Norway not happy with Disney wanting to replace Maelstrom with Frozen ride

[Aurora0427]

So if you don't understand something, then it must not be right?? I don't get all the fuss over animal kingdom or this frozen thing. I don't remember Disney lavishing millions on the lion king right after it came out. What is there, two attractions for it and they're both shows. Correct me if I am wrong but no rides so really what you find sad others find fun. I find animal kingdom boring while others can spend days and days in it. I am not wrong and they aren't wrong however at least animal kingdom keeps some sort of theme. I don't believe the solution to epcot is to make it magic kingdom 2. Some of us want Disney to do more with it and still keep the theme of the park and to actually keep what they're doing with it steady. I mean they advertise it as more adult then they do something like this??? Okay. Believe me I think they should update the park and put more future stuff in it, with more up to the date tec. I for one always found that interesting but then again I was a geek as a kid and still am. I really want epcot to keep with it's theme and make up it's mind on what direction it wants to take with itself. A more adult/educational park or a fantasy land?? Frozen is out of place in epcot. Frozen belongs in MGM or magic kindom. Hopefully MGM because that park is going downhill.

I think you hit the nail on the head~ EPCOT seems to have floundered in its vision. It doesn't seem to know which direction to take. Many posters had some great ideas on another thread.

 

[Glenn]

Here is something for all the fans of a frozen makeover to think about. Considering how long Disney takes to build anything (mine train) will frozen be so hot a couple of years from now when they'd finally open it? Doubt it.
I too used to eat at the restaurant especially when it was a buffet. Loved to try a little bit of this or that even if I had no idea what it was. Only recognized a few things that grandma still made.
Epcot is really in sad shape compared to its past. Closed buildings, Captain Eyo (sorry about the spelling), dont even ask me about the American Pavilion. Sad, Sad.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I disagree, but I don't think there's a way to prove either opinion wrong without changing the restaurant back and seeing what happens. With all due respect, I don't believe adding princesses to Akershus diminishes Norwegian culture & history. I think that's being a little over sensitive. Interesting comment made by a PP regarding the Norwegian CM hating Orlando, WDW, etc etc. We were there in February and none of the CM's seemed particularly enthralled. Maybe they were sick of the Anna & Elsa insanity. Either way, I love Norway and hope they can work it all out without become Frozenfied completely.

I had expressed that the CM's were disappointed with the conversion. Someone commented they were silly for being disappointed. (They uses a different word.)

None of the princesses are Norwegian. The only thing they add is traffic that generates money. Which is good for Disney--but doesn't in any way represent a Norwegian experience.

I would personally be okay of they ditched the princesses and put the Frozen characters in there since it would be a closer the in than the German, French and wherever Cinderella is from princesses.


We loved the Norwegian food. But then again, I love experiencing unique things. We have not brought ourselves to the point of going to a non-Norwegian Princess meal in the restaurant formerly known as Akershus. For the money, we will eat at the other Pavilions that have a better attempt at international offerings even if Americanized.

But to question the feelings of the CM's for not liking the transformation is laughable.

 

[surferdave]

Here is something for all the fans of a frozen makeover to think about. Considering how long Disney takes to build anything (mine train) will frozen be so hot a couple of years from now when they'd finally open it? Doubt it.

I think there's every reason to believe it will be as popular as any of Disney's other very popular animated features, like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast (both of which it was compared favorably to before the craze really hit). The only reason to think otherwise is nostalgic bias.

That doesn't mean I'm in favor of the Frozen makeover for Maelstrom, however, mainly because I think Disney should plan for and build new attractions based on Frozen instead.

 

[JMLBrats]

I hope they leave the ride alone. I was so upset when they gave the ride in Mexico the Disney makeover.

I second that! I still get a little annoyed everytime we do the ride in Mexico. It was great just the way it was. And I lOVE the Norway ride. It will be soooo incredibly annoying if they make it a "Frozen" themed ride. I have nothing against Frozen but I agree with the other posters, there is plenty of other places where Disney can capitalize on the film without ruining the integrity of world showcase and what it was originally intended to represent.

 

[AndreaA]

So if you don't understand something, then it must not be right?? I don't get all the fuss over animal kingdom or this frozen thing. I don't remember Disney lavishing millions on the lion king right after it came out. What is there, two attractions for it and they're both shows. Correct me if I am wrong but no rides so really what you find sad others find fun. I find animal kingdom boring while others can spend days and days in it. I am not wrong and they aren't wrong however at least animal kingdom keeps some sort of theme. I don't believe the solution to epcot is to make it magic kingdom 2. Some of us want Disney to do more with it and still keep the theme of the park and to actually keep what they're doing with it steady. I mean they advertise it as more adult then they do something like this??? Okay. Believe me I think they should update the park and put more future stuff in it, with more up to the date tec. I for one always found that interesting but then again I was a geek as a kid and still am. I really want epcot to keep with it's theme and make up it's mind on what direction it wants to take with itself. A more adult/educational park or a fantasy land?? Frozen is out of place in epcot.

Frozen belongs in MGM or magic kindom. Hopefully MGM because that park is going downhill.

Nowhere did I say people are WRONG for liking Epcot. I said I don't UNDERSTAND it. I couldn't possibly care less if Epcot has more rides. I mentioned Disney making it a bit more "Disney-fied" to garner some more interest. I have no desire for it to become MK-lite.

What I am saying is that Epcot in its current state is dated, sad (vacant buildings and half-filled exhibits), and actually not particularly educational because so much of the WS is presenting information that is totally out of date. If you like eating, there are some interesting restaurants. If you like shopping, there are some interesting shops. That is not a theme park, it's a Mall.

