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

[Yellowstonetim]

I'm holding out hope that you are right, but I don't believe it is such a ridiculously hard rumor to believe. FP+ availability is gone from MDE in a few short weeks, countless CM reports and rumors from rather credible sources all point to it as being more than just a possibility. Certainly, we know from past experience not to "bet the farm" on anything until we see it with our own two eyes, but I think there's a greater chance of Maelstrom getting a Frozen makeover than not, sad to say...

I don't believe the original poster blindly. In fact I was one of the ones that warned against the "definite" of the post..

BUT...

...the evidence is in the favor of the poster. They stopped handing out FP+ for a long time after September27th, which happened to coincide with the start of the fiscal year. Now just recently they opened it up...for ONE additional week. This is not what you would expect them to do if the ride was staying open. Why close FP+? And especially why add one more week?

As an engineer I can tell you why you typically would add the one week. The planning process is underway, and as you start to approach the beginning of construction, you realize you are not quite ready to start. So you ask your boss if you can keep the unit operating another week while all the parts come in or the design specs are approved, or whatever. In this case that means they can keep the ride operating an extra week. So less than four weeks ahead of the date, they open up another week of FP+.

I'm not saying it's certain, but it's also not ridiculous to think that it is.

There is no doubt that something is happening with Maelstrom, but there is no solid information that it is being dismantled for a new Frozen ride. It is very likely that Maelstrom will get some sort of rehab, either simple, or maybe extensive. And maybe it will include a few Frozen elements.

But the idea that CM's have confirmed a complete renovation into a Frozen ride is not reasonable and not in the current management style.

Not to mention that a number of absolutely confirmed, for sure, every CM has heard about it, rumors have turned out to be nothing.

I'm pulling for a redesign that would make Maelstrom fresh, it is very dated, and then add a few unique twists and some subtle but clear Frozen references. Anna and Elsa talking about the beauty of Norway would be great. But I have no doubt the ride will always be a travelogue about Norway.

 

[Planogirl]

There is no doubt that something is happening with Maelstrom, but there is no solid information that it is being dismantled for a new Frozen ride. It is very likely that Maelstrom will get some sort of rehab, either simple, or maybe extensive. And maybe it will include a few Frozen elements.

But the idea that CM's have confirmed a complete renovation into a Frozen ride is not reasonable and not in the current management style.

Not to mention that a number of absolutely confirmed, for sure, every CM has heard about it, rumors have turned out to be nothing.

I'm pulling for a redesign that would make Maelstrom fresh, it is very dated, and then add a few unique twists and some subtle but clear Frozen references. Anna and Elsa talking about the beauty of Norway would be great. But I have no doubt the ride will always be a travelogue about Norway.

If you and a few others turn out to right, I'll jump for joy.

 

[skier_pete]

I'm pulling for a redesign that would make Maelstrom fresh, it is very dated, and then add a few unique twists and some subtle but clear Frozen references. Anna and Elsa talking about the beauty of Norway would be great. But I have no doubt the ride will always be a travelogue about Norway.

I agree that this is by far the most likely scenario.

 

[Esky]

Isn't it the case that countries involved have some say in what happens? I mean, they pay for inclusion in the world showcase? This is why the countries are the ones they are, those countries are willing to spend a portion of their annual national tourism crowd pulling budget on renting and upkeeping a section of TWS?

I don't know how it works, maybe Norway don't want to spend as much anymore, or maybe Maelstrom needs overhauling (we enjoyed it)

I like The world showcase. I know I am getting a disneyfied version of each one, but, that's kind of self evident when you spend your vacation budget on going to Disney World. If you wanted to see it for real, the same budget would take you pretty far...

I kind of like getting a small look at some different things that can introduce my kids to the possibility of other cultures (it's easier for us as we can happily laugh at the UK section and know it is not quite real) but, wandering around with cocktail in hand, in the sun...

 

[ValarDisneyus]

Almost off topic, but I thought I'd post real quick to say that I JUST put together how the Norwegian troll mythology explains the presence of trolls in Arrendale.


Yep; it took me that long. Never mind me, back to my corner now!

 

[wilkeliza]

Isn't it the case that countries involved have some say in what happens? I mean, they pay for inclusion in the world showcase? This is why the countries are the ones they are, those countries are willing to spend a portion of their annual national tourism crowd pulling budget on renting and upkeeping a section of TWS?

I don't know how it works, maybe Norway don't want to spend as much anymore, or maybe Maelstrom needs overhauling (we enjoyed it)

I like The world showcase. I know I am getting a disneyfied version of each one, but, that's kind of self evident when you spend your vacation budget on going to Disney World. If you wanted to see it for real, the same budget would take you pretty far...

I kind of like getting a small look at some different things that can introduce my kids to the possibility of other cultures (it's easier for us as we can happily laugh at the UK section and know it is not quite real) but, wandering around with cocktail in hand, in the sun...

