Over a decade after its opening, EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After remains one of Disney World’s most popular attractions. That popularity is only going to increase with some long-awaited additions in early 2026, which in turn means that there are some new “rules” guests need to follow.
In 2025, Disney announced that the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff animatronics at the attraction would be receiving upgrades similar to the highly regarded figures from the Hong Kong version, scheduled to be installed in early 2026. 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. So, what new “rules” will these changes bring? Well, it’s about crowds.
Lines WILL Get Longer
As stated above, Frozen Ever After is already one of EPCOT’s busiest rides, with waits often at around an hour. However, that will likely jump even further when the attraction debuts the new animatronics in February. Once these upgrades are up and running, the ride will likely see a spike in attendance as riders who’ve been skipping over the somewhat stagnant attraction and its out-of-date animatronics will want to see the upgraded versions of the characters.
Enter Through France
So, with those longer lines, what’s the best course of action beyond simply waiting? Well, one can try and nab a Lightning Lane, or try to rope drop the attraction.
If you’re planning on the latter, we’d advise entering EPCOT through the International Gateway in France. This entrance is accessible via the Walt Disney World Skyliner, walking paths from the Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk resorts, and via boat and Skyliner from Hollywood Studios.
The Right Side is the RIDE Side
If the new animatronics are the draw, it stands to reason that most guests will want to SEE those animatronics. If that’s true in your case, try and to sit on the right side of the boat, as most of the show scenes and animatronics will be on that side.
EPCOT’s mega-popular Frozen Ever After attraction is about to get even busier thanks to the long-awaited addition of some NEW animatronics. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney World’s latest additions.
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Excited for the changes coming to Frozen Ever After? Let us know in the comments below.
I miss the maelstrom
Question: If you enter through the International Gateway, which way is faster, left or right (if you can go around the World Showcase after France)?
Great question, Ken! I’ve done both, and left (via Canada) is a bit faster.
Thanks for helping out, Justin! You’re the best!
Doesn’t matter to me. My wife and I haven’t been able to afford to go for many years now. Many other important needs deserve our monetary attention. But somehow, we’ll survive.