freedom to engage in supervised play under safer conditions. The Bell-Shepard family’s self-assuredness concerning their daughters’ safety at Tivoli reflects a belief in instilling confidence and responsibility early on.
Tivoli Gardens, located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic amusement parks, having opened its doors on August 15, 1843. With its mix of charming gardens, thrilling rides, and cultural attractions, Tivoli has long been a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.
The park’s founder, Georg Carstensen, was inspired by parks and gardens across Europe and sought to create a space that combined entertainment and beauty, a tradition that continues to this day.
Tivoli Gardens is known for its old-world charm, featuring lush green spaces, beautiful flower beds, and picturesque lakes.
While it boasts modern attractions, it has retained much of its historical character, including classic amusement rides. One of its most famous attractions is the wooden roller coaster Rutschebanen, built in 1914, which is still operated by a brakeman.
The park also offers more modern thrills, like The Demon, a steel roller coaster with loops, and The Star Flyer, a swing ride that provides incredible views of Copenhagen from over 260 feet in the air.
Fans Are Not Thrilled With Kristen’s Parenting Choice
The decision to permit the children to navigate part of their day unsupervised has sparked a range of reactions from audiences and parenting experts alike. Critics often express concern regarding safety and the potential risks of allowing minors to explore independently.
In response to inquiries about this parenting strategy, Bell maintained a light-hearted demeanor, reinforcing her belief that the kids were indeed safe. “Apparently, they’re both alive. We all returned home,” she commented, humorously implying that the experience was ultimately a positive one for the family.
Such an approach challenges conventional viewpoints regarding parenting norms, particularly in a society where parental supervision is often emphasized in public spaces like amusement parks.
Bell’s anecdotal recount shows the balance of risk and reward in parenting as families navigate their unique approaches to child-rearing.
An Inside Look at Kristen and Dax’s Family Dynamics
Aside from the amusement park incident, Kristen Bell has continually emphasized the importance of modeling appropriate behaviors for her children in various family dynamics. She and Dax prioritize open communication and the demonstration of conflict resolution in front of Lincoln and Delta.
Bell has articulated that they do not shy away from resolving disagreements privately but instead show their children how to make amends.
This commitment to transparency in their interactions serves as an educational tool for the youngsters. Bell stated, “We do not have the makeup, our conflict resolution, be behind closed doors.” By exemplifying effective communication and resolution strategies, they are preparing their daughters for future interpersonal dynamics.
Furthermore, the couple navigates public scrutiny regarding their parenting choices with a steadfast attitude. Kristen and Dax remain unperturbed by external opinions, asserting the autonomy of their family’s decisions as they choose what works best for their children.
Bell’s courage in forging her parenting path may inspire others grappling with similar dilemmas, particularly concerning unsupervised play and independence in childhood.
Through their actions and dialogue, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard continue to spark conversations about parenting methodologies, blending traditional values with contemporary practices.
Their journey reflects a diverse landscape of parenting, demonstrating that every family must find what resonates with them, much like the beloved characters from Frozen, where Princess Anna exhibits courage and adventure, mirroring the essence of independence.
Kristen Bell and Dax Sheppard’s Past Parenting Controversy
Earlier this year, Kristen Bell shared a humorous account on Instagram about an incident at Boston Logan International Airport involving her family. Bell, Dax Shepard, and their daughters, Lincoln and Delta, were stranded due to a nine-hour flight delay.
Realizing they’d be stuck for the night, the couple tried to book accommodations, but all the hotels in Boston and surrounding areas were fully booked. Left with no other options, they had to get creative.
The family made the best of a frustrating situation by using pillows and sheets to create makeshift beds on the airport floor. Bell, narrating the experience on Instagram, revealed that there were no vacancies within a 50-mile radius, leaving them no choice but to wait it out at the airport. “Stranded at the Boston airport,” Bell wrote, “Nine hours of delays.”
Dax Shepard added his own perspective, sharing videos of the situation on social media. One showed Bell making their temporary sleeping area, jokingly saying, “When I’m in my bedroom,” as she removed her shoes.
In another, Shepard can be seen lying on the airport floor with just a neck pillow and blanket, humorously commenting on the lack of hotel availability. “Could have been a really nice hotel, but they’re all taken,” he said, to which Bell replied, “It’s $600 a night to stay at Boston International Airport.”
Despite their attempts to settle in, the family was eventually asked to leave by security. Just when it seemed they had no other options, a kind friend offered them a place to stay, providing much-needed relief. Bell shared her gratitude, writing, “Thankfully, we found friends of friends who offered us their attics and accepted us at 1 a.m.!”
Kristen Bell’s Future With Frozen
Kristen Bell will be continuing to play her role as Queen Anna for quite some time with Disney, as Frozen 3 and Frozen 4 have been confirmed.
Disney Animation has announced that the upcoming Frozen films will be a two-part story, similar to successful franchises like Avengers and The Hunger Games. Jennifer Lee, writer and director of the first two Frozen films, will step down from her role as chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios to focus on writing and directing these films.
Credit: Walt Disney Animation
Lee expressed her excitement for the new adventure and the opportunity to collaborate with Marc Smith, the co-writer and co-director of the films. The decision to split the story into two films was influenced by the success of other franchises and the potential for increased profits and merchandising opportunities.
Jared Bush, who has worked on several successful Disney Animation projects, will be taking over as chief creative officer. His experience includes writing and co-directing Zootopia and Encanto, and he is also involved in the upcoming Zootopia sequel.
Credit: Disney
Lee expressed her gratitude to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for supporting her decision to return to filmmaking full-time. She praised their creativity, business acumen, and commitment to community and integrity. Lee is excited to collaborate with the talented team at Disney Animation and contribute to the studio’s future success.
Frozen 3 will be released in cinemas on 24 November 2027.
What do you think of Kristen and Dax’s parenting hack?
It’s not a “parenting hack;” it’s knowing your kids and having expectations about their ability to be on their own for a while. When my two were about 9 and 12, they were allowed to go on their own in Disneyland, giving me some down time. This was before cell phones, so we had set times and places to meet and check in. They didn’t go on their own for the entire day, but they were just fine for part of it. I trusted them, and they repaid me by being responsible.