Inside World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland offering a preview of Paris 2026 – from attractions to shops

LIKE any mum with children under ten, Frozen has been a huge part of my life since the original film came out in 2013.

Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff are firm members of our extended family, popping up everywhere from the living room TV to kids’ parties as a flock of giddy pre-schoolers in blue capes stamp their feet to the music.

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Paris’ Frozen land was covered in snow this week[/caption]

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Interact with sisters at the perfect playhouse[/caption]

So stepping into the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland really did, for a moment, take my breath away.

Nothing has ever felt so familiar, yet so surprising at the same time.

Hong Kong Disneyland is one of six Disney theme park resorts around the world and the first to open a Frozen-themed land.

Closer to home, Disneyland Paris will be opening its own World of Frozen in 2026 and the nearly-built park was covered in an authentic dusting of snow this week.

But those who can’t wait until then can visit Elsa’s ice palace and the Kingdom of Arendelle here, as part of a trip to family-friendly Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s easiest cities to explore, with good transport and English-speaking locals.

With a direct flight from the UK on Cathay Pacific, it is an underrated family destination with so much to do — and of course its very own Disneyland just a subway ride from the centre of town.

Staying at the Harbour Grand Hong Kong Hotel in the popular area of North Point, I hopped on the MTR, the city’s tube system, and took the train to Lantau Island, home to Hong Kong Disneyland.

The World of Frozen is one of the most popular areas of the park, which also has an Avengers Campus called Star Expo, and Toy Story Land.

The Arendelle area is stunning and looks identical to the animated movie, with Anna’s castle across the lake and Elsa’s ice castle on the mountain in the background.

There are three main attractions. Frozen Ever After is a family boat ride, while Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is a rollercoaster.

Perhaps the most magical, though, is Playhouse In The Woods, an immersive theatre experience with Anna and Elsa, where instead of prioritising the perfect photo with their heroes, children are encouraged to interact with the ­sisters and just enjoy the experience.

Like any village, Arendelle has a row of shops selling endless souvenirs, clothes and sweet treats.

I couldn’t resist the Olaf Ice Cream, although of course Hong Kong isn’t cold at all.

In fact, Hong Kong is an ideal destination for winter sun, with pleasant temperatures all year round and ­little rain between November and March.

Lantau Island is also home to the historic fishing village of Tai O and the famous glass-floor Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (np360.com.hk/en) that flies past “the Big Buddha”, a 34ft bronze statue positioned in the mountain.

Tai O, in all its rustic glory, is as magical for history buffs as Disney is to children, and a real glimpse into traditional Hong Kong life.

The best way to explore is with a local English-speaking tour guide who knows the area and locals well.

We joined up with Amy Overy, a guide from Hong Kong Greeters (hkgreeters.com).

An expat from Kent, she has been living in the city for ten years and knows all the best cafes, shops and temples.

It was a fascinating look around — and thanks to Amy’s expert knowledge, we even got to spot Hong Kong’s rare white dolphins playing in the ocean.

We finished the day at the tallest hill on Hong Kong Island, simply called The Peak (thepeak.com.hk). Take the Peak Tram up to watch the sun go down over the city.

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Enjoy the thrills of a rollercoaster[/caption]

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Helen Wright enjoys a treat on her trip[/caption]

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Characters Elsa and Anna from the Frozen flicks[/caption]

Dinner was at the Ho Lee Fook (holeefook.com.hk), which has a traditional and fun menu — including Hong Kong specialties like dim sum and roast goose, and speciality cocktails.

Hong Kong is a great family-friendly destination and, if you have more time, there are also beautiful beaches outside the city.

Next time I’ll see Elsa and friends roaming Arendelle, it will be at Disneyland Paris.

It might not be as warm there, but the cold never bothered me anyway.