Frozen Ever After
Hoist the sails in Arendelle aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel as you set out into the wondrous wintery world of Frozen!
Updated: 2026-01-16
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/