Maelstrom question

[LindsayDunn228]

Hey folks!

I was just wondering if it is possible to skip the ride portion of this attraction and just see the movie. It is not wheelchair accessible last I heard, and it really doesn't sound like it's worth the trouble of a transfer.

So will they let you do this?

[dclfun]

I've skipped the ride before and just watched the movie...which is the opposite of what most are doing. You shouldn't have any problem with this request. ---Kathy

[SueM in MN]

We have taken DD onto the Maelstrom boat and can confirm it is not accessible. Boarding involves a long step to get down to the seat level without a lot of good handholds. The boat itself is similar to Pirates of the Caribbean.
Here's a picture of the boat from allearsnet.
http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ep/e_nor5.jpg
We've never done it, but I've been told it is possible to skip the ride and go directly to the movie. I DO know that the CMs have a back way into the waiting area for the movie (a really well themed seaside 'village') because they somehow bring the wheelchairs from the boarding area to be waiting in the village when you get off the boat. I've been told (but can't confirm) that you can go the same way to just watch the movie. The movie doesn't play continually; I don't know what the cycle is, but they have a number of boats come in before opening the doors to the theater and then a few minutes with the door open so people can find spots before the doors shut and the movie begins.
The movie itself is about 5 minutes long and shows Norway thru the eyes of the people. I like it and like the music during the movie, so I would say it is worth seeing (I like to watch it after a ride, but many people do skip it).

[LindsayDunn228]

Thanks :)

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, I've done it. Tell the Greeter you just want to see the movie. After looking at you strangely for a moment (no, I'm kidding), they'll let you in to the next showing, after the current Guests have exited. The door is right there next to where you'd enter the queue in a wheelchair, which is just to the left of the regular ride line.

[LindaDVC]

whenever I have gone on this ride --DH has watched the movie while he waited for me! never a problem since many guests skip it!

Linda