I would be happy if Epcot kept it's educational slant, but one way or another it needs updating, and I think pretty much everyone agrees with that.

 

[jco_direwolf]

I am totally checking these out next time. Can't believe I've missed the Rapunzel bathrooms. LOL

Rumor is that Raps Tinkle Tower was going to be Raps m&g location but then FP+/mm+ needed the location for terminals/kiosks so she got the boot.

 

[MarciaBrady]

...they could have Anna and Elsa be the tour guides through the country of Norway. That would please the "Frozen" crowd and keep it real for World Showcase.

I like this idea!

And how about a Frozen attraction in DHS? I think it would fit better there...

 

[Planogirl]

Epcot is in a sorry state and really this just makes it worse IMO. You often see people post that Epcot has a few good rides and a great place in the back to dine and shop. Now they might put a whole made-up land in the middle of an area themed to represent countries? So we can explore the culture of Mexico and Morocco and France and Arendelle?

I like good theming and Disney used to excel in that. I can't see the logic of theming a place of fantasy in an area that is supposedly all about reality. Disney's own cleaned-up, slightly generic version of reality of course but still not fantasy except for little touches here and there.

I feel for the CM's. They have seen their own country's identity slowly stripped away and it looks like it might just completely disappear. What are they representing at that point? I can only imagine the howl of protest we might hear if the situation were reversed.

 

[clsteve]

Epcot is in a sorry state and really this just makes it worse IMO. You often see people post that Epcot has a few good rides and a great place in the back to dine and shop. Now they might put a whole made-up land in the middle of an area themed to represent countries? So we can explore the culture of Mexico and Morocco and France and Arendelle?

I like good theming and Disney used to excel in that. I can't see the logic of theming a place of fantasy in an area that is supposedly all about reality. Disney's own cleaned-up, slightly generic version of reality of course but still not fantasy except for little touches here and there.

I feel for the CM's. They have seen their own country's identity slowly stripped away and it looks like it might just completely disappear. What are they representing at that point? I can only imagine the howl of protest we might hear if the situation were reversed.

Completely Agree.

Norway should just say go for it - just take our name off the Pavilion - "Frozen" doesn't represent our Norwegian culture.

Disney needs to be a little bit careful here. There's a reason WS hasn't gotten a lot of love - it hasn't needed to since they're raking in profits on food and alcohol. In many ways, it's become the de facto Pleasure Island - but better for them. Instead of 20 bucks to get in, it's $150+ and has the built in curfew of Park closing time.

From F&W, to Flower and Garden, to just "Drinking Around the World" - WS brings in a lot of profit with it's adult-like offerings. I mean, what do you change the t-shirts to - "Drink Around the World (plus one fake one)"

 

[larryz]

I think they have to have Norway's permission to do this which is why Disney offered them all of that money. I hope they stick to their guns.

Exactly. Norway™ owns the trademark and copyright on their country name. Imagine if they pulled out of Epcot and refused Disney permission to call the pavilion Norway™?

Could Disney afford a war with Norway? And by "war," I point out that Norway is a sovereign country with an Army, Navy and Air Force...

 

[jco_direwolf]

Exactly. Norway™ owns the trademark and copyright on their country name. Imagine if they pulled out of Epcot and refused Disney permission to call the pavilion Norway™? Could Disney afford a war with Norway? And by "war," I point out that Norway is a sovereign country with an Army, Navy and Air Force...

Can you come up with evidence that they own a trademark (as I recall you can't copyright a single word unless it's made up like Exxon).

I do not think country own trademarks on their name if they did trademark protection would only extend to uses that would lead to market place confusion.

But I'm not a lP Lawyer so I'm not sure but it is how I understand the trademarks and copyrights from the open source world

 

[Disneychick75]

The Norway Pavilion is fine the way it is. It's peaceful and beautiful. Maelstrom teaches a little about the country which is the whole concept of the World Showcase countries.

Will Disney next offer to allow other WS countries the opportunity to spend mega bucks? China builds a Mulan ride, France a Beauty and the Beast ride, Great Britain a Mary Poppins ride, etc.
I agree with those who say it's a short-sighted move on Disney's part.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Exactly. Norway™ owns the trademark and copyright on their country name. Imagine if they pulled out of Epcot and refused Disney permission to call the pavilion Norway™?

Could Disney afford a war with Norway? And by "war," I point out that Norway is a sovereign country with an Army, Navy and Air Force...

Wait---country names are copyrighted AND trademarked?

Per this park map, I don't see a "TM" indication. By any country. http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/maps/WDW_Epcot.jpg

 

[jco_direwolf]

Wait---country names are copyrighted AND trademarked?

Per this park map, I don't see a "TM" indication. By any country. http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/maps/WDW_Epcot.jpg

Based on what I know, and I found this from Last March

http://www.twnside.org.sg/title2/intellectual_property/info.service/2014/ip140308.htm

It seems that Jamaica has proposed that it be allowed, but the US, NORWAY, and South Africa did not support the proposal. It seems it's just a proposal.

The United States said that the Jamaican proposal was based on the premise that governments were "brand owners". It added that this premise would require fundamental changes in the intellectual property (IP) system whereby governments would be required to take on private IP rights.

I don't think Norway owns a Trademark (which is what it would have to be) or a Copyright (which generally doesn't cover titles, names, or single words.)

LarryZ can you provide some clarification or documentation to your statement?

 

[Planogirl]

Trademark or not, Disney would be pretty nasty if they used the Norway name over Norway's objections.