In pictures: Disney launches world's first 'Frozen' land in theme park push

Walt Disney is set to open the world’s first Frozen-themed land at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort as the entertainment giant prepares to unleash $60 billion in spending across parks and resorts worldwide

Based on the popular animated films, World of Frozen will open on November 20 and recreate landmarks from the fictional kingdom of Arendelle including Elsa’s Ice Palace.

World of Frozen will feature two rides - a boat trip through a winter wonderland featuring music from the movies, and a sleigh-themed roller coaster - as well as a restaurant serving Nordic-inspired food.

World of Frozen is a big bet for Disney in Hong Kong, with the firm already helping fund a HK$10.9 billion ($1.4 billion) expansion of the park that also includes a Marvel-themed attraction.

The operation has reported eight consecutive annual losses, including last year’s HK$2.1 billion deficit, as it struggled to entice tourists to the world’s smallest Disneyland park and Covid curbs hammered the travel sector.

It’s laid out an ambitious plan to nearly double spending on its theme parks and resorts to $60 billion over the next 10 years, citing a boost to the bottom line from rides, cruises and other attractions.

The company says it has more than 1,000 acres of land it could develop and has signaled it wants to do more with some of its most popular characters.

Disney already has plans to open Frozen-themed attractions in Tokyo and Paris. Meanwhile, Shanghai Disneyland will get a Zootopia attraction later this year.

Visitors to the Hong Kong park will have to shell out more cash should they go in peak season.

Last month, the city’s Disneyland announced a one-day ticket for popular days and seasons will cost HK$879 for people aged 12 and older, while a standard one-day pass for other times will be HK$639. Annual pass holders will be able to go to World of Frozen on select dates starting October 23.