Norway College Program kids alerted to pavilion closing?

[Jennasis]

Let's just hope it's a vicious rumor... https://www.facebook.com/TheEpcotExplorersEncyclopedia?fref=nf

The international program Cast Members at the Norway Pavilion have been informed that attractions and merchandise positions at the pavilion will not exist beyond the end of September. CM's with contracts in October and beyond are being offered transfers and training in Food/Beverage. Recruitment for Fall/Winter attractions/merchandise has been canceled.

If it's for a refurb, fine. If it's for FROZEN, then it's a disgrace and an outrage.

 

[WEDWDW]

Doesn't surprise me at all.

I could "read between the lines" and "tell" by talking to them during my July trip that something was up.

I got a definite "impression" that FROZEN was coming and they knew it.

I feel so sorry for them.

 

[agavegirl1]

Why on earth would merchandise positions be cancelled? If the ride goes down, what does that have to do with the stores? Sure they could add "Frozen merchandise at some location but why close all of it?

 

[Torgue]

Will this also be the end of School Bread?

 

[Jennasis]

Why on earth would merchandise positions be cancelled? If the ride goes down, what does that have to do with the stores? Sure they could add "Frozen merchandise at some location but why close all of it?

Sounds like the whole pavilion is closing to be redone, not just the ride.

 

[tinkerbella16]

Will this also be the end of School Bread?

I don't think Kringla is closing. I think they are moving the merchandise CM's over to the food and beverage which to me, that means the bakery in Norway and/or Akershus.

I also think its horribly stupid of them to do this and add Frozen to this refurb. Keep this attraction the classic that it is. Enough with the Frozen. Thats not what World Showcase is about!! Leave the Frozen stuff to MK.

 

[aribelle]

If they're doing that large of a refurb, wouldn't they also need to close the restaurant, that is showing it's age after all......but that will result in a LOT of very very angry guests, because the ADRs for months are full.

I can understand Disney wanting to add some Frozen characters to Maelstrom.....after all look what they added to Haunted Mansion and Small World, etc. But to make the whole country pavilion into a fictional country for a popular movie....wow....then I'll really believe that the top folks at Disney have lost their mind.

 

[agavegirl1]

This should likely go to the news and rumors board. That said, I hate this idea with a passion. It does a disservice to both World Showcase and the Frozen movie. Frozen should be in MK or DHS with a new, state of the art attraction and Norway should be updated instead. End Rant.

 

[ParrotBill]

It has already been leaked that the plan is to reduce the Norway shop to about 1/4 its present size, turning the rest over to an Anna and Elsa Meet n greet, along with the ride makeover into Frozen theming.

A leak/rumor but widely circulated.

 

[WEDWDW]

If they're doing that large of a refurb, wouldn't they also need to close the restaurant.

The rumors have been that either the whole Pavilion would become Arendelle or just the ride and shops would be "Frozened" and the Pavilion would retain the Norway name,so it "looks" like the latter rumor "may" be what is going to happen.

 

[WEDWDW]

It has already been leaked that the plan is to reduce the Norway shop to about 1/4 its present size, turning the rest over to an Anna and Elsa Meet n greet, along with the ride makeover into Frozen theming.

A leak/rumor but widely circulated.

I think we may be very close to that coming out of the Rumor category.

 

[agavegirl1]

It has already been leaked that the plan is to reduce the Norway shop to about 1/4 its present size, turning the rest over to an Anna and Elsa Meet n greet, along with the ride makeover into Frozen theming.

A leak/rumor but widely circulated.

Oh, I have been following the rumors religiously for months. I just needed to rant a bit.

 

[DisneyGuy]

I can't even imagine the World Showcase without Norway!

 

[WEDWDW]

I can't even imagine the World Showcase without Norway!

Well,it "looks" like it will still be called Norway instead of Arendelle for what that's worth.

 

[DisneyGuy]

Well,it "looks" like it will still be called Norway instead of Arendelle for what that's worth.

I would imagine that the gift shops will be filled with "Frozen" merchandise - it will look like a Disney Store in the pavilion.

 

[si-am]

Disgraceful.

 

[MartDM]

Obviously all rumor at this point, but the writing seems to be on the wall. Why is WDW keeping it a big secret? I'm not thrilled at the idea of "frozenland" instead of Norway, but if they are going to do it, just say so.

 

[BugsDaddy]

In all fairness, A few points to be made:

1. Norway no longer supports the pavilion and has not for a long time. Basically, the entire country of Norway doesn't care enough about it to keep it current either financially or in content.

2. It seems that every other thread lately is something posted about the Anna and Elsa meet and greets and how people are so upset with not being able to get FP+, Frozen merchandise, etc. etc. I think Disney is just giving people what they are clamoring for. More Frozen.

It's not everyone's cup of tea for sure but Disney will milk this cow dry. And why not? It's smart business to give your guests what they are asking for (at a price). I wouldn't agree with the decision from a personal perspective but I understand it and am not surprised.

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

While I love Frozen.... I am VERY sad about this... I really like Maelstrom & the Norway Pavilion. They should leave it alone (IMO)... Frozen doesn't belong in World Showcase! Bring Frozen elsewhere (I think it is a perfect fit right where it is in DHS, add a M&G near the skating rink... it isnt like they don't have any empty space there!

 

[mousehockey37]

In all fairness, A few points to be made:

1. Norway no longer supports the pavilion and has not for a long time. Basically, the entire country of Norway doesn't care enough about it to keep it current either financially or in content.

2. It seems that every other thread lately is something posted about the Anna and Elsa meet and greets and how people are so upset with not being able to get FP+, Frozen merchandise, etc. etc. I think Disney is just giving people what they are clamoring for. More Frozen.

It's not everyone's cup of tea for sure but Disney will milk this cow dry. And why not? It's smart business to give your guests what they are asking for (at a price). I wouldn't agree with the decision from a personal perspective but I understand it and am not surprised.

1. They may not be supporting it, but they sure aren't turning away the Disney Adventures and tourism $$$ that are coming to Norway. Take that FWIW.

2. This is the worst thing Disney could do. If Disney wants to rollover this quickly and give everyone more Frozen, then what's going to happen in a few months or over the next year or 2 when the Frozen fad dies... and Disney is stuck with Anna/Elsa and a ride that they can't get people to walk onto...