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

[skier_pete]

They will extend the line past Mexico and allow access to Norway starting a park open... Rest assured.
Remember the restaurant already operates prior to "opening" as is...this changes not much of anything.

Good point - they certainly could open the ride prior to the rest of WS being open anyways. And you are correct in that they most certainly will.

 

[ThroughLookingGlass]

I meannnnn if they update it and add a little frozen here and there then whatever but to change Norway to fit a movie is stupid. If they do that then they have to do it for ALL of the countries. I don't understand why Disney is being so Frozen crazy? It's not THAT good. A lot of their movies have made it to the oscar's and didn't have this much of a dramatic effect on the parks.

 

[wendyt_ca]

Okay, I'll say it. I like the idea. I don't mean to be contrarian; but, I think a little bit of "Frozen" is exactly what the World Showcase needs. I always hate to see any attraction removed; but, I have to agree with another poster in that the ride just seemed confusing and horribly dated. Epcot as a whole is in desperate need of another Tier 1 attraction. Yes, Epcot and the World Showcase are more adult oriented to begin with; but, it is still Disney. Smaller kids, particularly girls can get bored with Epcot relatively quickly. I have no doubt the Imagineers can tastefully blend a Frozen ride into the rest of the Norway pavilion and breath a little fresh air into a stale area. My guess is some people just need to work on their suspension of disbelief a little bit. The pavilions have always been Disneyfied versions of the countries they represent, not scale replicas of the country. I don't see a talking snowman and a princess or two ruining the Norwegian feel of the pavilion. Quality wise, as long as the ride is re-done along the same lines as SDMR and they don't just slap on some fresh paint and TV screens I think a Frozen ride will be a huge addition by subtraction.

I actually agree as well... I have been on Malstrom once in all of my 10 trips to Disney and I won't be going on it this upcoming one either because it is so dated and just does not interest me. I love the idea of a Frozen ride!!! I am a bit addicted to the movie so I am loving everything being done for it in the parks and actually wish there was more of it! I think it would be a much needed upgrade to Epcot.

 

[ParrotBill]

I meannnnn if they update it and add a little frozen here and there then whatever but to change Norway to fit a movie is stupid. If they do that then they have to do it for ALL of the countries. I don't understand why Disney is being so Frozen crazy? It's not THAT good. A lot of their movies have made it to the oscar's and didn't have this much of a dramatic effect on the parks.

When you look at Disney's movie history, ask which ones have "legs" and keep drawing in every generation of little girls and boys... Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Lion King, Toy Story..... and now Frozen.

Never has there been such demand for merchandise and events themed to a movie. Disney is betting on continued high interest. For every person that says "meh" about Frozen there are 10 who are raving lunatics and can't get enough. Including those Marines in that Youtube video.

 

[keahgirl8]

When you look at Disney's movie history, ask which ones have "legs" and keep drawing in every generation of little girls and boys... Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Lion King, Toy Story..... and now Frozen. Never has there been such demand for merchandise and events themed to a movie. Disney is betting on continued high interest. For every person that says "meh" about Frozen there are 10 who are raving lunatics and can't get enough. Including those Marines in that Youtube video.

I would say I am somewhere in the middle. I love Frozen. I'm still not sick of it, but I'm not a lunatic about it ether!

 

[wallrock]

When you look at Disney's movie history, ask which ones have "legs" and keep drawing in every generation of little girls and boys... Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Lion King, Toy Story..... and now Frozen.

Never has there been such demand for merchandise and events themed to a movie. Disney is betting on continued high interest. For every person that says "meh" about Frozen there are 10 who are raving lunatics and can't get enough. Including those Marines in that Youtube video.

Sleeping Beauty – made 55 years ago
Cinderella – made 64 years ago
The Lion King – made 20 years ago
Toy Story (the first) – made 19 years ago
Frozen - came out 9 months ago

You can’t honestly compare the staying power of Frozen with these other films. Yes Disney is milking it for all its worth, but we'll have to see if the world is still going bananas with Frozen in five years. If so, then maybe, just maybe, one can begin to go down the road of staying power. Until then it's just the flavor of the month.

