Out with the old, in with the Frozen.
A new attraction based on Disney's hit 2013 animated movie, which starred Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell, is set to be constructed in the Norway Pavilion at the Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot Center's World Showcase, the company announced in a blog post on Friday. It will replace Maelstrom, a ride whose name means "whirlpool," which opened in 1988 and takes guests on a dark boat ride. It will close on Oct. 5.
The new Frozen attraction "will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film," said Thomas O. Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these Frozen elements are great complements to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film."
Disney workers, dubbed cast members, playing Elsa and Anna have already been spotted in Disney parks over the past few months. In November 2013, then-pregnant Gwen Stefani posed for pictures with women playing the two characters in Disneyland in her native Anaheim, California (see more photos of celebrities at Disney parks).
Staggs also said that the characters will have a "bigger presence" at Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom Park during the holiday season. Queen Elsa, he said, will "use her powers to transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace every night, starting in early November," while she, Anna and fellow Frozen favorites Kristoff and Olaf will take part in the Christmas parade.