Frozen Ever After unexpectedly began operating Wednesday afternoon at EPCOT, giving select Disney Park guests early access to the upgraded attraction one day before its official February 12 reopening.
The soft opening started shortly after 3:00 p.m. on February 11, just minutes after Walt Disney World Resort released preview images of the reimagined Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff audio-animatronics.
Surprise Access Following Photo Release
Theme park journalist Scott Gustin shared Disney's official preview images on X (formerly known as Twitter):
NEW: Disney released a first look at the upgraded Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics installed at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. The refreshed figures officially debut tomorrow.
NEW: Disney released a first look at the upgraded Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics installed at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. The refreshed figures officially debut tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/fIRd3c6CCm
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 11, 2026
Shortly afterward, the Norway World Showcase Pavilion attraction began accepting riders. @DisneyFoodBlog posted videos:
Frozen Ever After has SOFT OPENED in EPCOT! Check out those NEW animatronics!!!
Frozen Ever After has SOFT OPENED in EPCOT! Check out those NEW animatronics!!! pic.twitter.com/oxKFVVk35j
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 11, 2026
Major Technology Replacement
The boat ride closed January 26 to replace its projection-mapped facial animatronics with sculpted heads and upgraded body mechanics. The original projection system frequently failed during the attraction‘s nine-year run, resulting in distorted or blacked-out character faces.
The new audio-animatronic figures use sculpted faces similar to those in Hong Kong Disneyland's World of Frozen and Tokyo DisneySea's Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey, with improved movement for more lifelike animation.
No Guarantee of Extended Operation
As a soft opening, Frozen Ever After could close without notice for technical testing or adjustments. Walt Disney World hasn't indicated how long the attraction will operate on Wednesday—it may shut down before EPCOT's regular closing time.
Walt Disney World Resort guests hoping to ride Frozen Ever After on Wednesday should visit the Norway World Showcase Pavilion immediately or wait until Thursday's official reopening, when regular operating hours resume.
What do you think about the new sculpted audio-animatronics on Frozen Ever After? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
