Say Good Bye to Maelstrom....A 'Frozen' Ride is Definite

[Spacedog1975]

I do remember Roger Rabbit, quite fondly. I'd love to see a new attraction or new shorts.

 

[Andrew015]

I can count on one hand how many times I have been on that ride. I've never liked it, never will. I cannot understand why there is always a HUGE line for it. Anything they do would be an improvement. Not sure I would go with the Frozen thing though. I'm torn on that as well.

If there's always a HUGE line for it (your words), perhaps your opinion falls within the minority?

Regardless of the answer to that question, it's a sad day when Disney's top brass decides that it is far better to nix a popular ride with solid demand such as Maelstrom, and in turn, will put in its place a ride that doesn't fit the designated area nor the intended purpose of that given area nearly as well, but will gladly let an entire pavilion such as Wonder's of Life rot empty. Or rather than rushing to fix the mistake that is currently Journey into Imagination, which I believe we can all agree is a total disaster with little to no demand, they rush out like chickens with their heads cut off to capitalize on "Frozen".

Again, I get the desire to "strike while the iron is hot". What I question is the strategy (or lack thereof). How these decisions are being arrived at boggles my mind. Surely, it's all about perceived return on minimal investment. This has been Disney's rally cry for far too long, and eventually, it's going to kill the golden goose. There's going to be a point in time where Disney is going to have to not only reach into its pockets, but also task its Imagineers with delivering something truly innovative as they have once done so many times (but unfortunately, oh so many years ago)...

 

[Planogirl]

If there's always a HUGE line for it (your words), perhaps your opinion falls within the minority?

Regardless of the answer to that question, it's a sad day when Disney's top brass decides that it is far better to nix a popular ride with solid demand such as Maelstrom, and in turn, will put in its place a ride that doesn't fit the designated area nor the intended purpose of that given area nearly as well, but will gladly let an entire pavilion such as Wonder's of Life rot empty. Or rather than rushing to fix the mistake that is currently Journey into Imagination, which I believe we can all agree is a total disaster with little to no demand, they rush out like chickens with their heads cut off to capitalize on "Frozen".

Again, I get the desire to "strike while the iron is hot". What I question is the strategy (or lack thereof). How these decisions are being arrived at boggles my mind. Surely, it's all about perceived return on minimal investment. This has been Disney's rally cry for far too long, and eventually, it's going to kill the golden goose. There's going to be a point in time where Disney is going to have to not only reach into its pockets, but also task its Imagineers with delivering something truly innovative as they have once done so many times (but unfortunately, oh so many years ago)...

Great post. There is so much wrong with Epcot that it seems bizarre to fix what really isn't broke.

 

[jcnewton]

Are we going to have to worry about part of Japan turning into San Fransokyo if Big Hero 6 is a giant hit?

 

[Tim999ghosts]

After tonight's special I have hope nothing is changing - we will see?

 

[stemikger]

Damn, I love Malestrom.

 

[skier_pete]

BTW - was going through old threads and came across other "Definite" changes over the last couple years.

its official... world of color is replacing illuminations

It is official afterall. Star Wars Land and Cars Land at DHS!

I also saw one but deleted the link - "Avatarland delayed indifiinitely"

Just more evidence to say: don't believe it's going to happen until there's an announcement from Disney.

And not sure if those are aware, but FP+ is now booking for Maelstrom past September 27th, but only extended by a few days so far - i think October 1st is the latest date posted.

 

[Wdwvacationdad]

BTW - was going through old threads and came across other "Definite" changes over the last couple years. its official... world of color is replacing illuminations It is official afterall. Star Wars Land and Cars Land at DHS! I also saw one but deleted the link - "Avatarland delayed indifiinitely" Just more evidence to say: don't believe it's going to happen until there's an announcement from Disney. And not sure if those are aware, but FP+ is now booking for Maelstrom past September 27th, but only extended by a few days so far - i think October 1st is the latest date posted.

Thanks for the reminder! There's been so much panic over this ride!

FYI, I have a FP for 10/2... Hoping for the last ride before it's ruined forever and Epcot crumbles.

 

[disneygeek87]

ARRRGGGHHHH - If this is true- well - I have a number of less than acceptable names and phrases to say!!!! Stupid stupid Frozen!!!!! As I said before, lets just put a Magic carpet ride in Morroco. Turn France into Belle's village? Give China a Mulan make-over with an "escape from the Huns" ride? Does than sound acceptable for a park that needs so MUCH love for the "future" sections?

