“Frozen” is returning to Epcot in a big way.

After much rumor and speculation, today Walt Disney World has announced and confirmed that a new “Frozen” ride is officially coming.

“I’m pleased to say that we’re starting construction at Walt Disney World Resort on a brand new ‘Frozen’ attraction at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot,” wrote Tom Staggs on the Disney Parks Blog. “The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film.”

Also included will be a new meet-and-greet for Anna and Elsa in Norway.

The last day of operation for Maelstrom is Oct. 5, 2014. The new “Frozen” attraction is expected to be completed by early 2016. The Norway pavilion will remain open in the meantime.

In addition, starting November 5 for this holiday season, “Frozen” characters will also be part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as Queen Elsa will ice over Cinderella Castle every night. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf will join “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”

The parade is offered during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select nights Nov. 7-Dec. 19, 2014 and presented daily Dec. 20-31, 2014.

The “Frozen Summer Fun” event has also been extended at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. The “Frozen” sing-along show will continue and Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post will relocate closer to that show. A new play area with real snow will also be featured.

It certainly won’t be the first time “Frozen” characters have been prominently featured in a Disney park. Olaf currently sits atop a cottage at Disneyland in California as Anna and Elsa meet and greet inside:

Meet-and-greets for the “Frozen” sisters have been equally popular at Walt Disney World, first appearing in Epcot’s Norway pavilion, later moving to the Magic Kingdom to accommodate the high demand.

But none of that will compare to the excitement and hype that will surely surround the upcoming “Frozen” ride. This time Disney will prepare Epcot properly for “Frozen” fever.

The Maelstrom boat ride in Epcot’s Norway pavilion has been a long-standing favorite for many Disney fans, repeatedly going “back, back, over the falls.”

But despite some Disney fans proclaiming that adding the hit animated film to Epcot’s World Showcase ruins its original intent and theme, “Frozen” fans will no doubt flock to the park as soon as it opens for a chance to sail through Arendelle for the first time in forever.