Ten years after Frozen’s resurgence and enduring popularity, Disney is marking the occasion with the opening of the first-ever theme park attraction based on the film, set to debut at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The introduction of the new attraction is expected to boost Disney’s robust Experiences division, which includes its theme parks, cruise lines and consumer products businesses that reported a 31 percent increase in operating income last quarter. The move underlines Disney’s focus on the Asia-Pacific region for its ambitious plans to expand and grow its parks and experiences business over the next decade.
The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, jointly owned by Disney and the Hong Kong government, has encountered financial challenges in recent years, reporting a loss for eight consecutive financial years since its establishment in 2005. However, the new World of Frozen attraction is anticipated to revitalize the theme park and draw new visitors, especially from Asia.
The new Frozen-themed area at Hong Kong Disneyland showcases various iconic scenes from the movies, including Elsa’s Ice Palace, Arendelle Castle, and North Mountain. It will also feature three flagship attractions: Frozen Ever After, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, and Playhouse in the Woods. This new addition is expected to significantly increase the appeal and attendance of the theme park and contribute to its financial turnaround.
The executives at Disney are optimistic about the positive impact of the new attraction, noting that business at Hong Kong Disneyland has already been showing positive signs of improvement ahead of its opening. The international branch of Disney’s Experiences division saw more than 100 percent growth in income. The surge in attendance and ticket prices at the Shanghai and Hong Kong parks has offset weaker results at its domestic parks in California and Florida.
In addition to the World of Frozen opening in Hong Kong, Disney has plans for several other significant expansions at its theme parks and cruise lines overseas. These include the launch of a Zootopia-themed area at the Shanghai Disney Resort, a Frozen Kingdom attraction at the Tokyo Disney Resort, and a Frozen-themed Kingdom of Arendelle area at Disneyland Paris. It also announced the launch of Disney Cruise Lines in Australia and New Zealand and has plans to introduce a Disney Cruise Lines seaport in Singapore in 2025.
While Disney continues to invest in its international ventures, it also has significant expansion goals in the United States, including the redevelopment of land next to the original Disneyland in California and the proposed $17 billion expansion of Florida’s Walt Disney World. However, these domestic plans are subject to changes in local policies and regulations.
The expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific region is a pivotal part of Disney’s efforts to enhance its global presence and attract a wider audience to its theme parks and cruise lines. With ambitious plans to invest $60 billion over the next decade, Disney aims to solidify its position as a leading player in the global entertainment and tourism industry. The World of Frozen event in Hong Kong marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Disney’s international expansion and growth journey.
