POLL: Maelstrom or Frozen?

[kjetjl]

My kids, my husband and I used to LOVE Norway. The big wooden ship that the kids could play on, the restaurant that had real Norwegian food and atmosphere and Maelstrom. It was our favorite country in Epcot.

I tried to be optimistic when the restaurant turned into a Disney princess meal. And we tried it once. Once.

My kids were so disappointed when they blocked off the ship and if I recall correctly, it is gone now.

But we hung on to our love of Norway because of Maelstrom. I am sad to hear it is going. I would really like to see a Frozen ride but not by losing Maelstrom.

 

[momto3boysillbe]

This is an excerpt from a post that I made over on Rumors & News, but it pretty well sums up my feelings on this whole mess: "Maelstrom is popular in its current configuration, and as many on both sides of this argument have pointed out within this very thread, it usually has a long wait time. This begs quite the obvious question - "Why change what isn't broken?". On the flip side, the entire Imagination pavilion is always a "walk-on". The Wonders of Life pavilion is on life support. The only thing "innovative" about either of the Innovations pavilions is the light-up fiber-optic concrete walkways found before you even enter the building. EPCOT is losing gallons of blood per hour from each of these atrocities, yet management is keen on "fixing" a popular attraction that isn't "broken" in order to make a quick buck on the financial tidal wave that is "Frozen". This ride has no place in World Showcase, period. For those in favor of something new, that's great, and I truly do understand that desire. But when these types of conversations come up, I usually revert back to this quote: "Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland...the blessing of size. There's enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine." I guess that's out the window, along with almost all of the other principles that he stood for...

this is how I feel as well. With all of the places to put a frozen themed ride, why in place of a ride that still has long waits!?! The whole wonders of life pavilion could be transformed into arendale. I just don't understand. Some of my favorite memories in Epcot are my boys with their swords and sheilds from the gift shop outside of the Norway pavilion right after we rode maelstrom. They still use them! I can't believe Epcot is going this direction in world showcase.

 

[nan214]

I chose Frozen, only because I think Malestrom is outdated. If "other" was a choice I would have picked that. I don't love the idea of Frozen being in the World at all. I would love to see something else there.

 

[Beka]

I'm over the whole Frozen thing. They need to focus their attention on all of the empty buildings in Future World, Universe of Energy, and (dare I say) Mission Space (does anyone ride that anymore? I hated it!) Last time I was there I also remember there being a lot of empty space in Innoventions. DH said "Ya know, if you think about it, there's really not a lot to do in EPCOT." I think he's right, unless all you want to do is eat and shop.

 

[magicbob]

I would've chosen "other." Do both. Lots of attraction space in EP to put Frozen stuff.

^ THIS.

They could refurb Maelstrom to "improve" it (and still maintain the integrity of the ride being about Norway) and ADD the Frozen ride, thus increasing the number of attractions at EPCOT, which is desperately needed. They could even be creative and have the Frozen queue begin at the Norway pavilion but discreetly route passengers to other real estate (such as how the actual Soarin' ride is really behind the Imagination and Canada pavilions and not inside the Land).

 

[robinb]

I picked Frozen. Maelstrom has needed a facelift for a very long time.

 

[PoohsFan1]

I'm over the whole Frozen thing. They need to focus their attention on all of the empty buildings in Future World, Universe of Energy, and (dare I say) Mission Space (does anyone ride that anymore? I hated it!) Last time I was there I also remember there being a lot of empty space in Innoventions. DH said "Ya know, if you think about it, there's really not a lot to do in EPCOT." I think he's right, unless all you want to do is eat and shop.

I hate to say it but I agree with your DH. Epcot is a great park (love WS), but when it comes to FW there are only a couple rides that my family really likes (i.e. Soarin, TT, Spaceship Earth). In April I am taking DD13 and DD11 for a girls only trip. When I was trying to figure out which days to do what, DH said I should just get Epcot done and over with and go on our arrival day because our kids like only a few rides in FW and could take or leave WS. The only saving grace I have with that park, and when we go, is Flower and Garden Festival will be in full swing (my favorite time of year in Epcot), if it wasn't for that I would seriously consider not going at all which I have never suggested doing before in all my years of going to Disney. I really wish Disney would get on the ball and revamp a park that has so much potential and (like you said) a park that has so many empty buildings in it.

