Frozen replacing Maelstrom - dislike!

[disneysteve]

So it's official. They are replacing Maelstrom with a Frozen ride. As much as I'm excited by a new ride, I am not happy with it going into World Showcase. The whole point of World Showcase is to "showcase" the history, culture, mythology, sites, and sounds of that country. A Frozen ride does none of those things.

Is this the beginning of the end for World Showcase? Is it going to turn into a second Fantasyland with rides, shows, and attractions themed toward Disney characters? I certainly hope not.

 

[PuppyPrincess]

I happen to agree. As much as I love Frozen, I feel the WS should focus on the country and it's heritage and show what the country has to offer and what we can learn about it. I can see A&E in MK and get other Frozen "fixes" at HS. There is no reason to change the atmosphere of WS from what it was intended to be - a cultural experience, which is why I enjoy Epcot so much.

 

[ethanwa]

Honestly, I have no problem with this. Maelstrom was a really mediocre ride at best.... it needed to go.

 

[sayhello]

Honestly, I have no problem with this. Maelstrom was a really mediocre ride at best.... it needed to go.

The issue isn't with getting rid of Maelstrom. It's with replacing it with a fictional country's movie-based ride rather than the cultural showcase that Epcot is intended to be.

Sayhelo

 

[HubbDave]

I do wish they could do it elsewhere, but it usa continuation of adding characters to the WS

3 Amigos?

 

[Kimberle]

I am sssooooo oovvveerrrr Frozen, but I will reserve judgement until I have experienced the ride myself. The imaginers do amazing work.

 

[WDWLoveForever]

Although I am unhappy with this change (loved maelstrom).

This is what I *THINK* happened

I think I understand why they did it. When the world showcase was first built, Disney required the countries to put up the capital to cover the cost of the design, development and the construction of rides. So considering not much has changed since it opened in 1988, I'm assuming Disney contacted the Norwegian government asked if they planned on putting money in updating the ride and when they said "no", Disney took the rights to change it to a Disney based attraction.

 

[disneysteve]

The issue isn't with getting rid of Maelstrom. It's with replacing it with a fictional country's movie-based ride rather than the cultural showcase that Epcot is intended to be.

Exactly. I think it's great that they're making a Frozen ride. I liked the movie. If they were building it in MK or DHS that would be great. I just don't see how it fits or belongs in the Norway pavillion when the movie doesn't even take place in Norway. Yes, I know some of the art was inspired by Norway, which is why they have the display in Stave Church, but this goes way beyond that and fundamentally changes the nature and purpose of the entire pavillion.

I do wish they could do it elsewhere, but it usa continuation of adding characters to the WS

3 Amigos?

At least the Gran Fiesta Tour takes place in Mexico and highlights the sights and sounds of that country.

The imaginers do amazing work.

No doubt. I'm not debating that. I'm sure the ride will be great. I'm only focused on whether or not it belongs where they are putting it.

 

[disneysteve]

I think I understand why they did it. When the world showcase was first built, Disney required the countries to put up the capital to cover the cost of the design, development and the construction of rides. So considering not much has changed since it opened in 1988, I'm assuming Disney contacted the Norwegian government asked if they planned on putting money in updating the ride and when they said "no", Disney took the rights to change it to a Disney based attraction.

I believe Morocco is the only country that still financially supports its pavillion.

I just don't believe that means Disney needs to turn World Showcase into New New Fantasyland.

 

[WDWLoveForever]

I believe Morocco is the only country that still financially supports its pavillion.

I just don't believe that means Disney needs to turn World Showcase into New New Fantasyland.

Like I said I think "wasnt sure about the money issue", that is just what I read somewhere.

I agree I don't want it to turn into new new fantasyland.

I just hope they keep some of the cultural stuff in the ride.

 

[Troystu]

Say it isn't so! I was wondering why I couldn't book Maelstrom as a fast pass for our trip in November. It is a classic, Frozen will blow over & they'll have to re-do it again in the near future. Absolutely no interest in Frozen. As a Norwegian, really disappointed!

 

[wdwscout]

I also DISLIKE!!

I was OK with the idea of updating the tour of Norway & its history, and sprinkling in a few Frozen characters into the Norwegian landscape.

I am NOT a fan of the idea of building a World Showcase ride that takes you on a tour of a fictional land in an animated movie.

I love Frozen- but I do not think it belongs in Epcot's World Showcase.

I do hope they reconsider the concept.

 

[WorldWacky]

I can't wait to see where on the Norwegian map Arendelle is when I take the kids through the World Showcase. It'll make a great book report for school. Maybe Alderaan will make an appearance in The American Pavilion. Gotta have something for the boys too.

 

[gaf314159]

I think this is another example of how Epcot is being mismanaged. Innoventions doesn't even hold a towel to what it used to be, The energy and imagination pavillions are seriously over due for refurbs. The Wonders of Life and all its potential got sqashed out of existence, and now we have a fantasy ride with no connection to the real world in a part of the park that's supposed to showcase the world. I'm starting to think the only reason I should visit Epcot is for Food and Wine! Grrr. That said, it'll probably be a good attraction, just in the wrong place.

 

[WDWLoveForever]

So would we all be okay with this if Frozen has been based off Oslo (largest city and capital of Norway)...or is it the changing of the classic ride?

 

[lttlmc3]

Ug. I hate this idea. I'm quickly getting over Frozen. It's saturating everything. I know it's very popular, but leave it out of the countries. Make a Frozen attratction in Magic Kingdom. That would go well. Leave the countries alone!

 

[kbelle8995]

I don't think Frozen a Journey through Arendelle belongs in World Showcase.

Will it now be Fictional World Showcase?

 

[disneysteve]

So would we all be okay with this if Frozen has been based off Oslo (largest city and capital of Norway)...or is it the changing of the classic ride?

If the movie actually took place in Norway and the ride featured realistic depictions of actual sites in Norway presented by the characters from Frozen, I'd be okay with that, just as I'm okay with them having the Three Caballeros take us on a tour through Mexico. As long as the focus of the ride is Norway.

 

[WorldWacky]

If the movie actually took place in Norway and the ride featured realistic depictions of actual sites in Norway presented by the characters from Frozen, I'd be okay with that, just as I'm okay with them having the Three Caballeros take us on a tour through Mexico. As long as the focus of the ride is Norway.

I agree with this. ^

 

[Prissyms]

I agree! I am a fan of Frozen however, I don't like the idea of it being in World Showcase.