Disney Unveils Stunning New Frozen Ever After Animatronics at EPCOT

Upgraded Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff figures bring the characters to life like never before.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph showcasing the intricate, glittering textures of ice, conceptually representing the magical, icy world of the Frozen franchise.The new Frozen Ever After animatronics at EPCOT promise to transport guests into the enchanting world of Arendelle with unparalleled realism and visual splendor.Las Vegas Today

Disney has unveiled a sneak peek at the stunning new animatronics for the Frozen Ever After attraction at EPCOT. The upgraded figures of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff feature groundbreaking technology that brings the characters to life with unprecedented realism and detail, offering a more true-to-film appearance and enhancing the storytelling journey for guests.

Why it matters

The new animatronics represent a significant leap forward in Disney's commitment to innovation and immersive theme park experiences. By replacing projection-based faces with articulated heads and silicone skin, Disney is redefining the standard for theme park character figures and setting a new benchmark for storytelling through technology.

The details

The new Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff figures boast more expressive facial movements, refined body animations, and a closer resemblance to their on-screen counterparts. Disney has also refreshed the show lighting and sets throughout the attraction, ensuring every detail feels as magical as the day it opened. While the story and ride experience remain unchanged from the 2016 version, the technological upgrades have sparked debate among fans about whether the original charm has been preserved or if the new tech overshadows the nostalgia.

  • The upgraded Frozen Ever After attraction is set to reopen on February 12, 2026.
  • The new animatronics are inspired by the groundbreaking technology showcased at the World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.

The players

Ken Ricci

Executive creative development for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Frozen Ever After

The Frozen-themed attraction at the Norway Pavilion in EPCOT, which debuted in 2016.

World of Frozen

A Frozen-themed area at Hong Kong Disneyland that showcases advanced animatronic technology.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Another Disney attraction that utilizes the same articulated head and silicone skin technology as the new Frozen Ever After animatronics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Seeing the updated Elsa figure gave me chills. It's like she's come to life right in front of you—you'll definitely notice the difference.”

— Ken Ricci, Executive creative development for Walt Disney Imagineering

What’s next

The new animatronics and attraction upgrades are currently undergoing rigorous testing ahead of the February 12, 2026 reopening.

The takeaway

The transformation of Frozen Ever After showcases Disney's commitment to pushing the boundaries of theme park entertainment through innovative technology. While some fans may debate whether the new figures preserve the original charm, the level of realism and storytelling potential offered by these advanced animatronics is undeniably impressive.