Frozen ride in Epcot

[cmash95]

each of those countries is sponsored by some sort of tourist division in their country except japan and the department store is the sponsor. and whatever tourist department in norway didn;t want to pay for upgrades to the ride.

 

[Planogirl]

A few countries had a "sponsorship" investment in the world showcase pavilions but I don't believe any of the pavilions were entirely funded by the country they represented.

And apparently none do anything now except maybe Morocco might have some involvement. That one is a little unclear.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

each of those countries is sponsored by some sort of tourist division in their country except japan and the department store is the sponsor

1) Of course, Morocco is sponsored by the country, not a tourist bureau or commercial entity.
.
2) Ride update:
. . . the Trainers had last week off - furlough.
. . . they were to start training new ride-operator-CM's, but the ride is not ready
. . . the Trainers are back this week
. . . ride still looks like late-Spring for an opening, but one never knows

 

[TT77]

Then...to be honest...you don't get the original concept of Epcot.

It was exposure to real things through Disney's eyes...in this case technology - both past and present - and a "taste"...very loosely...of foreign cultures. A premenant world's fair. It worked fine when they put dollars into it to maintain it.

Arrendale belongs in MGM...it's a cheapskate, shortsighted way to try and suck the princess crowd into a neglected park.

I get the original concept of Epcot, just like got the original concept of The Disney MGM Studios that it would be a 2 hour tour of a real working studio... but things change... do you get that, guy with Malestorm avatar ...things change

 

[Planogirl]

I get the original concept of Epcot, just like got the original concept of The Disney MGM Studios that it would be a 2 hour tour of a real working studio... but things change... do you get that, guy with Malestorm avatar ...things change

I wonder what the concept of DHS and Epcot are now? DHS could be non-Disney IP's but Epcot? I see nothing logical to fit that park.

 

[TT77]

I wonder what the concept of DHS and Epcot are now? DHS could be non-Disney IP's but Epcot? I see nothing logical to fit that park.

The concept of DHS now is "going inside the movies", like the Great Movie Ride, opposed to backstage "tours of how movies are made" and the concept of Epcot is, "themes don't really matter just do whatever gets people in the door" like the having a Sci-Fi movie at Animal Kingdom

 

[Eoghann]

I wonder what the concept of DHS and Epcot are now? DHS could be non-Disney IP's but Epcot? I see nothing logical to fit that park.

Well DHS they've basically said it's "We put you inside the movies" which if you look at what's left and what's coming, that works. Except for the Indiana Jones Stunt Show, but I figure that's doomed.

Epcot, it's more difficult. It was a weirdly schizophrenic original theme and as I've said, I just don't think it works anymore. I don't think you're going to attract 15 million people to visit a static tech expo with some rides tacked on. That's partly why Disney has leaned ever more heavily on its characters to prop the park up. Somebody needs to think way outside the box on this one and come up with a new concept. Something that embraces technology and culture but isn't an Expo. And... in Future World it needs to be something that's future proofed enough they don't have to update it every 18 months...

 

[norjack]

Well DHS they've basically said it's "We put you inside the movies" which if you look at what's left and what's coming, that works. Except for the Indiana Jones Stunt Show, but I figure that's doomed.

Epcot, it's more difficult. It was a weirdly schizophrenic original theme and as I've said, I just don't think it works anymore. I don't think you're going to attract 15 million people to visit a static tech expo with some rides tacked on. That's partly why Disney has leaned ever more heavily on its characters to prop the park up. Somebody needs to think way outside the box on this one and come up with a new concept. Something that embraces technology and culture but isn't an Expo. And... in Future World it needs to be something that's future proofed enough they don't have to update it every 18 months...

I think it would have been cool to continue with the theme of: This is the world as it has been / is / may be in the future. As @rteetz I believe has said in their post, they could have done something similar to the Mexico water ride. It just doesn't seem anyone can make up their mind on how to structure EPCOT anymore. Sad to see a muddled vision. It could be great! Think if they were to add a new ride to even every other pavillion, providing a theme from each of the involved countries/involving them in some kind of story line. Even if cheesy and overdone, it would have been a great way to make learning a little about other world cultures a little more fun. Right now it's just confusing.

 

[Planogirl]

I think it would have been cool to continue with the theme of: This is the world as it has been / is / may be in the future. As @rteetz I believe has said in their post, they could have done something similar to the Mexico water ride. It just doesn't seem anyone can make up their mind on how to structure EPCOT anymore. Sad to see a muddled vision. It could be great! Think if they were to add a new ride to even every other pavillion, providing a theme from each of the involved countries/involving them in some kind of story line. Even if cheesy and overdone, it would have been a great way to make learning a little about other world cultures a little more fun. Right now it's just confusing.

I couldn't agree more. If the Frozen ride is the way I expect it to be what will anyone learn about Norway? Even an homogenized version at least taught something but Arendelle does not.

Besides I always say that bad lefse is better than none. At least I still have that.

 

[njmousefest]

Just a hypothetical question. With the frozen ride opening in Norway, is there a possibility of character changes at Akershus meals? Maybe changing one to be Elsa?

 

[rteetz]

Just a hypothetical question. With the frozen ride opening in Norway, is there a possibility of character changes at Akershus meals? Maybe changing one to be Elsa?

Not that I am aware.

 

[Spacedog1975]

With an Anna/Elsa M&G right next door, there would be little reason to have Elsa in Akershus.

 

[closetmickey]

With an Anna/Elsa M&G right next door, there would be little reason to have Elsa in Akershus.

Agreed. But having Belle as the main Princess (is she still??) seems awkward.

 

[Spacedog1975]

We did Akershus when my niece and nephew were 4 and 5 respectively. They took no notice of the mismatch . I expect this is true of most of the target audience.

 

[closetmickey]

We did Akershus when my niece and nephew were 4 and 5 respectively. They took no notice of the mismatch . I expect this is true of most of the target audience.

Excellent point

 

[tmcgraw]

I've read different blogs saying they're behind schedule. The last date I saw was May 1st, but that could change closer to the date.

 

[rteetz]

I've read different blogs saying they're behind schedule. The last date I saw was May 1st, but that could change closer to the date.

I've seen June now.

 

[Disneyphile73]

So as everyone knows (unless you have been under a rock) disney world is making a Frozen ride. Im actually really happy about this. although does anyone know if the opening date has been released?

I just saw on wdwthemeparks.com that the opening date for Frozen Ever After is May 27, 2016!

 

[rteetz]

I just saw on wdwthemeparks.com that the opening date for Frozen Ever After is May 27, 2016!

Not confirmed but rumored.

 

[bebe88]

If a May 27th opening is in fact happening, when should we expect soft openings to start? How long before 'opening' do soft openings typically happen? We leave on May 11th. I'm wondering if there's any chance?