Haha, I'd say if you've thought this through a couple of times before. I understand that Frozen is a huge money-maker now and will probably be considered a classic movie for the company. It is sad, though, to think that something so character-oriented could be replacing a pavilion meant to explore the history and lore of Norway, not an animated film that just happens to be located there.

 

[Andrew015]

Haha, I'd say if you've thought this through a couple of times before. I understand that Frozen is a huge money-maker now and will probably be considered a classic movie for the company. It is sad, though, to think that something so character-oriented could be replacing a pavilion meant to explore the history and lore of Norway, not an animated film that just happens to be located there.

X1000

 

[wilkeliza]

I spoke with my friends who work in the area (I sadly no longer do but am still close with the WSC) they basically said Disney went from all but confirming it to CMs to now saying something is happening but we can't talk about what yet. Same thing for DHS something is happening but no confirmation as to what.

 

[Planogirl]

I spoke with my friends who work in the area (I sadly no longer do but am still close with the WSC) they basically said Disney went from all but confirming it to CMs to now saying something is happening but we can't talk about what yet. Same thing for DHS something is happening but no confirmation as to what.

I wonder what all of the mystery is about? October isn't all that far away so why not go ahead and announce that a refurbishment is happening? They don't have to go into detail.

 

[Amanda Esmeralda]

I understand a lot of people are upset about the intrusion of characters into popular rides. Personally, I don't mind the addition of the Frozen characters but wouldn't care if they didn't do it either. The one question I have, however, is where are the sponsors of these pavilions? If they don't like the additions, isn't it on them to sponsor something that people actually want to go to? Disney already "Disney-fied" the restaurant, and it hasn't updated Maelstrom at all.

Or is this not a thing anymore? Do the pavilions no longer have sponsors in the home countries?

 

[skier_pete]

I understand a lot of people are upset about the intrusion of characters into popular rides. Personally, I don't mind the addition of the Frozen characters but wouldn't care if they didn't do it either. The one question I have, however, is where are the sponsors of these pavilions? If they don't like the additions, isn't it on them to sponsor something that people actually want to go to? Disney already "Disney-fied" the restaurant, and it hasn't updated Maelstrom at all.

Or is this not a thing anymore? Do the pavilions no longer have sponsors in the home countries?

From what's being said, Norway lost its sponsors years ago.This I guess is common within Epcot. Supposedly Disney offered Norway a chance to come up with some sponsors, but they couldn't or wouldn't. Without the sponsors, then Disney would switch it to Frozen. (this is all rumor mind you)

 

[jcnewton]

I wonder what all of the mystery is about? October isn't all that far away so why not go ahead and announce that a refurbishment is happening? They don't have to go into detail.

Seems to be the way companies do things now. Their big "secret" isn't really a secret, but it's not "official" until their big reveal. Just like how everyone on earth knows a new iPhone is coming next Tuesday.

 

[keahgirl8]

Seems to be the way companies do things now. Their big "secret" isn't really a secret, but it's not "official" until their big reveal. Just like how everyone on earth knows a new iPhone is coming next Tuesday.

OT, but an example would be the 5K and Kids Races at Princess Half weekend. They are supposed to be Frozen themed. Even though some sort of announcement was made at a press event, there has been no official announcement and nothing on the runDisney site. It just happens, and I'm not sure why.

 

[Planogirl]

Seems to be the way companies do things now. Their big "secret" isn't really a secret, but it's not "official" until their big reveal. Just like how everyone on earth knows a new iPhone is coming next Tuesday.

And yet at other times, they announce closures and refurbishments early. This one seems strange because Epcot has little to do in that area anyway (unless you like to eat and shop a lot) so why be so mysterious?

I wrote a letter to them and their answer was that nothing was announced yet. No kidding!

 

[SmithSmith]

I thought Fast Pass wasn't available for Maelstrom after Sept 27th? I just made one for the 30th. When did this change?

 

[SmithSmith]

Never mind, I found my answer on another thread.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I don't understand why people are so upset about the ride becoming Frozen Themed. It is a ride in Norway so why not tie in to a hugely popular film. If it didn't have a ride and changing the whole country to be Frozen, would be a reason to complain but come on people it is an outdated ride. Families will love a new experience and still enjoy the world showcase without thinking it has been tainted! The characters related to the other countries do meet and greet so should we stop that as well, I think it is silly to be so worried about an attraction! I will enjoy what ever is there.