The Frozen Ever After boat ride at Hong Kong Disneyland takes guests on a magical journey through the World of Frozen land, immersing them in the narrative theme of the popular animated film. One pivotal scene inside Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace features an impressive audio-animatronic recreation of Elsa herself, singing the iconic song “Let It Go.” However, a notable change in the lyrics occurs during this rendition. Instead of the original line “It’s time to see what I can do” with her ice powers, Elsa now sings, “It’s time to share what I can do.” This deliberate alteration, as explained by franchise director and writer Jennifer Lee, was made in collaboration with original songwriters Robert and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The decision to modify the lyrics was not bound by a rigid approval process but emerged through creative discussions, coinciding with the preparation of Frozen for its Broadway debut in 2018.
According to Lee, the subtle but intentional change in lyrics plays a significant role in reshaping the storytelling within the World of Frozen land. By incorporating guests into the narrative and lore of Frozen, the experience becomes more interactive, and visitors feel like active participants rather than mere spectators. This approach reflects a commitment to experimentation with music and lyrics, with Lee emphasizing the collaborative and storytelling-focused nature of the process. The alteration aligns with the overarching goal of making visitors feel like they are an integral part of the Frozen story, fostering a sense of connection with the characters and the world they inhabit.
Lee underscores the broader strategy behind such changes, emphasizing the desire to break away from a static narrative and encourage guests to engage more deeply with the Frozen universe. By incorporating modified lyrics, such as Kristoff singing “For the First Time in Forever” in the ride, the story expands to include themes of family, making the characters more relatable and the experience more inclusive. The dynamic approach to storytelling ensures that Frozen remains a living, evolving entity rather than a static franchise, inviting fans to forge personal connections with the characters and celebrate their unique relationships with the Frozen world.
In the context of the World of Frozen, which stands as the world’s first themed land dedicated entirely to the Frozen universe, the commitment to enhancing accessibility and engagement extends beyond the boat ride. The land features various attractions, including a roller coaster set around Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Sauna. This approach aligns with Disney’s philosophy of making its characters and stories accessible to audiences in diverse and innovative ways. Additionally, Lee emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries and celebrating the dynamic nature of Frozen, ensuring that it continues to captivate audiences and remains a beloved and evolving part of the Disney experience.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that the Frozen Ever After attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland is not the first of its kind. A similar, shorter version debuted in 2016 at Epcot’s Norway pavilion within Walt Disney World resort in Florida, further highlighting the popularity and widespread appeal of the Frozen franchise across Disney parks worldwide.