Walt Disney World has just officially announced that a new “Frozen” attraction will be coming to the Norway pavilion at EPCOT. The ride will take guests to Arendelle and take them through their favorite moments and music from the hit film. The new attraction will replace the boat ride “Maelstrom.”
Additionally, Anna & Elsa will make their homes in Norway with a royal meet and greet location in the pavilion that inspired the film.
Disney has also announced that the characters from “Frozen” will continue to have a big presence in the parks during the holiday season. Queen Elsa will take over duties from the Fairy Godmother and transform Cinderella castle into a Frozen ice palace nightly starting in early November. Also Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Oloaf will be added to “Mickey’s Onnce Upon a Christmastime Parade.”
I think it’s safe to say that pretty much everyone expected this. But it’s nice to officially have the news. The last day to ride Maelstrom will be October 5th.
This story will be updated with further information as it comes in.
What do you think of the big announcement.
I fear it’s the beginning of the end of World Showcase.
What Dan said.
When are you closing Maelstrom??? That’s my FAVORITE Epcot ride, and I cannot believe you are replacing such a classic! Very disappointing, Disney.
I think revitalization is needed for the showcase. Maybe prompt them to shake it up a bit.
Ug. Just ug. I like Frozen, but I don’t like it this much.
Of course it will bring more families to Epcot and that is great for all.
I’ll take “How Do You Get a Ton of Kids to Want to Go to Both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT for $500” Alex!
Is Disney trying to change EPCOT from the “adult” park?
Invaders! Send them back,back over the falls! Our family is so sad to see Maelstrom go.
No. YOU are an invader who needs to be sent back back over the falls!
Not happy. The movie was ok but not that great.
Ca-Ching!
“You are not the first to pass this way….but on Oct 5th you could be the Last”
one of my favorite rides and the only ride EVER you have to stand in line to exit.
I wish it was going to be at Disney in Florida. My Granddaughter would love it & therefore, so would I!
I will be vacationing with my family at Disney World Resort beginning October 6th. I had been looking forward to riding the Maelstrom one last time and I’m a bit disappointed how close the closing is to our arrival. But let’s face it, we knew this change was coming. It’s no surprise and that’s O.K. Disney needs to remain contemporary and relevant balancing nostalgia and what is current for families. Frozen is an instant classic, just ask a nearby 6 year old girl who will someday have her own children. Frankly, I LIKE the fact that Disney Characters are finding their way into Epcot. While the world pavilions are lovely and rich with their designs, if you are seeking the experience of visiting a foreign country try actually going to one rather than whining and dismissing a very shrewd decision that was made by a theme park that even with that change still beats anything else out there.
so its safe to say when I comes to Maelstrom Disney had decided to “Let it go”
I’m really on the fence about this one.
One of the reasons I have enjoyed Walt Disney World so much is over the years is because the four theme parts each has it’s own personality. EPCOT has always had a different vibe to it. It never seemed to be a slave to the synergy that is found in the other parks, not that I mind it in the other parks, because that’s kinda the point. EPCOT always stood out because it was really intended to be sort of a permanent World’s Fair. Each country presenting themselves to the world they way THEY want to be seen, so to speak.
If we could all afford to visit those 10 foreign countries, we probably would, but I think I speak for many when I say I kinda like being able to get just a taste (literally) of several different cultures in one day.
I’ve never been one of those guys that doesn’t want Disney to change a thing, or wants them to rebuild EPCOT the way it was. The place is supposed to be about the future and the world coming together, and for the most part, they’ve done a pretty good job. If I want to ride a Disney princess ride, I prefer it be in the Magic Kingdom where it belongs.
Then again, does the concept fit in that space? Sure it does. Was Maelstrom starting to show it’s age? Yup. And since the Norway didn’t seem interested in helping update things, I understand why Disney took this step. And as a shareholder, synergy is a wonderful thing!
My hope is this is as far as it goes, and that eventually they add a few more pavilions to make World Showcase even better, and to eat up crowds that continue to grow.
I have mixed feelings about this. The World Showcase needs to be freshened up, but I’ve been hoping for some NEW attractions, not more conversions of existing attractions. While I like Maelstrom (and I LOVE the Norway movie at the exit), it’s never been a Disney “classic,” so I’m not heartbroken by the news.
On the other hand, Frozen really doesn’t fit into Epcot’s theming. Neither does the Three Caballeros update in Mexico, for that matter. I guess we can expect Mulan to move into the CircleVision 360 theater in China next?
Since everyone loves to complain about all things Disney, I’m sure we’ll here plenty of people saying that Epcot has been completely ruined by this. If Disney never updates anything, people complain that the parks are “stale.” If Disney does update things, people complain that classic attractions are being destroyed.
All I can say is that they need to figure out how they’re going to deal with the MUCH larger crowds waiting in line in Norway, because the Maelstrom queue won’t be nearly long enough to accommodate the increased traffic that will be headed its way.
Are you out of your mind?! Frozen and the 3 Caballeros DO fit the theming of Epcot and their respective pavilions!
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