 

[peel]

On that note, my best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.

Thank you, Simone.

No problem whatsoever.

I'm a week late, but this had me in hysterics!

Well played, people.

 

[Andrew015]

1. Norway is too small
2. Some say that the ride or even Norway will be completely taken over by Frozen and Arendelle is not a nation, Disney version or not
3. The restaurants and stavekerk museum have already been princessified
4. WDW was not just created for little girls

It's kind of fun to make a list even though the same things keep being said on both sides of the discussion.

One more comment, I don't see what's so confusing about Maelstrom. It simply shows off some actual Norwegian culture which seems pretty simple. I can't argue that it could use refurbishment though.

 

[KenDoll]

Not sure if this was mentioned in this post or not but thought i'd share the inbformation i learned from my last trip to Norway Pavillion. While I love Mealstrom and I think it is great the way it is, and for the record i am all for Frozen getting rides, character dining, 3-d shows, I think WS is not the place for it.

On the other hand nothing in the Norway pavillion is actually theirs, besides the clothing in the very back of the gift shop and the ride. The other things are actually from Danish and Turkish culture. This was according to the cast members working there, apparently to export things from Norway its too expensive so the items for purchase are all from Turkey and the food and drink is mainly from Denmark. So the reason I brought that up is because everyone is getting upset that Frozen is not set in Norway, well more than half their pavaillion isnt from Norway as well, so it is not exactly ruining the culture it is just changing it a bit. Just thought it would be interesting to share!!

 

[Tonopah]

Doesn't bother me a bit if they renovate Maelstrom, but it does bother me if they make it about "Frozen". If you want a Frozen attraction build one someplace else. EPCOT was never supposed to be "Magic Kingdom II". It was supposed to be an educational place to explore the world and new ways of doing things. Bored at EPCOT? Don't go. I think it's a huge generalization to say little girls are bored at EPCOT. Little girls can like science and geography and history. I happen to know girls who prefer EPCOT to MK. It turns out, pink and princess does not describe every little girl at Disney. Just my .02.

 

[Andrew015]

Okay, I'll say it. I like the idea. I don't mean to be contrarian; but, I think a little bit of "Frozen" is exactly what the World Showcase needs. Epcot as a whole is in desperate need of another Tier 1 attraction. Yes, Epcot and the World Showcase are more adult oriented to begin with; but, it is still Disney.

I understand Disney's desire to capitalize on Frozen's undeniable popularity, but I am firmly against making the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase its epicenter. There is absolutely zero correlation between the movie Frozen and the intended purpose of the World Showcase pavilion, sans the fact that the movie's scenery is based on Norway's countryside. That to me is not a sufficient enough reason for plunking it there. It is largely understood that Disney's interpretation of Cinderella (one of their most popular animated movies of all time) is based in France. Snow White... Germany. Mulan... China. Why stop at Norway... Let's just blow up World Showcase as we know it and turn it into New Fantasyland-2. Lord knows the MK version is rather unimpressive... maybe they'll get it right in EPCOT. (that's my effort at a little sarcasm)

I have to agree with another poster in that the ride just seemed confusing and horribly dated.

I'm not sure what's so confusing about the ride? It takes you through time, from the days of the Vikings up to present-day Norway, much like Spaceship Earth takes you from our start as woolly-mammoth hunting Neanderthals to modern-day astronauts. Sure, the trolls aren't factual, but are definitely a part of Norwegian folklore. I won't argue the fact that the ride feels a little dated (OK, maybe that's an understatement).

I always hate to see any attraction removed. Epcot as a whole is in desperate need of another Tier 1 attraction.