 

[carolnog]

I have to say Frozen - I really like its songs (though I understand some of you might be tired of them) and the characters.

Let's face it, Maelstrom was in much need of refurbishment. Of course, I tend to cling to the same rides I used to go as a child, there's nice feeling to it.
But, still, the anticipation of a new ride beats it, not to mention Disney rarely disappoints (and by saying that I ignore the idea of an Avatar land).

 

[Princess_Nikki]

I have two boys (11 and 16). Never saw Frozen. Maelstrom was great for boys-Vikings, trolls, darkness! I'm sad to see it go. It's time for some boy-themed rides (and buffets). Some of us love WDW but only have boys.

Agreed! I would LOVE to see a boy themed character buffett!!!

Even though my boys are prime current target age at 5 and 7, they both prefer the Disney movies of days' past, like Sword in the Stone, Lion King, Aladdin, Fox & the Hound, and Duck Tales. Even though these movies are not current hits, they were still hits, and my kids cannot understand why there is nearly zero presence of them at the parks. This visit around they finally discovered the Sword in the Stone by the Carrousel and were delighted! They have mentioned many a time why there are so many Princesses around and where is everyone else?

They do enjoy Mickey and the Gang, and pirates, but I do wish for revamps on Epcot and DHS.

I voted Maelstrom, even though I think that ride in general could use a refurbishment. Not sure how the Frozen addition will affect it, with no concept art or anything to see yet. My kids like Frozen enough, but it's not a movie favorite here. Probably like most boys, they think the reindeer and Olaf are the best parts of the movie.

 

[Princess_Nikki]

I hate to say it but I agree with your DH. Epcot is a great park (love WS), but when it comes to FW there are only a couple rides that my family really likes (i.e. Soarin, TT, Spaceship Earth). In April I am taking DD13 and DD11 for a girls only trip. When I was trying to figure out which days to do what, DH said I should just get Epcot done and over with and go on our arrival day because our kids like only a few rides in FW and could take or leave WS. The only saving grace I have with that park, and when we go, is Flower and Garden Festival will be in full swing (my favorite time of year in Epcot), if it wasn't for that I would seriously consider not going at all which I have never suggested doing before in all my years of going to Disney. I really wish Disney would get on the ball and revamp a park that has so much potential and (like you said) a park that has so many empty buildings in it.

Understand! We skipped Epcot this trip around. Our boys love Duffy, so we went there to see him last time, and the boys really only were interested in the Nemo/Crush rides. This time, we just didn't bother. We did MNSSHP and spent most of our time at MK, our resort pool, and Disney Quest. We did DHS one day. Epcot does have so much potential, but does need something more!!

 

[clsteve]

I would've chosen "other." Do both. Lots of attraction space in EP to put Frozen stuff.

^ THIS.

They could refurb Maelstrom to "improve" it (and still maintain the integrity of the ride being about Norway) and ADD the Frozen ride, thus increasing the number of attractions at EPCOT, which is desperately needed. They could even be creative and have the Frozen queue begin at the Norway pavilion but discreetly route passengers to other real estate (such as how the actual Soarin' ride is really behind the Canada pavilion and not inside the Land).

Yes, this is what I really don't get. The pro- Frozen crowd should be furious. They're being short-changed. Frozen is more than popular enough to deserve it's own unique investment - like what is happening overseas.

Take the Norway argument out of it - Disney's taking the easy route and refurbing an old boat ride technology. No cutting edge technology, no net gain in rides/ride capacity and placing it in WS where it's segregated from the other Fantasy themes in MK or the great opportunity to tie it in to the movie themed DHS.

Objectively, is that a win/win for any group of guests....?

