Malestrom

[MadToad]

I was booking my Fast Pass Selections this morning for my trip in early October when I noticed that the Malestrom wasn't an option in Epcot (not that I was picking it).

Is it scheduled for refurbishment?

 

[jar]

Other posts have said they are converting it to a Frozen ride, but I don't know what the timing is supposed to be.

 

[ninarobin]

Hello,

Okay! It's good to know I wasn't the only one who encountered an issue with trying to make a FP+ for Maelstrom, I went in last night and it didn't even show up which I thought was weird!

 

[dwheaton]

I read a rumor today that it was closing in late September for good to be converted to a Frozen ride, but of course that's no conclusive evidence yet.

I have mixed feelings about this change if it happens. On one hand, Maelstrom is dated and could use an upgrade. On the other hand, it's another EPCOT attraction not tied to a franchise that could be getting drastically changed. What can you do?

 

[jcnewton]

Here's a "coincidental", limited-availability T-shirt now on the Disney Store. Get them while you can folks...and get to Maelstrom while you can, before it's gone as we know it.

http://www.disneystore.com/maelstrom-tee-for-adults-epcot-limited-availability/mp/1363899/1000228/

 

[rteetz]

I've heard from several strong sources that maelstrom will indeed go down. It is not a FP option once fiscal 2015 for disney starts. They also have special edition maelstrom t-shirts out right now. The evidence is strong just no official word as of yet.

 

[mopp22]

I will be so disappointed if it is down in November when I go. I did see the limited edition shirts today (and bought 2, of course), which made me wonder about the timing. I really am not big on "Frozen", and I hope a refurb to that theme doesn't ruin it. I feel like it would be like doing a total rehab of Small World. Some things are better left alone or they risk losing their inherent charm. Or...maybe I am just cranky.

 

[MarknStitch]

I too agree that Maelstrom does need an overhaul but why o why does it have to be Frozen. Don't get me wrong I adore the film and would love a Frozen attraction but why in the World Showcase?

I pray that it still features a lot about Norway as a country because I think that is what the World Showcase should be, attractions about the countries they are depicting and not just more franchise tie(re shoehorned)ins.

Still, it's gonna be at least 5 years before it reopens so I guess we will just be relieved that it HAS reopened ;-P

 

[ChadInOKC]

I am also hoping this is not down in Nov. I would like to see it one last time before it is hijacked.

 

[panixx]

I had read somewhere (possibly this site, can't remember) where someone had seen scaffolding and things being staged backstage behind maelstrom that seemed to indicate work fixing to start on the ride.

 

[mopp22]

I had read somewhere (possibly this site, can't remember) where someone had seen scaffolding and things being staged backstage behind maelstrom that seemed to indicate work fixing to start on the ride.

Well, that doesn't bode well. I will have to wear my Maelstrom shirt in protest when I get there!

 

[NileNellie]

Remember when Disney decided to add characters to Rio del Tiempo? It did not change for the good. Sadly, I fear the same will happen to Malestrom. It's not about the culture about each country but more about milking the branded characters for all they are worth.

I'm glad I can ride it one more time when I'm down there next month.

 

[Joben]

Here's a "coincidental", limited-availability T-shirt now on the Disney Store. Get them while you can folks...and get to Maelstrom while you can, before it's gone as we know it.

http://www.disneystore.com/maelstrom-tee-for-adults-epcot-limited-availability/mp/1363899/1000228/

Thanks so much for posting the link for that shirt. I just got one for the DW who loves this ride more than most at WDW.
On our last trip in March I boycotted going on this ride actually saying "we will be back in October and can go then". Just tried to make FP+ this morning and Malestrom is not an option. I called Disney about it and was told that it was "probably closing for some pixie dust enhancment, but the official word about it hadn't been released yet"
I even asked if it was closing to be changed in to a Frozen ride, and the response was a long pause and "all of our rides need to go through pixie dust enhancements from time to time"
I hope the shirt makes up for her not getting to ride it one last time, but I doubt it. I hope the closing happens after we get there, but I doubt it. I hope Norway coughs up the 9 million to keep Frozen out of Norway, but I doubt it.

 

[amycishere]

I may get shot here but I never even knew this ride was in existence and it looks like it will be gone by the time I'm there in October! How sad!

 

[Uncle Donald Wess]

Well, if people aren't seeing a FastPass+ option for October, I guess we won't be seeing one when it's time for us to book for December. Hoping for the best if they are indeed making changes, but it is still sad

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Is there any confirmation of Maelstrom closing, being completely changed, or being turned into Frozen? Or is it possible the ride is simply being closed for refurbishment and some updating?

 

[aprilgamer]

The point of the World Showcase is to show the history and culture of each country. Frozen doesn't fit that bill.

 

[PuppyJonathan]

What I don't get is Frozen doesn't take place in Norway, it takes place in a country inspired by so. If World Showcase is meant to showcase the world then how come they'll let fictional countries come in? Three Caballeros at least made sense for Mexico because it takes place in the flesh and blood there. If a copy of Ratatouille were to open in France it would make sense but not as crystal clear as Three Caballeros (much to the disgrace of WDWMAGIC to have characters take over the rides). I'm hoping Maelstrom stays but if it turns to Frozen that would be my only complaint, and I BARELY complain about Disney's decisions in the parks

 

[Jing]

Well, at least I can truly say "been there, done that, bought the t-shirt!"

 

[rteetz]

Is there any confirmation of Maelstrom closing, being completely changed, or being turned into Frozen? Or is it possible the ride is simply being closed for refurbishment and some updating?

Both. Lots of sources who have strong backgrounds with getting things right have said maelstrom will indeed become frozen. They have not taken down the frozen gift shop in Norway nor the area where the meet and greet was held.