Disney Shares First Look at New Frozen Ever After Animatronics at EPCOT

Disney has released first look photos of the upgraded Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics now installed at Frozen Ever After. The new figures debut February 12, 2026, when the EPCOT attraction reopens following its refurbishment.

"Guests sailing through Frozen Ever After at EPCOT can now see the newly updated Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures," Disney said. "Inspired by the advancements showcased at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, the refreshed figures offer a more true-to-film look and elevate the storytelling experience."

First Look: New Frozen Ever After Animatronics at EPCOT

First Look: New Frozen Ever After Animatronics at EPCOT

Technology Updates

The new animatronics replace projection-based faces with articulated heads featuring silicone skin. The technology matches systems Disney developed for Tiana's Bayou Adventure and recent international park installations.

Ken Ricci, executive creative development for Walt Disney Imagineering, described the impact of seeing the updated Elsa figure: "I was in awe and got chills seeing Elsa, because it's literally like she stepped off the screen and it's standing in front of you now. You will notice the improvement."

The figures provide:

• More expressive facial movements
• Refined body animation
• Closer resemblance to the film characters

First Look: New Frozen Ever After Animatronics at EPCOT

The closure extended beyond the animatronic upgrades. Disney refreshed show lighting and touched up sets throughout the attraction.

"Anytime an attraction goes down, we take an opportunity to freshen up what we can," Ricci said. "So, we touched up a lot and some show lighting so it should look refreshed."

Disney modified the existing figures' necks to accommodate the new heads and updated the show control system. The work required coordination between technology teams and on-site installation crews.

First Look: New Frozen Ever After Animatronics at EPCOT

Testing and Reopening

Effects and systems are currently in testing ahead of the February 12 reopening. The story and ride experience remain unchanged from the original 2016 version.

Frozen Ever After opened at the Norway Pavilion in 2016 as a replacement for Maelstrom. The original figures introduced all-electric Audio-Animatronics and 3D-printed components when the attraction debuted.