A significant Frozen Ever After animatronics update is officially coming to EPCOT. Disney announced the attraction will retire its most controversial feature: the rear-projection faces on Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. This change will bring a major quality boost to the popular Norway pavilion boat ride.
Why the Projection Faces Had to Go
When the ride opened in 2016, its figures were groundbreaking. They were the first Disney attraction to feature all-electric Audio-Animatronics. They also combined electric motors with 3D printing. However, the projection, or “screen-faces,” quickly became a point of criticism. Fans often found them distracting or less lifelike than traditional sculpted figures. The look was prone to misalignment and often photographed poorly. For years, guests have requested Disney replace this technology.
Introducing the New Standard
The replacement animatronics will debut the next-generation of figures. They draw inspiration from the superior technology seen in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen attraction. The new Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff figures will feature fully sculpted, articulated faces. This design allows for more expressive, realistic facial animation and smoother motion. This investment will finally deliver a look that is “more true-to-film” for the beloved characters. Take a look at the before and after below:
Timeline and Logistics
This much-anticipated update is scheduled to debut in early 2026. Disney has not yet confirmed the exact dates. We do not know if the attraction will need a temporary, extended closure to install the new technology. This project is a major capital investment. It shows Disney’s commitment to continuous improvement. It proves that Imagineering is willing to upgrade even newer attractions to meet modern technological standards.
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