Last weekend, Disneyland Paris opened 'World of Frozen,' a new themed area inspired by Disney's successful animated franchise. This opening is the central point of a transformation that required an investment of 2 billion euros ($2.18 billion). The expansion, which includes a 118-foot-tall ice palace and a Nordic fishing village, marks a significant milestone in the park's history.

The inauguration was attended by celebrities such as Penélope Cruz, Naomi Campbell, and Teyana Taylor. Furthermore, it represents the largest expansion in the 34-year history of Disneyland Paris and is part of a global Disney project involving an investment of approximately $60 billion in parks, resorts, and cruises.

Josh D'Amaro, who took over as Disney's chief executive on March 18, just 11 days before the opening, presided over his first major international event. D'Amaro, with nearly three decades in the company's theme parks division, emphasized the importance of storytelling in all areas of Disney. He stated: 'The Walt Disney Company was built on one man’s dream, and for more than 100 years we’ve shared that dream with the world.'

The parks-and-experiences business generated approximately 57% of the company's operating income, which amounted to $17.5 billion last year, propelling D'Amaro to the top.

French President Emmanuel Macron participated in the inauguration, acknowledging the economic importance of Disneyland Paris. Macron called the park 'the leading tourist destination in Europe' and a 'true ecosystem of success.' The expansion will create 1,000 additional direct jobs, adding to the resort's current 20,000 employees.

Since its opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris has received over 445 million visits, representing 6.1% of France's national tourism revenue. Macron highlighted that 13 billion euros have been invested in the territory since the project began.

The choice of 'Frozen' and 'Tangled' for Disney's European expansion reflects their roots in European folklore. 'Frozen' is inspired by 'The Snow Queen,' and the new 'Tangled' family ride recalls Rapunzel from the Brothers Grimm. Michel den Dulk from Walt Disney Imagineering explained: “'Frozen,' of course, has its roots in European storytelling. It’s very loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen. So to have a charming little northern European wooden village here in Disneyland Paris, where you can see your favorite Frozen characters — it just made sense.'

The area recreates Arendelle around a lagoon, with timber buildings painted in muted Scandinavian pastels and adorned with rosemaling, a traditional Norwegian decorative art.

In addition to 'World of Frozen,' the park, renamed Disney Adventure World, features Adventure Bay, a 'Tangled' family ride, 15 new restaurants, including the elegant Regal View Restaurant, and a nighttime show called Disney Cascade of Lights with over 380 drones. Construction of a Lion King themed area is anticipated.

More than 90% of the second park's attractions have been redesigned since its opening in 2002, and Disney expects the space to double once the full transformation is complete. D'Amaro commented: 'We continue to dream bigger and bring stories to life in brand new ways.'