Its offcial Tom Staggs announces maelstrom replacement

[DWJoshua]

I have loved the Maelstrom for a long time, but have felt for years that it was in need of some new life. I have mixed feelings about adding too many characters to the World Showcase, but I also think if it's done well, it can work.

They would be idiots not to add a Frozen attraction to the parks and I'd rather they do it quickly (by retrofitting an existing attraction) than spend years and a lot more money on a brand new attraction. Money that potentially could be used for more substantial expansion.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

I have loved the Maelstrom for a long time, but have felt for years that it was in need of some new life. I have mixed feelings about adding too many characters to the World Showcase, but I also think if it's done well, it can work.

They would be idiots not to add a Frozen attraction to the parks and I'd rather they do it quickly (by retrofitting an existing attraction) than spend years and a lot more money on a brand new attraction. Money that potentially could be used for more substantial expansion.

Hopefully this means that since they are only retro-fitting an existing attraction it is because they have a ton of resources allocated for Star Wars Land and a revamping of Future World.

 

[ArwenMarie]

So early 2016...Using Disney-time, I am going to guess that this means they are going to use the existing track/layout/building and just put a different overlay (not sure if that's the right word). That is going to be a very short ride if that is the case.

I think it's a bad choice to stick it in that pavilion as well in terms of space. Where are they going to put the lines?

Other than that, I dunno, I don't think it's a big deal that they are putting it World Showcase. They already have princesses in the Norway restaurant, Donald running around the Mexico ride, princess Meet and Greets all over, kids running around with Duffy-sticks.

I hope that they keep the bakery with the same products, but something tells me it is going to be full of princess cupcakes and Olaf marshmallow treats...

I wish they would have fixed it up a bit instead of doing this.

 

[ArwenMarie]

How unfortunate. Just went from six rides at Epcot to five now for our family.

Worse, it's a waste of time and money to take an already existing ride and transform it into a "new" one instead of CREATING a new one to ADD to a park that needs another.

Yeah, Epcot was slowly falling off our list due to the lack of rides as well...losing one more really puts it off the list for now. It's also so big so you spend a lot of time hoofing it around for those few rides. DHS is also short on rides, but at least it is more compact.

 

[jon18uk]

There have been rumours that the cinema for the Norway film will be used for an extended queue line.

I also wish they would do something more related to factual Norway but of the county isn't going to pay then I understand why they are looking to do something they know will be profitable.

As others have said I hope they have big plans for Star Wars at DHS and a revamp of the rest of futureworld (imagination, energy and what was wonders of life).

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Will this be a repurpose of the existing ride, or a completely new ride? It will not open until sometime in 2016. Might they tear up Maelstrom and build something new? That would be great!

The big question will be: How much Frozen versus how much Norway? So many are upset at the cultural offense, but Frozen has many aspects that ARE Norwegian culture! Frozen won't be any worse than what was already in the pavilion.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

Opening early 2016?? Read in the comments it is closing in October. If that's true its a shame it's going to take over a year to open again. Sounds like the parking garage at DTD! Can't Disney accomplish things faster??

 

[Jing]

I was really hoping since these rumors started, that it would be an updated ride that still explored Norway with the frozen characters as guides, not just a recapitulation of the movie. Someone please post an awesome ride video before Maelstorm closes!

 

[rteetz]

So early 2016...Using Disney-time, I am going to guess that this means they are going to use the existing track/layout/building and just put a different overlay (not sure if that's the right word). That is going to be a very short ride if that is the case. I think it's a bad choice to stick it in that pavilion as well in terms of space. Where are they going to put the lines? Other than that, I dunno, I don't think it's a big deal that they are putting it World Showcase. They already have princesses in the Norway restaurant, Donald running around the Mexico ride, princess Meet and Greets all over, kids running around with Duffy-sticks. I hope that they keep the bakery with the same products, but something tells me it is going to be full of princess cupcakes and Olaf marshmallow treats... I wish they would have fixed it up a bit instead of doing this.

Ive been hearing they will use existing building and track most likely. They are supposed to get rid of Norway video so they have a place for a new queue and such.

 

[rteetz]

Will this be a repurpose of the existing ride, or a completely new ride? It will not open until sometime in 2016. Might they tear up Maelstrom and build something new? That would be great! The big question will be: How much Frozen versus how much Norway? So many are upset at the cultural offense, but Frozen has many aspects that ARE Norwegian culture! Frozen won't be any worse than what was already in the pavilion.

1. Doubtful most likely same type of boat ride maybe a few minor track changes.

2. Well you'll have the ride and a big meet and greet, they already have a gift shop that is basically all frozen and then the princess dining in akershus, so most of Norway will be frozen, the video is also supposed to leave, supposedly CMs are supposed to be relocated to other places.

