In what ways has Frozen Ever After impacted the rest of Norway pavilion?

[ahelmes71]

Wife and I will be going in October. Norway pavilion was always a favorite, not just for Maelstrom, but we also liked Puffin's roost a lot. It was just one of the more unique country showcases there since we probably are less familiar with Norwegian culture compared to some of the other major countries depicted.

Has the new Frozen ride had a significant impact on this area of the park? I guess I'm envisioning a huge influx of kids, a big logjam of people in the middle of world showcase, and mad crowds in Puffin's Roost which is now loaded to the gills with Frozen merch instead of traditional Norwegian items.

For those who've been there since the ride opened, what impact have you noticed, if any, following the new ride?

World Showcase was always kind of a more peaceful (as far as Disney goes) area of the parks and I'm hoping this new ride hasn't changed that feel too much.

Best regards,
Andy

 

[LSUfan4444]

here are some recent photos

Photo credit to Josh with EZWDW
http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/fr...s-availability-rope-drop-strategy-and-review/
http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/fr...liable-as-royal-sommerhus-waits-remain-short/

 

[rasadkowski]

well that pretty much sums it up

 

[redsbe]

WOW

 

[mom2rtk]

What Norway pavilion?

 

[danielangie]

We were there opening day for FEA...it was maddening! And you're correct-Frozen merchandise is plentiful!

 

[Vijoge]

Oh, my. DGD, 5, is Frozen-obsessed. But if it's still like this come January I'm going to pretend Norway isn't on the map, even if it means we don't visit EPCOT!

 

[Anonny]

I was in Norway the fifth day after opening and the crowds were not at all like opening day. There is still the Norway gift shop. The Stave Church still has exhibit of Norwegian influences used for the Frozen movie. Yes, it's Frozen, but it is a nice exhibit. I did not go to the meet and greet with Anna and Elsa, but it looked very nice from the outside, 20 minute wait.

The quick service food is still very good, with some new Frozen themed food.

 

[coolbrook]

I have been wondering about the bakery. Has anyone eaten there since the ride and M&G opened? Can you get to it ok? Is it packed with people?

 

[Candycane83]

Wow, that's crazy... how does this impact the bakery there?

 

[Anonny]

I had no problem getting into the bakery at 11:00 Friday in the first week Frozen Ever After was open. Yummy sandwich!

 

[minnie mum]

Wow, that's crazy... how does this impact the bakery there?

The bakery now also opens at 9:00. They've added a couple of new items to the menu.

 

[hammie59]

Those photos are frightening.

 

[Disneylover99]

I'm hoping Geir Ness products are still being sold in the Puffin's Roost.

 

[Delilah1310]

I heard that Norway and Mexico are now open at 9 am to help with the crowds.
But I'm curious ... why not open the rest of World Showcase at 9 am?
Does anyone know the reason why they have the staggered openings in the first place?

thnx!

 

[jhaig]

Can you still find the giant troll in the gift shop?

Does everything still smell like Laila?

If so, all is well.

 

[danielangie]

Can you still find the giant troll in the gift shop?

Does everything still smell like Laila?

If so, all is well.

Yep-th giant troll was still there on our recent trip...my DD got a pic with him

 

[ELSA711]

That line! Geez. If I can't get a FP+ then kids are just going to have to skip it.
Luckily Epcot is planned 3 days during our trip in November.

 

[loves to dive]

I heard that Norway and Mexico are now open at 9 am to help with the crowds.
But I'm curious ... why not open the rest of World Showcase at 9 am?
Does anyone know the reason why they have the staggered openings in the first place?

thnx!

from what I understand only the QS on the outside of Mexico and possibly the ride, and the bakery (along with the restaurant and ride) are open at Norway. I don't think the gift shops are open.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

I heard that Norway and Mexico are now open at 9 am to help with the crowds.
But I'm curious ... why not open the rest of World Showcase at 9 am?
Does anyone know the reason why they have the staggered openings in the first place?

thnx!

The staggered openings (World Showcase at 11) started almost immediately after the September 11 attacks in 2001. They also cut hours to the non-headliner Future World attractions to a 7pm close. I suspect the change has remained for so long because, really, most things didn't get moving in World Showcase until near lunch time anyway.

We were at Disney the week before (the old normal operating hours), and it's crazy how much less crowded Disney was after the attacks for a while.