Directors Guide to World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris

World of Frozen is officially open at Disney Adventure World, and stepping into Arendelle for the very first time felt nothing short of extraordinary.

To experience this new destination at Disneyland Paris from a truly unique perspective, we explored World of Frozen alongside Frozen 3 directors Jennifer Lee and Trent Correy of Walt Disney Animation Studios, whose connection to this story runs deep.

As we walked together, they shared personal tips for discovering Arendelle: From easy-to-miss details to experiences they consider absolutely essential.

Seeing World of Frozen through Jennifer’s and Trent’s eyes adds a layer of meaning that goes far beyond world-building. For Jennifer, the experience was especially profound. World of Frozen represents a story she created and continues to develop, now standing — quite literally — before her. Her first impression was the sheer scale of the land.

World of Frozen unfolds slowly and intentionally, drawing guests deeper and deeper until they truly believe they have crossed into Arendelle. She was struck by how seamlessly the environment connected. In one moment, Elsa’s Ice Palace glimmers in the distance, then turn a corner, and Arendelle Castle appears as if it has always been there.

Trent felt that same sense of immersion immediately. Having served as an animator on the first film, overseeing animation of Olaf on the sequel, as well as directing the short film, Once Upon a Snowman, and now joining Jennifer as director of the third, he found himself encountering quiet moments of recognition scattered throughout the land. Standing near the boat where Anna first met Hans or noticing something as simple as the height chart tucked into the queue of Rencontre Royale sparked memories from years spent shaping these characters.

When it comes to planning a first visit to World of Frozen, Jennifer and Trent have very different strategies — which somehow makes their advice even better. Jennifer’s ideal day begins with Frozen Ever After, immersing herself in the story right away.

From there, she suggests visiting Anna and Elsa at Rencontre Royale, browsing the nearby shops, and then slowing down for a meal. Nordic Crowns Tavern, she noted, is the perfect pause — a place to take in the portraits, textures, and storytelling details that surround you.

Trent’s approach is the complete opposite. His first stop is food, and as much of it as possible. Only after that does he recommend boarding Frozen Ever After, followed by finding a quiet bench to sit, observe, and soak in the smaller moments happening all around.

Together, their unique styles highlight something essential: there’s no wrong way to experience Arendelle.

However, there’s one experience they insist on without exception: “A Celebration in Arendelle.” Wherever it fits into the schedule, they advise stopping everything and being there.

Both filmmakers shared how emotional it was to watch “A Celebration in Arendelle,” particularly when seeing Olaf. Jennifer described the experience as unexpectedly moving, capturing Olaf’s warmth and humor so perfectly that it felt like reconnecting with a part of herself.

Trent approached it through a more technical lens, having spent nearly a decade animating Olaf. After seeing him up close, he simply turned to the Imagineers and said, “No notes.” In his words, “He’s just perfect in every single way.”

Food plays a meaningful role in World of Frozen as well, especially at Nordic Crowns Tavern.

Jennifer, who is vegan, appreciates the hearty plant-based offerings and noted how rich and comforting the flavors feel — exactly what you hope for in a Nordic-inspired eatery.

Of course, no visit is complete without bringing a piece of Arendelle home. Trent’s approach to merchandise is with careful restraint, though he’s always on the lookout for one thing: a unique Olaf.

His desk already holds an international collection and World of Frozen offered plenty of chances to find one that felt special. Jennifer, on the other hand, had her eye on a navy blue sweatshirt embroidered with “Arendelle Authentic,” which we suspect might have made its way into her suitcase.

Frozen Ever After is the most immediate way of seeing their story come to life, and both Jennifer and Trent pointed out details worth keeping an eye out for.

Trent loves that the attraction doesn’t stop with the first film, weaving in moments from the Disney Animation short, Frozen Fever, and continuing Anna and Elsa’s journey.

Jennifer also noted that while music is central to Frozen, World of Frozen takes a creative step further by having characters sing songs they don’t typically sing in the films — often with brand-new lyrics.

For example, upon entering the Ice Palace, Anna sings “For the First Time in Forever,” joined by Kristoff in a way fans have never heard before.

World of Frozen is filled with photo-worthy moments, and Jennifer singled out two favorites: Friendship Fountain at the entrance to the village and the bridge leading into Arendelle, both framing the land in a way that feels cinematic, yet intimate.

And sometimes, magic finds you unexpectedly. Just as we began to take a photo at Friendship Fountain, Oaken appeared, perfectly on cue.

For those who delight in uncovering hidden details, World of Frozen offers plenty to discover.

Rencontre Royale alone holds several surprises, but Trent’s favorite Easter egg is the height chart marking Anna and Elsa’s growth — a small reminder that this is their home.

Jennifer shared that Bruni has three different appearances throughout the land. She had only seen one herself, so we set off on a quest and eventually discovered another tucked just below the lighthouse near the water in Arendelle Bay.

For Jennifer and Trent, seeing World of Frozen come to life is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a tangible reflection of years of collaboration and creativity. World of Frozen exists because of the powerful connection fans have built with these characters over the years.

Jennifer summed it up beautifully, “It means everything to us. I feel a connection — that’s all it is. None of this belongs to us. We just get to be a part of it.”

As Trent reflected while walking through Arendelle, he couldn’t help but think of the hundreds of artists who helped make this possible. “The power of animation ripples around the world,” he said. “It’s just cool to see that hard work and passion reach the audience. It’s what every artist hopes for — to create something that connects.”

World of Frozen isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a place you experience. And whether the journey begins with a ride, a meal, a show, or a search for Samantha, one thing is certain: Arendelle is here, in real life, and ready to welcome you.