World Showcase is not, nor has ever been the problem in EPCOT. Future World, on the other hand, is abysmal. The Imagination pavilion has about as much demand as an ejection seat on a helicopter. Universe of Energy / Wonders of Life pavilions are totally stagnant. The only two draws within all of Future World are TT and Soarin', and that, my friend, is the problem within EPCOT. Lack of investment, lack of Imagineering and lack of innovation in what is supposed to be the portion of the park focusing on technological innovation (how ironic) has led to this. World Showcase, on the other hand, was meant to focus on international culture. Explain to me again how converting Maelstrom into a Frozen ride fits this bill?

Yes, Epcot and the World Showcase are more adult oriented to begin with; but, it is still Disney. Smaller kids, particularly girls can get bored with Epcot relatively quickly.

Much like us adults can get quite bored in say, New Fantasyland? The majority of MK is geared towards kids. World Showcase is the one area in all of Disney World's theme parks that really is geared towards adults. There has to be some balance, yes?

I have no doubt the Imagineers can tastefully blend a Frozen ride into the rest of the Norway pavilion and breath a little fresh air into a stale area.

We can only hope that this is true, and I suppose I should reserve judgment until we see the finished product, but I just can't help overcome the notion that a Frozen ride just doesn't fit in World Showcase. As I previously mentioned, New Fantasyland I feel to be a snoozer, with the exception of SDMT. That would be the perfect place to put a Frozen attraction, and they could have had a blank slate to start with, rather than trying to fit a round peg into a square hole by working with whatever the Maelstrom platform can offer them.

 

[umichigan10]

Not sure if this was mentioned in this post or not but thought i'd share the inbformation i learned from my last trip to Norway Pavillion. While I love Mealstrom and I think it is great the way it is, and for the record i am all for Frozen getting rides, character dining, 3-d shows, I think WS is not the place for it. On the other hand nothing in the Norway pavillion is actually theirs, besides the clothing in the very back of the gift shop and the ride. The other things are actually from Danish and Turkish culture. This was according to the cast members working there, apparently to export things from Norway its too expensive so the items for purchase are all from Turkey and the food and drink is mainly from Denmark. So the reason I brought that up is because everyone is getting upset that Frozen is not set in Norway, well more than half their pavaillion isnt from Norway as well, so it is not exactly ruining the culture it is just changing it a bit. Just thought it would be interesting to share!!

well I mean the stuff in the American pavilion is made in China. And I'm sure much of this kind of thing is true with most other countries.

I think with me and most other posters it's the idea of the theme overall changing, and the 'characterization' if you will of WS

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

Not going to lie, I've never been on Maelstrom!

 

[mattsar]

I was sad to hear it won't be there for our October trip - It was going to be our first ride!

 

[LaidBackDad]

There is absolutely zero correlation between the movie Frozen and the intended purpose of the World Showcase pavilion, sans the fact that the movie's scenery is based on Norway's countryside. That to me is not a sufficient enough reason for plunking it there.

Of all the parks, Epcot could benefit the most from a hugely popular new attraction. Magic Kingdom got NFL, Animal Kingdom is getting Avatarland, and Hollywood Studios is rumored to be getting Star Warsland. Of anyplace in Epcot, a Maelstrom conversion is the most natural option if only for no other reason the scenery.

I'm not sure what's so confusing about the ride? It takes you through time, from the days of the Vikings up to present-day Norway, much like Spaceship Earth takes you from our start as woolly-mammoth hunting Neanderthals to modern-day astronauts.

Now I see what you are talking about with the "trip through time" But, if someone has to go onto a community forum after going on the ride just to figure what the heck happened; then, the ride is too confusing. Some people may be able to pick up on the theme of the ride after riding it 1 time; but, I have to believe most people don't.

Explain to me again how converting Maelstrom into a Frozen ride fits this bill?

It doesn't, It fills another need of bringing a sure fire popular attraction to Epcot which needs help for all of the reasons you mentioned and that I agree with.

