Walt Disney World has launched dates & particulars for the ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ present coming to Cinderella Fort for Christmas at Magic Kingdom. This publish shares pictures, background information, viewing ideas & methods, and our commentary about this substitute for the icicle Dream Lights. (Up to date November 5, 2024.)
As a complete, Walt Disney World will have a good time Christmas starting on November 12, 2024. Nevertheless, the vacation season truly begins earlier in Magic Kingdom, with the park being first to get decked out for the season as a consequence of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration kicking off on November 8, 2024. By and enormous, the vacation season will wrap up on December 31, 2024. That’s additionally par for the course.
The excellent news for these visiting the primary week in November is that the vacation season will begin even sooner than that. (It’ll additionally run lengthy and a few regards, with the decorations steadily coming down and music stopping in early January 2025–doubtless after Marathon Weekend.) One of many first issues to start out is ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ at Magic Kingdom…
For ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ lighting present of Cinderella Fort, Frozen pals 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 Fort with festive touches.
Showing stay on the Cinderella Fort Forecourt Stage in new vacation seems will likely 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, remodeling Cinderella Fort right into a shimmering crystallized palace.
As soon as Elsa is completed, the shimmering crystallized palace look will stay on Cinderella Fort all through the night. (No phrase on whether or not it is a mostly-static look, or if colours and different visuals will rotate, as has been the case with previous projections for Christmas on Cinderella Fort.)
We noticed “Frozen Vacation Shock” a couple of occasions final yr and it was extremely underwhelming.
I don’t understand how they managed so as to add a stage present element to this and nonetheless one way or the other made the top outcome worse than the earlier projections, however it was fairly a feat. Right here’s hoping that, on the very least, they overhaul the projections on the finish to make them much less static. I get that they have been going for an ice palace look, however Cinderella Fort simply seems very blue. The prior projections from the previous couple of years have been higher.
Don’t get me improper–I recognize the leisure aspect and assume that is higher than nothing so far as fort lightings go, however there’s probably not something to mild anymore. The entire purpose the prior present existed was to light up the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights for the primary time every night. With that wow-moment gone, this complete present is fairly pointless.
In the event that they’re not going to convey again the Dream Lights, Walt Disney World can be higher off doing a Frozen stage present some other place or at another time, and switching again to the circa 2020-2022 projections. In fact, the most effective strategy can be to easily restore the Dream Lights and hold this present. However that’s not going to occur till Christmas 2025, on the earliest.
The most recent information is that ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ will debut on November 5, 2024 and can happen nightly all through the vacation season.
It’ll occur each on regular nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration dates. ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ will run nightly in the course of the vacation season for all friends at 6:15 p.m. after which once more on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration nights completely for occasion attendees at 8:15 pm.
There was two performances of the previous present each single night, however demand is a lot decrease for ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ because it lacks the wow-moment of the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights. It’s nonetheless price seeing when you’re a Walt Disney World first-timer. In the event you’re used to the previous present, it’s fully skippable. You can be underwhelmed by the earlier than/after distinction.
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 below are behind the scenes pictures launched by Walt Disney World:
‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ is the direct substitute 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, however 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 Fort lighting present since. Nor has there wanted to be, as there wasn’t something to mild–the icicle Cinderella Fort Dream Lights have additionally been on hiatus. These aren’t returning for Christmas 2024, however Walt Disney World has opted to convey again the lighting present simply the identical.
We spent lots of time in Magic Kingdom in the course of the Christmas 2019 season and noticed the Frozen lighting present a number of occasions. From these experiences, we’ll supply some preliminary viewing ideas and information for ‘Frozen Vacation Shock,’ which needs to be fairly just like the present it’s changing–minus the grand finale.
The very first thing it is best to count on is ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ to be completely packed. Within the remaining 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 standard than ever–most likely as a consequence of a brand new pressure of Frozen Fever due to the discharge of Frozen 2.
One factor we all the time 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.’
As with its predecessor, it is a 5-minute or so presentation to mild Cinderella Fort slightly than a fully-fledged stage present. Not realizing this…or having a very unhealthy case of Frozen Fever…or loving the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights, some friends began tenting out for it as much as an hour prematurely. With all issues at Walt Disney World, crowds beget extra crowds. Round half-hour earlier than showtime, there was typically vital congestion in entrance of Cinderella Fort.
