Frozen takeover in Epcot; the only way this Frozen ride will work

[Liz Vogel]

Like many of you, I love Disney. I don't live in Florida so I am only able to visit every so often. When Frozen was released, I was one of the first people to say I need to see this, and I loved it. Then I heard Anna and Elsa would be coming to the parks, again I loved the idea. Then I heard they would be going into Norway... at first I was skeptical of the idea working, then I realized, by putting Anna and Elsa in Epcot, specifically the World Showcase, you are bringing in so many families with children who would not necessarily go to Epcot. By bringing these families in for Anna and Elsa you not only allow them to meet their favorite sisters, but you get them to stick around the park and hopefully enjoy other country's cultures by exploring the world showcase. Overall a great idea.

Then, they closed Maelstrom. I had never ridden Maelstrom, partially because I've only been to Epcot as a young adult once on New Year's Eve, but I knew how much of a lose to the Norway pavilion this was. Then, they announced what was replacing Maelstrom, a Frozen ride. So how exactly are they going to make this fit into the world showcase. More than likely, they're not. But, I have a suggestion...

Make half the attraction about Arendelle and the other half about Norway. In the queue, have pictures of Arendelle and picture of the places in Norway that those landscapes are based off of. Then closer to the beginning of the ride, have on a video screen showing a welcome video. Have the ride introduced by Olaf and Josh Gad. Have Olaf talk about the fictional world of Arendalle, and the real life voice of Olaf, Josh, talk about the real life version of Arendalle, Norway. Explain that on the left are scenes from the movie Frozen and on the right are depictions of life in Norway, not necessarily present day Norway. The left side can contain such scenes in the movies as the trolls, Anna outside during "For the First Time in Forever", Elsa on the mountain during "Let it Go", the winter forrest scene before "In Summer", and the final ice skating scene. To contrast this on the Norway side you can have scenes depicting trolls, talking about their history in Norse mythology; the warmer climates of Norway; the mountains of Norway; a forest during winter; and a farewell from a town square based off of an actual Norwegian town. The ride ends with an area to meet and greet Elsa and Anna to one side, and on the other side, a mini museum about Norway's history.

Is something like this probably going to happen, unfortunately no. I just wanted to get my idea out there. So what's your opinion? Good idea? Horrible idea? Not great, but better than they currently have planned? Do you have an idea to incorporate Frozen into Epcot that still keeps the sanctity of the World Showcase?

Walt's dream was for his parks to be ever changing, but in my opinion, this is the wrong change to be happening.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Epcotfan64]

Considering that Frozen was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale, The Snow Queen, I tried to make a connection with Norway. Indeed, the only indication in the film that the story takes place in Norway is the use of the word "lutefisk," which is spelled differently in Sweden and Denmark.

 

[Liz Vogel]

Some of the inspiration for the setting was Nærøyfjord and Arendal Norway.

 

[ghtx]

Considering that Frozen was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale, The Snow Queen, I tried to make a connection with Norway. Indeed, the only indication in the film that the story takes place in Norway is the use of the word "lutefisk," which is spelled differently in Sweden and Denmark.

It takes place in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, which is very much inspired/influenced by the real country of Norway (and its Scandinavian neighbors).

 

[Mikie]

I think it's an excellent idea! Not a particular fan of Frozen in Norway, except as you say, it does spread the guests around. However, since that decision is already made I like the blending of fictional/reality. It's another take on Martin Short humorously dispelling the myths of Canadian living in the Canada Pavillion.

 

[piccolopat]

Instead of a new Frozen ride, they should update Maelstrom and the Norway movie so that these are narrated and hosted by the Frozen characters. Treat Anna, Elsa, etc. as travel ambassadors for Norway from the neighboring land of Arendelle. This would bring the characters into the country in a soft way, similar to keeping the Mexico ride themed for the country but adding the Three Caballeros.

 

[Iowajes]

I always wonder how the Danes feel about the Snow Queen inspired story being associated with Norway instead of Denmark.

 

[Planogirl]

I like the idea of luring more people to WS and them perhaps in turn learning more about the nations represented there. My disappointment is that they might learn about all of the nations except for Norway. Norway is being turned into a fantasy place called Arendelle no matter how anyone spins it.