Ride: Frozen Ever After

EPCOT, World Showcase, Norway

Ride: Frozen Ever After

Hoist the sails in Arendelle aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel as you set out into the wondrous wintery world of Frozen!

Ride Information

Park EPCOT, World Showcase, Norway
Ride Type Boat/flume ride
Thrill Type Slow ride, Small drops, Dark
Height Requirement Any height

Composite Review (4.3 / 5)

Based on an analysis of reviews for Frozen Ever After at Epcot (Walt Disney World), here is a composite review that aggregates the common sentiments, praises, and complaints from riders.

Verdict

A dazzling, high-tech update for Frozen fans that is visually stunning but often plagued by wait times that outweigh the ride's short duration.

The Experience: "A Summer Snow Day Celebration"

This slow-moving boat ride takes guests to Arendelle to celebrate a "Summer Snow Day." It replaces the classic Maelstrom ride but keeps the same track layout, meaning you still get the small backward plunge and the final forward drop.

  • The Atmosphere: The ride is praised for its "advanced Audio-Animatronics," which feature projection-mapped faces that make Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff look incredibly lifelike and expressive. The scene with Elsa singing "Let It Go" in her ice palace is the undisputed showstopper.
  • The Music: The soundtrack is a major highlight, featuring slightly modified versions of hits like "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "For the First Time in Forever." It’s a "sing-along waiting to happen."

The Good: What People Love

  • "Magical for Kids": Families with young children (especially those obsessed with the movie) consistently rate this as a "must-do." Seeing Olaf skate around and Elsa use her magic is described as pure joy for little ones.
  • Animatronics: Reviewers frequently marvel at the fluid movement of the characters, noting that they are some of the best in Disney World (when working properly).
  • The "Drop": The small backward drop and the final splashdown provide just enough thrill to keep it from being a "boring" boat ride, while still being gentle enough for most toddlers.
  • Cooling Off: Like many indoor dark rides, it’s a favorite spot to escape the humid Florida heat for 5-6 minutes.

The Bad: Common Complaints

  • "Not Worth the Wait": This is the #1 complaint. Wait times often exceed 60-90 minutes, and many reviewers feel that a 5-minute boat ride isn't worth that investment. The queue, while cute, moves very slowly due to the heavy volume of Lightning Lane users.
  • Reliability Issues: The ride is notorious for breaking down. Many guests report getting stuck in the queue or, worse, on the ride itself right before the big scene.
  • "Short & Disjointed": Some fans of the original Maelstrom or critics of the ride feel the story is a bit loose—more of a "greatest hits" concert than a cohesive narrative.
  • Screen Faces: While many love the tech, a minority of reviewers find the projected faces "creepy" or "glowing," especially if you are sitting close.

Top Tips from Reviewers

  • Rope Drop or Late Night: To avoid the worst lines, head here immediately when the park opens (enter via the International Gateway if possible) or jump in line minutes before the park closes.
  • Genie+ is a lifesaver: If you can’t rope drop it, this is one of the best uses of a Lightning Lane selection at Epcot.
  • Watch for the Splash: You might get slightly wet on the final drop, especially if you are in the front row or on the side.

Summary

"If you love Frozen, it's a 10/10. If you don't, it's a 3/10." It is a technically impressive dark ride that suffers from its own popularity. Go for the singing animatronics, but try not to wait more than 45 minutes for them.

Reference

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/frozen-ever-after/