Most countries haven't paid since the original contracts were up.

 

[Esky]

Ah, OK, I didn't know that.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Most countries haven't paid since the original contracts were up.

Correct...
Which coincidentally coincides with EPCOT falling Into somewhat neglect as Disney grew distasteful of the size and volume of bills.

I blame the Internet...long theory I've floated here before... Won't bore anyone with it.

 

[Reddog1134]

Most countries haven't paid since the original contracts were up.

And in most cases, it was corporations from those countries that contributed to the pavilions. Not the governments.

 

[Planogirl]

Is it true that only Morocco stays involved now?

 

[JoWiJo]

There is no doubt that something is happening with Maelstrom, but there is no solid information that it is being dismantled for a new Frozen ride. It is very likely that Maelstrom will get some sort of rehab, either simple, or maybe extensive. And maybe it will include a few Frozen elements.

But the idea that CM's have confirmed a complete renovation into a Frozen ride is not reasonable and not in the current management style.

Not to mention that a number of absolutely confirmed, for sure, every CM has heard about it, rumors have turned out to be nothing.

I'm pulling for a redesign that would make Maelstrom fresh, it is very dated, and then add a few unique twists and some subtle but clear Frozen references. Anna and Elsa talking about the beauty of Norway would be great. But I have no doubt the ride will always be a travelogue about Norway.

I've remained silent on this issue, but I fear that those of us who want Maelstrom to remain the same and NOT get a Frozen makeover are going to be told by Disney to "Let it go."

A couple of days before you made this post I had a similar thought to the part I quoted in boldface. If the ride remained mostly the same, but was narrated by the characters from Frozen, and maybe a few of their animatronics it thrown into the mix (still as narrators), I think I could handle that.

 

[pumpkinpatchquilter]

I dunno - I didn't read all of the pages of this very long thread, but I guess I'm in the minority as someone who would love to see the Frozen change. I think it sounds awesome. I'm always bummed to see a ride go, but I think change is good. Part of why we like to continue to come back is because it's always changing.

 

[MaxsDad]

I dunno - I didn't read all of the pages of this very long thread, but I guess I'm in the minority as someone who would love to see the Frozen change. I think it sounds awesome. I'm always bummed to see a ride go, but I think change is good. Part of why we like to continue to come back is because it's always changing.

I think most people are ok with change for a dated ride. the issue is that by introducing frozen they risk losing some of the culture that makes epcot special.



Posted from Disboards.com App for Android

 

[wilkeliza]

Well it is official. Disney parks blog just announced it.

 

[skier_pete]

I dunno - I didn't read all of the pages of this very long thread, but I guess I'm in the minority as someone who would love to see the Frozen change. I think it sounds awesome. I'm always bummed to see a ride go, but I think change is good. Part of why we like to continue to come back is because it's always changing.

I don't think you are in the overall minority, though maybe the minority on the thread - typically people with stronger opinions post more, and it's going to be the folks that don't want Anna & Elsa to mess with their ride that are going to sound off the loudest.

To me though, these three sentiments seem fairly equal:

"Change it, Frozen, love the idea!"
"I guess it's OK if not too intrusive."
"NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!"

Maybe someone should post a poll and see where the board stands.

 

[MyDisneyGlassSlipper]

We all knew it was coming...Disney just officially announced that the Maelstrom is going to be a Frozen attraction.

 

[rteetz]

We all knew it was coming...Disney just officially announced that the Maelstrom is going to be a Frozen attraction.

Yep and a new meet and greet in Norway. As well as characters in the Christmas parade, Elsa running the Christmas show and turning Cinderella castle into a ice palace, and an extension of certain events with frozen summer fun...

WDW should just be called arendale already they just need some frozen in AK now.

 

[wilkeliza]

Yep and a new meet and greet in Norway. As well as characters in the Christmas parade, Elsa running the Christmas show and turning Cinderella castle into a ice palace, and an extension of certain events with frozen summer fun...

WDW should just be called arendale already they just need some frozen in AK now.

I don't see any of those as bad things. Yes it is a lot of Frozen but at least it is new stuff.

I for one am excited for a new castle turning on show and what I imagine will also be new fireworks. When you see the same thing 2 year straight it makes it hard to want to buy tickets for year 3. Now I'll gladly pay to see the change.

 

[skier_pete]

Hey - the title of this thread is finally accurate!!!

Looks also from Tom Staggs description that it is NOT a light overlay, it's a full blown "Frozen" ride:

The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film.The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these “Frozen” elements are great compliments to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film.

So, those of you that *hate* this idea, will you put your money where your mouth is and stop going to Disney World?

 

[umichigan10]

Hey - the title of this thread is finally accurate!!!

Looks also from Tom Staggs description that it is NOT a light overlay, it's a full blown "Frozen" ride:

So, those of you that *hate* this idea, will you put your money where your mouth is and stop going to Disney World?

Well I definitely won't be visiting the Norway pavilion anymore