Disney’s New Chief Executive Debuts Frozen-Themed Land at Paris Resort

Disney unveiled its massive World of Frozen attraction at Disneyland Paris this weekend, marking the first major international appearance for new CEO Josh D'Amaro. The $2.18 billion expansion features a 118-foot ice mountain recreation of Elsa's kingdom and represents the largest addition in the park's 34-year history.

CHESSY, France — Disney’s newest chief executive made his international debut this weekend as the entertainment giant unveiled its spectacular World of Frozen attraction at Disneyland Paris, complete with a towering 118-foot ice mountain dominating the French countryside.

The immersive Frozen-themed area officially launched Sunday as the crown jewel of a massive 2 billion euro ($2.18 billion) overhaul at the Paris resort. The expansion also rebrands Walt Disney Studios Park as Disney Adventure World, with celebrities including Penélope Cruz, Naomi Campbell and Teyana Taylor attending the grand opening festivities.

This marks the most significant expansion in Disneyland Paris’ three-decade existence and represents one piece of Disney’s approximately $60 billion worldwide investment in theme parks, resorts and cruise operations.

The launch also provided the first major global platform for Josh D’Amaro, who assumed Disney’s top executive role on March 18 — merely 11 days before the French attraction’s debut — following almost 30 years working within the company’s theme park operations.

Disney’s parks and experiences division reportedly contributed 57% of the corporation’s $17.5 billion in segment operating income during the previous year, a performance that industry analysts credit with elevating D’Amaro from parks leadership to the chief executive position.

“The Walt Disney Company was built on one man’s dream, and for more than 100 years we’ve shared that dream with the world,” D’Amaro addressed the opening ceremony audience.

“Storytelling is fundamental to everything that we do, whether that’s on screen or stage, in our theme parks, on our cruise ships, or even at home.”

D’Amaro characterized the launch as “a transformational moment” and recognized the creative team responsible for the attraction, including “Frozen” writer-director Jennifer Lee — who is currently developing “Frozen 3.”

An Associated Press reporter joined D’Amaro for a preview ride Saturday evening. The boat splashed through waterways as passengers cheered and the new chief executive laughed while they passed singing animatronic Elsa figures in darkened scenes. Several riders emerged slightly damp from the experience.

The evening’s most touching moment occurred when Lou, an 11-year-old Make-A-Wish France recipient, performed several lines from “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” on stage. An advanced robotic Olaf character joined her performance, marking the 25,000th wish granted for ill children at Disneyland Paris since 1992.

French President Emmanuel Macron appeared alongside D’Amaro at the resort Friday, using the occasion to highlight the park’s economic importance to France. Macron labeled Disneyland Paris “the leading tourist destination in Europe” and described it as “a genuine ecosystem of success.”

The French president stated the latest expansion would generate 1,000 new direct employment opportunities.

“Since the beginning, that’s 13 billion euros invested on this territory,” Macron declared.

Disneyland Paris reports welcoming over 445 million guests since 1992, representing 6.1% of France’s total tourism income.

Macron’s endorsement highlights a dramatic shift in French attitudes. When the resort debuted as Euro Disney in 1992, French cultural critics condemned it as a “cultural Chernobyl.” Now the nation’s president publicly celebrates it as an economic powerhouse.

“Frozen, of course, has its roots in European storytelling,” explained Michel den Dulk from Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s very loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen. So to have a northern European, charming wooden little village here in Disneyland Paris — it just made sense.”

The accompanying Tangled family attraction also draws from European traditions — specifically the Brothers Grimm’s Rapunzel tale.

The new area reconstructs Arendelle village surrounding a central lagoon, featuring timber structures painted in soft Scandinavian colors and decorated with rosemaling, traditional Norwegian folk art.

The centerpiece Frozen Ever After boat ride showcases cutting-edge animatronic technology and immersive projection systems. Visitors can meet Anna and Elsa within Arendelle Castle, interact with a talking baby troll character named Mossy, and experience the Snow Flower Festival lagoon show featuring an original musical composition.

Guests complimented the mountain’s impressive scale and village details, despite some opening day delays and minor technical issues.

“Despite the wait, it was well worth it. The attention to detail is incredible, and the perspective of the ice mountain is breathtaking,” commented Daniel Weber, 41, a Munich architect, following Sunday’s ride.

“You forget you’re outside Paris. For a few minutes, it really feels like Arendelle,” observed Léa Moreau, 27, a graphic designer from Lille, France.

The redesigned park extends beyond World of Frozen to include Adventure Bay lake, the Tangled family ride, 15 additional dining establishments — including the upscale Regal View Restaurant — and the Disney Cascade of Lights evening show featuring over 380 drones. Construction continues on a forthcoming Lion King-themed area.

More than 90% of the second park’s attractions will have been redesigned since its 2002 opening, with Disney projecting the total area will approximately double upon completion of all planned improvements.

While Disney’s streaming services have moved from significant losses to profitability, the theme parks remain the company’s most reliable revenue source — with D’Amaro having overseen their operations.

“We continue to dream bigger and bring stories to life in brand new ways,” D’Amaro told the assembled crowd.

Fireworks illuminated Arendelle Village as the ice palace glowed blue atop the mountain. Three decades after Euro Disney faced widespread criticism, a new magical kingdom opened in the countryside east of Paris — for the first time in forever.