 

[kong0113]

Maelstrom all the way. This is a blow to the integrity of the World Showcase and Norway. What's next? a roller coaster in every country? So many other places to put a Frozen attraction. As a movie, WDW could justify putting it in HS, i.e. where the idol experience is or some of the other wasted space at HS. You could also justify putting it in MK, where it would fit well with the princess theme. So dissappointed with the greed surronding Frozen, which is vastly overrated in my opinion.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I'm over the whole Frozen thing. They need to focus their attention on all of the empty buildings in Future World, Universe of Energy, and (dare I say) Mission Space (does anyone ride that anymore? I hated it!) Last time I was there I also remember there being a lot of empty space in Innoventions. DH said "Ya know, if you think about it, there's really not a lot to do in EPCOT." I think he's right, unless all you want to do is eat and shop.

My husband has a PhD in mechanical engineering. He loves physics, thermo dynamics, fluid mechanics, chemistry, and all that stuff. Epcot, back in the day, was his favorite park. He and I have been talking and he said that it really isn't anymore. He just doesn't care for Future World. He thinks that it is a shrine to missed potential. He said that he thinks its really sad that a person with his background and personality is bored in a place called Future World that is supposed to be about the math, science, and technology of the future. Sadly, I agree. And there is just so much that they could do to fix that.

 

[Eastern]

I'm going to miss original Maelstrom.

A lot.

 

[Princesca]

I keep thinking how sad it is that Disney doesn't own the rights to How To Train Your Dragon. That would be a great attraction for all kids, but would especially reach out to boys, with the whole Viking aspect, and the lead male character. And personally, if I had a daughter, I love to see her looking up to Ingrid.

That said, I still wouldn't put it in Norway, unless it was just an overlay and kept the darker, Norwegian exposure aspects.

 

[grimley1968]

Another vote for "Other" or "Both". Disney has apparently made up their collective mind and are doing it no matter what people feel about it, but I think they're making a big mistake going for one at the expense of the other, while plenty of currently unused space and buildings sit all over WDW.

 

[laurapitcher]

I love Maelstrom for sentimental reasons, attached to riding it when I was a kid. But I still vote for Frozen. Frozen has brought Disney more revenue than any movie has in a long time, and I believe that Disney is going to bring the same kind of meticulous, attention to detail that they did to Cars land to this ride. I think it will be nothing short of excellent.

As much as I love Maelstrom, its not a technically good ride, just a ride that holds sentimental value to many of us. What makes Disney World great is the fact that it continues changing and growing.

 

[magicbob]

Saw this quote in an article about the upcoming Frozen ride. The quote appears to be by the author and not necessarily a named source, so take it with a grain of salt. But it does seem to bear out our fears that they are going to do this "on the cheap."

Here's the quote: "Mind you, WDI plans on leaving Maelstrom's boat-and-trough ride system in place. Which is what will then allow Walt Disney World to get its Frozen-inspired attraction (which will make use of dimensional sets, animatronic figures and film footage to recreate memorable scenes and characters from that Chris Buck/Jennifer Lee film) open by late 2015/early 2016."

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I love Maelstrom for sentimental reasons, attached to riding it when I was a kid. But I still vote for Frozen. Frozen has brought Disney more revenue than any movie has in a long time, and I believe that Disney is going to bring the same kind of meticulous, attention to detail that they did to Cars land to this ride. I think it will be nothing short of excellent.

As much as I love Maelstrom, its not a technically good ride, just a ride that holds sentimental value to many of us. What makes Disney World great is the fact that it continues changing and growing.

I seriously doubt they're going to do much if anything technically different with the boat ride in the change. That's why they should build new. I'm guessing just the theme and hopefully some change to the queue because it will otherwise be a nightmare spilling out into the small courtyard area.

 

[TheLittleKatie]

I really hoped they'd integrate Frozen into Maelstrom somehow, Maelstrom is nostalgic to many of us, but IMO it just isn't a good attraction.

If they can make the new Frozen attraction AWESOME and keep it even slightly related to the Norwegian culture then I think it will be a great investment.

If it's quickly (or slowly, knowing Disney ) and poorly thrown together then I'd be disappointed to see Maelstrom go.