 

[jcnewton]

Of all the parks, Epcot could benefit the most from a hugely popular new attraction. Magic Kingdom got NFL, Animal Kingdom is getting Avatarland, and Hollywood Studios is rumored to be getting Star Warsland. Of anyplace in Epcot, a Maelstrom conversion is the most natural option if only for no other reason the scenery. Now I see what you are talking about with the "trip through time" But, if someone has to go onto a community forum after going on the ride just to figure what the heck happened; then, the ride is too confusing. Some people may be able to pick up on the theme of the ride after riding it 1 time; but, I have to believe most people don't. It doesn't, It fills another need of bringing a sure fire popular attraction to Epcot which needs help for all of the reasons you mentioned and that I agree with.

I feel like they could add more countries, which we know they have room for....or....do something with the rotting carcass that is the a Wonders of Life pavilion. Or both.

 

[Planogirl]

And supposedly good acts in WS are being axed to bring in acts that are more reflective of the nations' cultures. Really? REALLY???? I guess that Norway isn't a nation.

 

[ahoyle]

Lets all be honest, why is disney doing this. They can probably repurpose this into Frozen for a few million, at most, and create a hugely popular ride that has hour+ waits. People know what to expect, based off of Maelstorm, and will compare it to that and it will be an improvement over a 30 year old ride.

Now, if they were to build a new Frozen dark ride, it would probably cost 15-25 million, maybe much more depending on how elaborate you want to make it. The popularity over the next few years might be marginally higher, but not much. Meanwhile, they would still need to spend quite a bit on Maelstorm, as its horribly dated.

As long as Disney can get away with remodeling something and calling it new, they will. I'm afraid the only new attractions we see this decade in Epcot are "New" Test Track, "New" Soarin, and "New" Maelstorm (now Frozen).

 

[Andrew015]

Of all the parks, Epcot could benefit the most from a hugely popular new attraction. Magic Kingdom got NFL, Animal Kingdom is getting Avatarland, and Hollywood Studios is rumored to be getting Star Warsland.

With the key word being highlighted in bold. I would argue that Hollywood Studios is in more dire straights than EPCOT, albeit by a thin margin. Lots and lots of rumors have been floating around, but nothing is in stone, and even if something regarding Starwars Land is ever announced, we'll be lucky to see anything by 2019...

Of anyplace in Epcot, a Maelstrom conversion is the most natural option if only for no other reason the scenery.

Again, this is where I firmly disagree with you. Future World is completely under-utilized, and crowds mass in one of two locations: Test Track or Soarin', period. Every other pavilion - Imagination, Wonders of Life, Universe of Energy, Living Seas... have little to no demand by comparison. WS, on the other hand, has very evenly distributed demand by comparison. There is no one single country that constantly has a "blob" of people (aside from say, a hit band performing in Canada or UK, which are now going by the wayside... but that's for another thread ).

I have absolutely nothing against the notion of Disney adding a Frozen attraction into their portfolio. I also would have no issue with Disney "refreshing" Maelstrom. However, I do have a major issue with the decision to scrap Maelstrom, use it's "guts" to churn out a "quick hit", and put something in its place that has 1/10th the relevance of the previous ride. Wouldn't you rather see them start with a blank slate and truly Imagineer something new and innovative? I imagine we're going to have the same exact boat ride, and rather than trolls and oil rigs, we're going to see icicles and snowmen. Again, I ask "How does this fit into the World Showcase theme?". The simple answer is "it doesn't". New Fantasyland would have been a much better selection for a new Frozen ride. Building something truly innovative in Future World would be where I would focus my efforts within EPCOT. And the aforementioned Starwars Land is what HS really needs. Your opinion may vary...

 

[amwhitaker]

I think it's great! The ride needs a facelift. I always wished they would do something with the area when you get off the boat. The little houses are cute, but you need to be able to do something there.