A SNOW-capped mountain towers behind an ancient clock tower, its frosty peak protruding a whopping 36-metres into a cloudy sky.
At its foot, a wooden-rimmed postbox is waiting to receive a bundle of postcards, Arendelle’s first ever mail, while a magnificent snowflake-shaped fountain sparkles in the centre of the street.
No detail has been spared on ensuring Disneyland Paris’ new World of Frozen is its most magical venture yet.
I was taking an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the much-hyped area of the theme park, scheduled to open on March 29 next year with a bundle of new rides and activities based entirely on the animation blockbuster.
Visitor postcards sent home from the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, over which Frozen characters Elsa and Ana rule, are just one small part of what makes this land so special.
The immersion goes beyond what’s been seen at any Disney park so far, from the ornate-framed paintings of characters to the ultra-modern technology that places Disney fans actually in the story.
The clock tower, complete with mini Ana and Elsa figurines, sparks into song every 15 minutes and flickering lanterns dangle from pastel-coloured buildings.
Classic cuddly toys have been scrapped and in their place sits Rúna, an animatronic teddy-sized troll doll that interacts with its owner.
Only available to buy at World of Frozen’s themed shop, for a rather hefty 70 euros, this doll communicates not just with its owner, but the park too.
As kids carry their Rúna doll towards certain trigger points, he’ll vibrate with excitement or gossip enthusiastically about the ride he’s approaching – something that hasn’t been seen at any Disney park before.
I’d like to know what Rúna thinks about the food at the kingdom’s local boozer, Nordic Crowns Tavern, where dishes have been inspired by the flavours of Norway.
It’s certainly not your typical Disney fare – think fermented goods, smoked fish and light cakes shaped into an icy snowflake, in fitting with the Frozen theme.
But that’s just the pub. There’ll be a whopping 13 other dining venues in Arendelle alone, including food stalls serving sticky cinnamon rolls and the grand Regal View, World of Frozen’s character-dining venue.
This spot is impressive enough without the meet-and-greets. Disney Princesses have been painted into fresco-like murals across the walls and curved chandeliers dangle from the ceiling.
Parents haven’t been forgotten about either. How does a flight of kir royales sound?
Knock them back to keep you going until the nightly fireworks displays.
These are the pinnacle of any Disney trip and the fiesta here promises to be spectacular.
Technological enhancements have been made to a team of drones, which can withstand most weathers as they flash to the beat of the music, morphing into characters in the sky and concluding with an explosive fireworks finale.
You won’t need to panic about securing a decent spot, either, like many do for the displays at the main park, with the show taking place above the circular lake, offering 360-degree views.
And of course, no trip to Arandelle would be complete without a visit to the kingdom’s impeccably dressed Elsa and Ana.
And the duo won’t just appear on the street; they will dramatically sail across the lake via a huge wooden vessel, preparing to greet their fans at the “Royal Encounter” in the castle.
A lifesized and hyper-realistic Olaf will make an appearance, too. But unlike every other character at Disneyland Paris, Frozen’s star snowman has been built using clever robotics that allow the character to talk and even waddle away on his stumpy snow feet.
And what about the rides? The highlight will most definitely be the lands boat ride, Frozen Ever After, which will carry riders through the snowy forest towards the Valley of the Trolls and Elsa’s sparkling Ice Palace.
Animatronics promise to bring scenes to life as riders approach Arendelle Bay which will be showered in snowflake-shaped fireworks.
It’s not all about Elsa and Ana, though. Rapunzel has left her mark on the Raiponce Tangled Spin ride.
This is a reinvention of the classic teacups where a series of wooden boats twirl underneath a ceiling of swaying pastel lanterns.
It was the postbox that stuck out for me, though.
What could be more special than returning home to a self-written letter, delivered straight to your door all the way from Arendelle?