NEWS: Frozen Fan Fest Goes Virtual on October 18

Calling all Frozen fans! Frozen Fan Fest is going virtual this year with a full day of special content and celebrations on October 18, 2020. Catch all the details below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Erin Barrier:

It’s been almost an entire year since Disney’s “Frozen 2” hit screens worldwide, which means you’ve had plenty of time to get ready for this year’s Frozen Fan Fest. Whether you’ve been preparing by re-watching the film a million and two times over, singing your favorite “Frozen 2” tunes, or showing off your “Frozen”-inspired looks, the time has come to join fans around the globe for this year’s ultimate celebration of all things “Frozen”!

On October 18^th, you’re invited to tune-in on for the first-ever “Frozen” Virtual Playdate hosted by Ayesha Curry. The event will feature an entire day’s worth of new and curated content you can enjoy right from the comfort of your own home, complete with digital adventures and immersive activities featuring exciting new product offerings inspired by “Frozen 2.”  Right when you thought it couldn’t get any better – you’ll also get an exclusive first-look at the trailer for “Once Upon a Snowman,” the new short from Walt Disney Animation Studios, coming to Disney+ on October 23.

Fans of all ages will also have the chance to participate in immersive activities including a sing-a-long, choreographed dance lesson, an American Sign Language tutorial of “Show Yourself,” and the unique opportunity to learn how to draw Olaf with Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, the directors of “Once Upon a Snowman.” Additionally, a special “Frozen Fashion Week” fashion show brought to you from the United Kingdom will also air as part of the Playdate, complete with imaginative vignettes and never-before-seen styles that lean into key elements of the story and its characters. Be sure to also keep an eye out throughout the duration of the Virtual Playdate for exciting guest appearances by social influencers and “Frozen” fans, as well as Radio Disney’s Cameron McLeod and Jason Maybaum from Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home.”

The Playdate will also feature “Frozen” essentials including new apparel, fashion accessories, bedding, toys, party decor, and costumes from Hasbro, LEGO, Party City, Disguise, shopDisney, and more. Check out some of the magical product that will make an appearance at the Virtual Playdate, so you can start planning how you’ll play!

Fans can visit http://www.disney.com/FrozenFanFest for a full schedule of events, downloadable activities, and more. The Virtual Playdate will be available from 9 a.m. PST on October 18^th for one day only. Additionally, be sure to join the conversation by following #FrozenFanFest for updates and information!

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Things You Need to Know About Frozen Ever After at Disney’s Epcot

by Christy Caby

Calling all Frozen fans! It’s hard to believe that Frozen Ever After has been around for nearly four years! Debuting in June of 2016, this attraction is still very popular with guests and usually always has a wait of over at least an hour. With the recent release of Frozen 2 in theaters, we know Frozen fever is really here to stay! Keep reading to learn more about this wonderful attraction in the Norway pavilion of Epcot.

10 – The same voice talent as the movie recorded for the attraction.

We all love the music and the amazing voice talent that brought Frozen to life for us on the big screen.  Well, the great news is that the same cast returned to record all of the music and voices that are used on the attraction.  There are even areas with a few updated lyrics that had to be recorded for the attraction.

9 – You get to celebrate the joy of winter during summer.

The story behind the attraction is that Elsa brought a day of winter to Arendelle during summer in honor of Princess Anna’s bravery from her act of true love.   So while it is actually summer in Arendelle, you will notice the ice and snow all over the scenes thanks to Elsa’s magic.

8 – “Let It Go” and ice magic is there.

In case there was any doubt, you will definitely get to belt out “Let It Go” with Queen Elsa and watch her user her magical icy powers.  It is amazing how Disney pulled off the effect and helped you to feel in the middle of the magic.  It was definitely one of my favorite groupings of scenes.

7 – Pay attention to all the little details in the ride queue.

Be sure to read all of the signs, wall art, etc.  It explains the theme of the attraction and the wonderful story of the two sisters.  You will find Oaken’s Trading Post as part of the ride queue and you get to walk through it and see various trinkets from his shop.  One of my favorites was a sign when you first enter the queue that says, “Official Ice Master & Deliverer of Arendelle”.  (It definitely IS a thing!)

6 – The ride now loads where it used to unload.

If you were a Maelstrom fan and remember the ride fairly well, you may notice that you actually load (and unload) the new Frozen Ever After attraction where you used to unload at Maelstrom.  The area has been totally redone and incorporated with the brand new ride queue, but I was able to tell we were standing where we used to unload. There is no unloading in a different area either, as you load and unload right in the same place.

5 – The attraction is a mix of Frozen and Frozen Fever.

The attraction isn’t just a rehash of Frozen, it incorporates bits and pieces of Frozen as well as portions from the Frozen Fever short that was released after the film.  We love the adorable little mini snowmen from Frozen Fever, and they are definitely there, along with Marshmallow!  You also get to see the sisters in their dresses from Frozen as well as their dresses from Frozen Fever!  It is a great mix of some of your favorite moments, and all your favorite characters (minus the bad guys), from both!

4 – The ride track is the exact same as Maelstrom.

There is absolutely zero change, other than the load/unload areas that we mentioned.  The ride track is the exact same ride with the same slightly backward drop as well as the forward drop.  If you remember Maelstrom, you can still visualize where everything was.  (Although, you really won’t want to since the attraction is really well done, and has amazing technology!)  If you really can’t get over losing Maelstrom, at least you know that you can still close your eyes and experience it again as far as the actual ride goes!

3 – The animatronics are spot on.

Everyone raved about the animatronics on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train when that first opened, but Frozen Ever After really takes it to a whole new level in my opinion.  The characters really look almost like they are real and brought to life right in front of you.  Their movements and faces are spot on, and it makes the experience even more amazing just seeing how well done the characters are.

2 – There is an Attraction Photo

There is an attraction photo on the ride towards the end of the ride. After you see the frozen Marshmallow and the frozen Snow-Babies you’ll go down a small hill. It is during this descent that the photo is taken. Like the newer attractions, there is no photo viewing area in the ride exit. Your photo will automatically be uploaded to your MyDisney Account through your Magic Band.

1 – Make a FastPass+ for the attraction as soon as possible, or plan to wait.

This attraction is still very popular and still has long wait times. I highly recommend that you grab a FastPass+ selection for this attraction as soon as you possibly can.  If you can’t get one, then try to get there first thing in the morning and head right for it to help minimize the long waits in line.  You can also try to catch it on Extra Magic Hours.  If none of these work out, you may want to grab a beer (or soda) and plan to enjoy a wait!