Walt Disney World has launched dates & particulars for the brand new ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ present coming to Cinderella Fortress for Christmas 2023 at Magic Kingdom. This publish shares the brand new pictures of the technical rehearsals, background data about what’s going into the brand new lighting, preliminary viewing suggestions & methods, and our commentary about this alternative for the icicle Dream Lights.
As an entire, Walt Disney World will have fun Christmas starting on November 11, 2023. That’s the identical date as final yr, however a Saturday as a substitute of a Friday, which I don’t recall ever occurring. By and huge, the vacation season will wrap up on December 31, 2023. That’s additionally par for the course.
The excellent news for these visiting earlier in November is that the vacation season will begin early in quite a few locations, together with Magic Kingdom. (It’ll additionally run lengthy and a few regards, with the decorations step by step coming down and music stopping in early January 2024–probably after Marathon Weekend.) One of many first issues to begin is ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ at Magic Kingdom…
For the brand new ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ lighting present of Cinderella Fortress, Frozen mates from Arendelle are conjuring up one thing new and extra-special for the vacations. Be part of within the celebration of the brand-new ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ as Olaf and greater than 100 of his Snowgie siblings adorn Cinderella Fortress with festive touches.
Showing reside on the Cinderella Fortress Forecourt Stage in new vacation seems can be Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff, every of whom convey one thing particular to the gathering. ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ festivities culminate as Elsa provides glowing ending touches, reworking Cinderella Fortress right into a shimmering crystallized palace.
As soon as Elsa is completed, the shimmering crystallized palace look will stay on Cinderella Fortress all through the night. (No phrase on whether or not this can be a mostly-static look, or if colours and different visuals will rotate, as has been the case with previous projections for Christmas on Cinderella Fortress.)
Bringing this spectacle to life isn’t any small feat, as lighting designers, video technicians, composers and even a full orchestra labored collectively to create the brand new ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ nighttime lighting present. Listed here are behind the scenes pictures launched by Walt Disney World:
‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ will debut on November 7, 2023 and can happen nightly all through the vacation season.
It is going to occur each on regular nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Social gathering dates. For reference, its predecessor was carried out twice nightly–at 6:15pm and seven:30pm on common days, and 6:15pm and 8pm on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Social gathering nights. Clearly, rather a lot has modified since then and showtimes are unconfirmed for Christmas 2023.
‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ is the direct alternative for ‘A Frozen Vacation Want,’ which debuted in 2014 and was final carried out for the Christmas 2019 season. That present changed ‘Cinderella’s Vacation Want,’ which ran from 2008 till 2013. The unique present made much more sense and featured Cinderella in addition to basic characters, nevertheless it was no match for the Frozen Fever sweeping the nation.
Then one thing else swept the nation after Christmas 2019, and there hasn’t been a Cinderella Fortress lighting present since. Nor has there wanted to be, as there wasn’t something to mild–the icicle Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights have additionally been on hiatus. These aren’t returning for Christmas 2023, however Walt Disney World has opted to convey again the lighting present simply the identical.
We spent quite a lot of time in Magic Kingdom throughout the Christmas 2019 season and noticed the Frozen lighting present a number of occasions. From these experiences, we’ll supply some preliminary viewing suggestions and data for ‘Frozen Vacation Shock,’ which ought to be fairly much like the present it’s changing–minus the grand finale.
The very first thing you must anticipate is ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ to be completely packed. Within the closing yr of its predecessor’s run, we likened the crowds and pleasure to the opening night time of a brand new Star Wars or Marvel movie. In its fifth yr, that present was extra fashionable than ever–most likely because of a brand new pressure of Frozen Fever because of the discharge of Frozen 2. We wouldn’t be stunned to see ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ draw considerably smaller crowds for Christmas 2023, as soon as the preliminary ‘new present odor’ wears off.
One factor we at all times cautioned with the earlier fort lighting present was that it’s not that good. Because it’s unlikely to be materially completely different in period or presentation–and lack the wow-moment fruits of its predecessor–we’ll supply that very same sentiment with regard to ‘Frozen Vacation Shock.’
In all chance, this can be a 5-minute or so presentation to mild Cinderella Fortress moderately than a fully-fledged stage present. Not realizing this…or having a extremely unhealthy case of Frozen Fever…or loving the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights, some company began tenting out for it as much as an hour upfront. With all issues at Walt Disney World, crowds beget extra crowds. Round half-hour earlier than showtime, there was typically important congestion in entrance of Cinderella Fortress.
The tip result’s the Cinderella Fortress lighting drawing large nightly crowds, with some company ready round an hour to see it. Not solely that, however tensions can rise.
We’ve by no means witnessed a full-blown combat wherever at Walt Disney World, however there have been a couple of occasions that closing yr once we nervous that the ‘phrases being exchanged’ may escalate into one thing worse. Fortunately, that by no means occurred–however the level stands. The Central Plaza/Hub earlier than leisure is among the worst spots for congestion, and never precisely an exemplar of vacation cheer at Walt Disney World.
Regardless, ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ will probably be value seeing and we wouldn’t suggest avoiding it until you already comprehend it isn’t for you. Simply hold your expectations in examine and keep in mind that it gained’t culminate with the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights.
Our early recommendation can be to examine the world behind the Companions statue 15-20 minutes earlier than ‘Frozen Vacation Shock.’ That spot is farther again so it’s sometimes not fairly as crowded, nevertheless it provides an elevated view. (In contrast, when you get too near Cinderella, the pavement begins sloping uphill once more.)
If that’s too crowded, think about heading over to the bridges by the Tomorrowland waterfall or Liberty Sq.. These aspect vantages are too distant to see the performers, however you’ll have the ability to see the projections as they arrive on.