 

[wallrock]

There was a time when the term 'theme' in the theme park definition actually meant something. Given the previous overlays in Epcot I guess that's going to be a thing of the past now, especially if the pavilion receives the complete overhaul that I think it will get.

It appears the future won't be unique themes in each of the four parks, but instead four plots of land where attractions will be continuously recycled in favor of the next big merchandise grab (and the recycle can happen anywhere that requires the least amount of retrofit), or sections will be leased out to the highest bidder so they can inject their concept into the campus (a.k.a Avatar).


The irony behind this is that Disney has recently seen that having the same thing everywhere doesn't always pay off, especially in merchandising. Granted it's on a smaller scale, but with the 'exclusiveness' of Haunted Mansion merchandise going into the Yankee Trader shop you would think that Disney could see the value in keeping that practice alive on the theme park scale. Yes the Haunted Mansion merch shop is a new thing, but it's been properly isolated in the right location.

 

[beer dave]

There was a time when the term 'theme' in the theme park definition actually meant something. Given the previous overlays in Epcot I guess that's going to be a thing of the past now, especially if the pavilion receives the complete overhaul that I think it will get.

It appears the future won't be unique themes in each of the four parks, but instead four plots of land where attractions will be continuously recycled in favor of the next big merchandise grab (and the recycle can happen anywhere that requires the least amount of retrofit), or sections will be leased out to the highest bidder so they can inject their concept into the campus (a.k.a Avatar).


The irony behind this is that Disney has recently seen that having the same thing everywhere doesn't always pay off, especially in merchandising. Granted it's on a smaller scale, but with the 'exclusiveness' of Haunted Mansion merchandise going into the Yankee Trader shop you would think that Disney could see the value in keeping that practice alive on the theme park scale. Yes the Haunted Mansion merch shop is a new thing, but it's been properly isolated in the right location.

I could be wrong, but I think I am seeing new HM merch popping up in a lot of the shops through out...... some of the same stuff that is considered "exclusive".

 

[wallrock]

I could be wrong, but I think I am seeing new HM merch popping up in a lot of the shops through out...... some of the same stuff that is considered "exclusive".

That could be. I haven't been there since March so it could be spreading to other areas.

 

[rteetz]

I could be wrong, but I think I am seeing new HM merch popping up in a lot of the shops through out...... some of the same stuff that is considered "exclusive".

Disney considers a lot of things exclusive but they always end up everywhere.

 

[ChipnDale79]

Ok, so I know I come across as a little cynical towards disney sometimes, but here's why I don't agree with this, and I think its fair to disagree here.

This goes completely against what World Showcase was intended for, and yes Donald in Mexico goes hand in hand with that comment as well. Its just sort of wrong? World Showcase is supposed to be a "world's fair", I don't really understand how a dark ride that belongs in fantasy land fits in here.

Secondly, Frozen should be getting the same treatment as Little Mermaid just got, at a bare minimum. This should be a brand new attraction that's a dark ride and fit perfectly right in Fantasy-land, where gasp, it belongs.

It just stinks of a cheap, lazy way to get Frozen into the parks. I'm tired of that, it's become the Iger way.

 

[RBrooksC]

It is so funny to read the comments on this thread.

It is a natural fit for a Frozen ride to go into the Pavilion. First off, for those who want it in Fantasyland. Ok, where do you put it? Since it has been rebuilt there is no room. So, please, tell everybody, what are you going to close to open a Frozen ride? And remember since there is so much complaining about a Frozen ride going into Norway, you have to make sure there is no uproar about a ride being removed from Fantasyland.

Next, to say Frozen has nothing to do with Norway is totally wrong. It was, in fact, inspired by Norway. The movie has created a big increase in Norway tourism.

This ride going into Epcot and World Showcase will bring people through the gates. People want a Frozen attraction. The amount of children wearing Elsa shirts or dresses was incredible when I was there a few weeks ago. The Frozen event at DHS, esp the fireworks, is drawing people away from Epcot. So, there is a demand for this in the parks.

This will draw people into the World Showcase and Norway, in particular.

And, really, is the Maelstrom really that much of a classic ride? Is the consternation about the ride more nostalgia than anything else?

And I read these threads that complain about Disney being a business. Well, unfortunately, that is what they are. They are focused on bringing people through the gates so they can make money for the company and their investors. If putting in a Frozen attraction in Norway bring people through the gate, then it needs to be done.

If you don't like the attraction, then don't ride the attraction. But these changes happen and will continue to happen.

 

[PortMickey]

Would the ride fit if Anna and Elsa go on a journey to visit the real Norway?

When the movie came out, I thought they should take over Blizzard Beach.