The tip result’s the Cinderella Fort lighting drawing large nightly crowds, with some friends ready round an hour to see it. Not solely that, however tensions can rise.
We’ve by no means witnessed a full-blown struggle anyplace at Walt Disney World, however there have been a couple of occasions that remaining 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 without doubt one of the worst spots for congestion, and never precisely an exemplar of vacation cheer at Walt Disney World.
Regardless, ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ will doubtless be price seeing and we wouldn’t advocate avoiding it until you already comprehend it isn’t for you. Simply hold your expectations in test and do not forget that it received’t culminate with the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights.
Our early recommendation can be to test the world behind the Companions statue 15-20 minutes earlier than ‘Frozen Vacation Shock.’ That spot is farther again so it’s usually not fairly as crowded, however it gives an elevated view. (Against this, when you get too near Cinderella, the pavement begins sloping uphill once more.)
If that’s too crowded, take into account 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 be capable to see the projections as they arrive on.
You actually don’t need to be any farther again than the Central Plaza. This isn’t like fireworks–you received’t be capable to see the characters from Casey’s Nook or anyplace else on Fundamental Avenue 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 Fort–and I really feel very strongly about that–bringing again this piece of leisure is usually a separate problem. Disney may’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 definitely 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 all the time be completely satisfied to see leisure return or added, because the case could also be.
With that stated, I ponder what visitor satisfaction will likely be like on ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ with out the wow-moment of the Cinderella Fort 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 gorgeous and chills-inducing.
Seeing the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights illuminated for the primary time was the indelible reminiscence for a lot of friends 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.
Regardless of how lengthy you waited, it was price it for that feeling upon seeing the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights for the primary time. The characters have been simply the icing on the cake. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how friends react this yr to ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ now that it’s principally simply icing.
As for the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights, we’ll by no means cross 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 Fundamental Avenue, 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 many who have by no means had an opportunity to see the Cinderella Fort 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 benefit and adaptability 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 Fort 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’t do it justice. I’m not usually one for the flowery language in Disney’s press releases, however even the corporate’s advertising groups undersold the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights. No matter reward you’ve heard concerning the Dream Lights, it’s true. All of it.
We’ll definitely give the ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ and accompanying shimmering crystallized palace projections on Cinderella Fort an opportunity. Perhaps Walt Disney World put in spectacular new projectors and these scenes will blow us away, one way or the other 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. Nonetheless, 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 all the time advocate respectfully expressing your disappointment and explaining how the corporate’s selections and practices will influence your holidays and future enterprise (or lack thereof) with Walt Disney World by emailing [email protected].
You too can cease into Visitor Relations at Magic Kingdom to politely allow them to understand how you are feeling, as suggestions from these on trip carries lots of weight. “Respectfully” and “politely” are the operative phrases. An irate rant may make you really feel higher, however it’s not the path to take in case your objective is effectuating change. We’ve seen and heard means too many friends supply snide or sarcastic suggestions; venting will be cathartic, however that’s about it. “You catch extra flies with honey than with vinegar” is a cliche, however it’s additionally one {that a} disturbing variety of adults don’t appear to understand.
Given the entire unfavourable modifications and visitor unfriendly insurance policies that Walt Disney World has enacted in the previous couple of years, it would look like the corporate 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 definitely are leaders on the bottom in Florida who care. In lots of circumstances, it’s merely a matter of them having the ability to present “assist” when combating for issues, budgets, and so forth.
It may really feel like a misplaced trigger at this level, however we nonetheless have a sliver of hope that the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights may return for Christmas 2024. The wonderful thing about 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 ideas for planning your Christmas-time journey to Walt Disney World, take a look at our Final Information to Christmas at Walt Disney World. For Walt Disney World journey planning ideas and complete recommendation, ensure to learn our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information and associated articles.
YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you excited for ‘Frozen Vacation Shock’ or nonetheless dissatisfied that they’re doing projections once more as an alternative of the icicle Dream Lights on Cinderella Fort? 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 can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
