Six years ago, audiences fell in love with Frozen, the 53rd feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. This holiday season, families are taking another trip to Arendelle, and judging by the massive success that Frozen 2 experienced at the box office in its opening weekend, audiences were more than ready. The second outing for Anna and Elsa pulled in nearly $130 million at the U.S. box office in just three days — an impressive feat when compared to the $93 million that the first Frozen pulled in over five days in 2013.
In recent years, Thanksgiving week and Disney films have become a tradition — a sort of kick-off to the holiday season for many families. Pairing the magic of Disney with the magic of the season, your Frozen 2 family outing can be an evening that’s more than just a night at the movies, but an experience with memories that can last a lifetime. And after the credits roll (you better stick around Marvel style!), there’s an opportunity to extend the experience at home with some great toys and products that will keep the magic going!
Our family was invited by the folks at Walt Disney Studios to take part in a Frozen 2 family night out on opening weekend. Along with dinner and tickets to see the film in Dolby Cinema at AMC Theatres, our girls received some stylish new Anna and Elsa dresses from Target, along with an assortment of jewelry and hair accessories inspired by the new film.
Through an act of great timing, we got the adventure started early with a visit to the annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) at Navy Pier. Jakks Pacific was in attendance, showing off some new toys for the holiday season including Playdate Sven and the “Into the Unknown” Singing Elsa Doll, both of which appear in the Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide. “Sven’s Adventure” was a scavenger hunt in which kids could search the event for clues in hopes of winning a prize at the end.
With our daughters essentially having grown up with Frozen, my wife and I were anxious to see how they’d react to the second big-screen adventure. There was no doubt that the filmmakers had a tall order to fill coming off of a film that not only was a huge success, but one that’s been so important to millions of fans around the world. And, of course, there’s the soundtrack. I’ve not only heard “Let It Go” approximately 9,284 times since 2013, I believe that I’ve sung it (and played it on guitar) at least 349 times, and seen it performed in our home on a similar number of occasions. We’ve seen the Frozen show at Walt Disney World, a production of Frozen on Ice, and my wife and kids even experienced Frozen on Broadway. Does the soundtrack live up to the first?
I’m saying “yes!”
My wife says that the new songs didn’t strike her with the same level of gravitas as the first film, but that they’ve grown on her every day since to the point where she now believes they’re equal. I really have an affection for the Panic! At the Disco version of “Into the Unknown.” But the biggest indicator as to whether or not the soundtrack is a hit? It’s the kids, and ours are belting out the tunes in the car, and I suspect they will be for quite some time to come.
You can see a few picks from the Toy Insider team below that we think will keep the Frozen fun rolling in the months ahead. Should you put together your own magical movie night, tag us on Twitter @thetoyinsider with #FROZEN2FamilyNightOut — we’d love to see the fun!
– Keep the Magic of Frozen 2 Going All Season Long –
Frozen 2 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Families can re-live the epic music of Frozen 2 with the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Available on CD, Digital, and Target-exclusive red vinyl, the album features the returning voice talents of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Jonathon Groff, with new cast members Evan Rachel Wood and Sterling K. Brown. Features all-new music by Bobby and…
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Frozen 2 Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Use the snowflake controller to bring Olaf to life with movement, phrases, and music. When activated, Olaf's mouth, head, eyes, and eyebrows move. Olaf will follow the blue snowflake image projected by the snowflake controller. Sing along as he sings a new song from Frozen 2.
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DISNEY FROZEN 2 PLAYDATE SVEN
Standing more than 2 feet tall, Playdate Sven is just the right size to hold a child weighing up to 70 pounds. Feed Sven his carrot to hear him make real chomping sounds. Pull on Sven's reins or press his head for galloping sounds and to hear him say phrases in Kristoff's Sven voice.
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DISNEY FROZEN ULTIMATE ARENDELLE CASTLE PLAYSET INSPIRED BY THE FROZEN 2 MOVIE
The castle is 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, has four floors and seven rooms, and includes 14 accessories, such as a piano, a throne, a banquet table, a vanity, sofa, and more. Push the button on the moving balcony and see a colorful light show inspired by the Northern Lights.
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DISNEY FROZEN 2 ‘INTO THE UNKNOWN’ SINGING ELSA DOLL
This 15-inch Elsa feature doll is dressed in her beautiful fashion and sings the new “Into the Unknown” song from the film. See Elsa's dress light up in the gorgeous pattern inspired by this scene while she sings and says film-inspired phrases.
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Frozen 2 Anna Cosplay Dress
The Frozen 2 Anna Cosplay Dress from Disney features a black sleeveless bodice decorated with gold detailing on the front, along with a glittery gold waistline. The attached skirt has a crimson mesh overlay embellished with glitter to add an extra dose of glam, while the purple capelet accents the bodice with a magical pop.…
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Frozen 2 Elsa Cosplay Dress
The Frozen 2 Elsa Cosplay Dress features an icy sleeveless bodice decorated with a glossy blue snowflake motif on the front with a glittery silver waistline. The attached skirt has a mesh overlay embellished with snowflake glitters for an extra dose of glam, while the capelet complements the bodice for a magical pop. Target exclusive.