You actually don’t wish to be any farther again than the Central Plaza. This isn’t like fireworks–you gained’t have the ability to see the characters from Casey’s Nook or wherever else on Important Road correct, so that you may as nicely go for a extra tranquil aspect view.
By way of commentary, it’s good to see Walt Disney World doing the Frozen stage present once more. No matter how I really feel about projections vs. bodily lights on Cinderella Fortress–and I really feel very strongly about that–bringing again this piece of leisure is generally a separate subject. Disney might’ve stored the projections with out including this, or introduced again the Dream Lights with out this present.
The Frozen lighting present wasn’t my private favourite factor, however we’ve misplaced a ton of tree lighting exhibits and different little items of Christmas leisure over time. I’m actually not going to be the one to advocate for slicing much more leisure. It provides a lot to the Walt Disney World expertise, and I’ll at all times be blissful to see leisure return or added, because the case could also be.
With that stated, I’m wondering what visitor satisfaction can be like on ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ with out the wow-moment of the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights lighting up. My assumption is that the prior present scored pretty nicely regardless of the crowds and lengthy waits for one thing so small-scale as a result of it culminated in one thing so beautiful and chills-inducing.
Seeing the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights illuminated for the primary time was the indelible reminiscence for a lot of company who visited Walt Disney World at Christmastime. The amazement and enchantment these evoked most likely helped to spice up the satisfaction rating of the present considerably.
Irrespective of how lengthy you waited, it was value it for that feeling upon seeing the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights for the primary time. The characters have been simply the icing on the cake. It’ll be fascinating to see how company react this yr to ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ now that it’s largely simply icing.
As for the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights, we’ll by no means move up the chance to sing their praises. These icicle lights have been one in every of our favourite issues about Christmas at Walt Disney World for the decade-plus previous to them being cancelled in 2020. We spent many a late night time on Important Road, merely gazing down at these resplendent lights, savoring the scene. I misplaced rely of what number of occasions we did this over time–most likely over 100.
For individuals who have by no means had an opportunity to see the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights, they’re nothing in need of spectacular. A few of you cynics may assume such a bodily mild show is quaint or antiquated, surpassed by the convenience and suppleness of projections. That these of us who miss the Dream Lights are merely clouded by nostalgia and sentimentality, ignoring the daytime visible blight, set up, and ease of the bodily icicle lights.
I wholeheartedly disagree. No projections can match the greater than 200,000 tiny white lights that illuminate Cinderella Fortress and rework it right into a veritable ice palace. On paper and even in pictures, it may appear easy and commonplace. In individual, the show was something however that. The Dream Lights would cease you in your tracks, with the resplendent bodily show being an absolute jaw-dropper. Phrases, pictures, and video completely can not do it justice. I’m not usually one for the flowery language in Disney’s press releases, however even the corporate’s advertising and marketing groups undersold the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights. No matter reward you’ve heard in regards to the Dream Lights, it’s true. All of it.
We’ll actually give the ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ and accompanying shimmering crystallized palace projections on Cinderella Fortress an opportunity. Perhaps Walt Disney World put in spectacular new projectors and these scenes will blow us away, by some means surpassing Dream Lights. We’re not so blinded by nostalgia to confess when one thing new is an enchancment over its predecessor. However we’re, to place it mildly, skeptical that that would be the case. However, we’d additionally encourage you to offer it an opportunity.
If the brand new shimmering crystallized palace projections disappoint, let Walt Disney World know. We at all times suggest respectfully expressing your disappointment and explaining how the corporate’s choices and practices will influence your holidays and future enterprise (or lack thereof) with Walt Disney World by emailing [email protected].
You may also cease into Visitor Relations at Magic Kingdom to politely allow them to understand how you’re feeling, as suggestions from these on trip carries quite a lot of weight. “Respectfully” and “politely” are the operative phrases. An irate rant may make you really feel higher, nevertheless it’s not the path to take in case your objective is effectuating change. We’ve seen and heard manner too many company supply snide or sarcastic suggestions; venting could be cathartic, however that’s about it. “You catch extra flies with honey than with vinegar” is a cliche, nevertheless it’s additionally one {that a} disturbing variety of adults don’t appear to know.
Given all the adverse modifications and visitor unfriendly insurance policies that Walt Disney World has enacted in the previous few years, it’d seem to be the corporate now not cares about visitor satisfaction and suggestions. It’s most likely true that there are some on the highest ranges of management who don’t, or focus extra on goal KPIs, however there most actually are leaders on the bottom in Florida who care. In lots of circumstances, it’s merely a matter of them with the ability to present “help” when preventing for issues, budgets, and so forth.
It might really feel like a misplaced trigger at this level, however we nonetheless have a sliver of hope that the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights might return for Christmas 2024. The beauty of these being a ‘quaint or antiquated’ bodily mild show is that makes them simpler to interchange. If Walt Disney World hears sufficient visitor suggestions this vacation season, they could get to work on fabricating a brand new bodily mild show for subsequent yr.
For complete suggestions for planning your Christmas-time journey to Walt Disney World, try our Final Information to Christmas at Walt Disney World. For Walt Disney World journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation, be certain that to learn our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information and associated articles.
YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you excited for ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ or nonetheless disenchanted that they’re doing projections once more as a substitute of the icicle Dream Lights on Cinderella Fortress? What do you consider Christmas arriving at Walt Disney World? Are you able to embrace the enjoyment of the vacation season? Agree or disagree with our evaluation of the lighting present or recommendation for viewing it? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!