Frozen Ever After Gets a Royal Upgrade at EPCOT

If you’ve been keeping an eye on updates from Walt Disney World, you probably saw the big reveal. Disney just shared first-look photos of the upgraded Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, and the changes are pretty noticeable.

After being closed since January for refurbishment, the attraction officially reopened February 12 at EPCOT — and Arendelle looks better than ever.

A Major Animatronic Upgrade

The biggest change? Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff now feature physically sculpted faces instead of the rear-projection faces that debuted when the ride first opened nearly 10 years ago at EPCOT.

That original projection technology was impressive at the time, but let’s be honest — sometimes it looked a little… flat. The new sculpted faces add depth, texture, and more natural expressions. The characters feel more solid and dimensional, which really helps sell the illusion that you’re drifting through Arendelle alongside them.

What’s interesting is that these upgraded figures now match the advanced animatronics already found in Hong Kong Disneyland and what’s coming soon to Disney Adventure World in Paris. It’s nice to see EPCOT getting brought up to that same modern standard.

For one of the most popular attractions in World Showcase’s Norway Pavilion, this feels like a significant glow-up.

Lighting Enhancements Throughout the Attraction

Beyond the faces, Imagineering also refreshed the scenic lighting throughout the ride. Disney’s before-and-after photos show richer colors, more dramatic highlights, and better contrast in key scenes — especially in Elsa’s “Let It Go” moment.

Lighting is one of those subtle upgrades that can completely transform how a ride feels without changing the actual layout. From the icy blues to the warm glow of the castle interiors, everything appears more vibrant and immersive.

Sometimes it’s not about adding new scenes. It’s about refining what’s already there.

Is It Now a Must-Ride?

Here’s my honest take.

I’ve ridden Frozen Ever After once. It wasn’t a must-ride for me right away, especially when the wait time climbs. But it’s absolutely something I would ride again when there’s little to no wait.

With these upgrades, though? I’m definitely more interested in hopping back in the boat to see the difference in person.

For families, Frozen fans, and anyone who appreciates next-level animatronics, this refresh might push it higher up the priority list. For thrill-seekers, it’s still a gentle boat ride — but now it’s a prettier one.

See the Before and After