Ok, there are so many things going on here it was actually difficult to keep up with the conspiracy theories throughout the thread.
1. The article only says the cast members working in attractions and merchandise will be relocated. This means that food and beverage is remaining untouched. This also means that Arkushus should remain open throughout the duration of the referb. Additionally, Kringa should be left untouched as well.
2. Maelstrom might be your personal favorite, but you are a minority. In my time at Disney two weeks ago I cannot even count the number of people who disposed the ride. They said it smelled like rotten fish, or mildew. For me? It was boring. Now, I don't expect you or anyone else to agree with me. But from the reactions I heard from people getting off the ride it really wasn't people's favorites. Why would Disney waste money on an entirely new concept when they can very easily tweet an old concept and bring it up to date? What I really think is going to happen is the use of Frozen characters and themes to tell the story if Norway. Like we will be guided by Anna Elsa Olaf Kristof and Sven through the beauty that is Norway. Now, that us PURE speculation but it is an educated guess based on Donald Duck in Mexico.
3. The chart some of you keep reporting showing the top grossing movies is being read completely out of context. Frozen is number 101 because the final analysis of hug at chart was conducted on the last day of 2013. Roughly six weeks after the movie came out. In six weeks it made it to number 101. That is pretty incredible. Now, since then Frozen has completed its world wide release and has climbed to a total far exceeding one billion dollars. That number exceeds any of the numbers for any of the other movies on the list that has been posted. Additionally, many of the movies on said list enjoyed multiple release dates in theaters. That additionally needs to be taken into consideration as Frozen has only been released once.
4. They are not going to call the Norway pavilion Arendale. That makes zero sense. I also find it hard to believe they are going to change up the outside appearance too much as they are not conducting referbs of Arkushus. If Disney is anything they are streamline. They are not going to let stuff stick out like a sore thumb.
5. The museum isomer of you I are trashing featuring the items which inspired animators is actually a pretty cool museum. Because of the Frozen theme, my daughter learned a ton about Norway. It is classy. It wasn't tacky or ill conceived. Disney doesn't really do tacky, unless it's on purpose.... See DinoLand USA.
6. Disney is not 100% about kids. However, it is a land of magic. Magic and pixie dust exist In all of the parks not just Magic Kingdom. My daughter loved meeting Aladin and Jasmine in Lamps of Wonder and because of the movie tie in had a conversation starter with many of the Moroccan cast members. She learned how to say hello, thank you and good bye. She asked tons of questions about the carpets and the le laps she saw in the get shops. The movie tie in didn't make it less adult, it made it so my daughter could relate to what she was seeing. If we can utilize elements of childhood to help educate than why is that bad?
7. As far as a meet and greet for Anna and Elsa. Just... Duh. They need another location where Anna and Elsa can be seen. They have to release some of the strain at MK. Remember, for the first month and a half after thee movie came out it wasn't the splash hit yet. The location without the queue was good enough. Then, in January it exploded. Let it Go became a smash hit that the world fell in love with. Disney was not ready for it. They reacted fast though and are making wonderful ground. Frozen isn't going away. Building it into the parks is the future of Disney. It is just a fact.
8. Hollywood Studios would be an awesome place for frozen, however.... I honestly believe Hollywood Studios has been left the way it is because it will see a massive Star Wars expansion. We should hear more about this soon as Igar has already eluded to it. I think Star Wars will be Disney's Diagon Ally and Hogsmede. Again, this is purely speculation but it makes a ton of sense.
All in all... Disney is fluid. It is ever changing and will continue to be so. You're not going to like all of huge changes, you're going to love some. But no matter what they're going to happen. They are going to listen to their customer base and respond accordingly. The world wants more Frozen, so they're going to get it. I'm sorry if you don't like the movie. But, in that, you are a minority. Disney will do what is best for the moms ostensibly people to maximize their profits. They are a business, once they stop making money they will stop being what they are.
it really lifted my spirits to speak with the very kind CM's who were representing England. I was able to share my story with them, and we connected. With that said, the structures in the WS may not be the real deal, but the CM's are certainly authentic. It is also important to remember that for those who may never have the opportunity to travel outside the USA, the WS provides them with a unique cultural experience. I can only hope the situation with the Norwegian CM's is only temporary.
I personally can't get through a WDW trip without seeing World Showcase Players (them yelling out "Free beer" and then commenting that will get everyone from Germany to come over cracks me up every time), Off Kilter, Serveur Amusant, and Sergio. And I loved The Ziti Sisters, as well. I also truly love talking with the international cast members at many of these pavilions. I have found Norway, as well as Germany and Morocco, to have some of the friendliest and most fun cast members. I really enjoy my time in World Showcase.
