Study Buddy (Explorer): Chills and thrills at Hong Kong Disneyland’s new World of Frozen attraction

[2] This being the world’s first and biggest park experience inspired by Frozen, the 2013 Disney animated blockbuster, I was looking forward to checking out Arendelle Forest and the North Mountain myself – and being the envy of many.

[3] I met up with my two nieces – 19-year-old Lilith and Leila, 15 – with nephew Elon, nine, in tow at the park entrance at 10am. The temperature was a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius and the sky was overcast. As we entered Arendelle Village, a cool breeze transported us to a land of Norwegian architecture, Nordic culture and Norse mythology. At one end there is the backdrop of a snowy mountain and at the other Arendelle Castle.

[4] The girls said I must absolutely try Frozen Ever After, one of the two new rides at the park. Frozen Ever After is a visual feast. The ride revisits key moments – as well as the most memorable tunes – from Frozen. It is also a showcase of advanced and sophisticated robotics; despite being animated characters from the movie, Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven all look lifelike. The fact that Elon said he would not “get on that boat ever again” made me think perhaps my brother needed to toughen him up a little.

[5] And the ride? Without spoiling it too much, let’s just say that when I replayed the video I took of the experience, there is this part when the screen goes pitch dark – right after Marshmallow the giant snow monster started to roar – and everyone (me included) starts screaming hysterically. I think Elon had a point.

[6] Across the King Agnarr Bridge is the second new ride, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, described as a “junior coaster that traverses the Arendelle Forest”. Although the experience lasts only a minute and (thank God) there were no surprises, it is no less exhilarating. Lilith, Leila and I went back to this feature again and again, more times than we can remember. A quick tip: sit at the back, not the front, of the roller coaster for an extra thrill.

[7] Playhouse in the Woods is an interactive and immersive theatre show aimed at a younger audience, who can get up close with Elsa and Anna. I particularly liked how the performance weaves video projections and creative stage lighting seamlessly with the live action.

[8] After quick visits to the restrooms it was time to say goodbye to the folks at Arendelle. Leila was impressed with the details throughout the World of Frozen – from the props in Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna, to the numerous paintings on the walls. Final verdict? “The best attraction, and definitely the one I enjoyed the most, at Hong Kong Disneyland in recent years,” said Lilith.

Source: South China Morning Post, October 23

1. When will the World of Frozen be open to visitors according to paragraph 1?
___________________________________________________

2. Which city currently has a World of Frozen at its Disneyland theme park?
A. Paris
B. Tokyo
C. Orlando
D. none of the above

3. Find a phrase in paragraph 3 that means “covered with clouds”.
___________________________________________________

4. Decide whether the following statements in paragraphs 4 and 5 are True, False or the Information is Not Given. Fill in ONE circle only for each statement. (4 marks)

(i) Frozen Ever After is a retelling of the entire Frozen movie.
(ii) Elon did not enjoy the ride as much as his sisters did.
(ii) Frozen Ever After is about 10 minutes long.
(iv) One part of the ride surprised the writer.

5. What did the writer mean when they said “Elon had a point” in paragraph 5, and why? (2 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. How long is the Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs ride according to paragraph 6?
___________________________________________________

7. In paragraph 6, the writer thinks Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is … Frozen Ever After.
A. more interesting than
B. just as exciting as
C. a lot scarier than
D. just as boring as

8. According to paragraph 7, what can visitors do at Playhouse in the Woods?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Which of the following best describes the writer’s overall opinion of the World of Frozen in paragraph 8?
A. critical
B. disapproving
C. impressed
D. information not given

1. November 13
2. D
3. overcast
4. (i) F; (ii) T; (iii) NG; (iv) T
5. The writer meant Elon was right when he said he would never get on the Frozen Ever After ride again. The writer had a terrifying experience on the ride and Elon was wise to avoid it. (accept other similar answers)
6. one minute
7. B
8. They can get up close with Elsa and Anna.
9. D