Strategy for Maelstrom without FP?

[mom2rtk]

(I'll see you at DL!)

See you there! My daughter and I didn't even hesitate in deciding to head back west again this year.

 

[Mommy2Corinne]

We were there in mid-Sept 2013 during FP+ testing (but while there were no tiers and double dipping was still allowed). In two different days at Epcot we encountered 40 minute waits at Malestrom. If I recall, both times were around noon to 3, so it was HOT and crazy humid...people were wanting to get cooled off. But still...40 mins!!

Obviously we didn't wait in those lines and just grabbed a paper FP- for a bit later, but man...those were long SB waits. And now since paper FP are ancient relics, that makes me nervous for future travels.

Best bet, I'd avoid Malestrom mid-day. Try 11ish in the morning or later in the evening.

 

[godchaser]

We were there last July an had about a 40 minute wait. Guess it just depends on what time of year you're there.

 

[wendybeth75]

We've certainly waited 20-25min in the past & we don't travel at terribly crowded times. But going there early in the day (before 11:00) shouldn't be too bad

It was like this most of the days in October when we went. It usually seems to go faster than posted though.

 

[roadtripper]

We love Maelstrom and vacation during very busy times. Aim for the WS 11 AM rope drop and you will be fine. Don't waste a FP on this (we didn't). Will report back next week if we are sorry we didn't!

 

[Frank The Tank]

Wow, I guess I've been lucky. Have never had longer than a 5 minute wait for this. Went the week before Christmas last year and the first week in April.

 

[karly05]

Never really thought of this before; since Future World opens at 9:00am and World Showcase opens at 11:00am, is it roped off or can you still walk around the countries before 11:00am?

You can't walk all the way around. You can walk to Norway (coming from Future World past Mexico) because Akershus is open for breakfast, but there is a rope up to keep you from going past Norway toward China etc. At the other end, you can go as far as France (coming from FW or Intl Gateway) because the bakery serves breakfast.

I was in Epcot on Monday and rode Maelstrom right when it opened at 11 with little to no wait. I've seen it at 25-35 min in late afternoon the past two Februarys (lower crowd times).

 

[cygnusx1jg]

You can't walk all the way around. You can walk to Norway (coming from Future World past Mexico) because Akershus is open for breakfast, but there is a rope up to keep you from going past Norway toward China etc. At the other end, you can go as far as France (coming from FW or Intl Gateway) because the bakery serves breakfast.

Thanks for that reply!

Now, here's the $2.65 question: After the ride, has anyone stayed for the movie about "Norvay" more than once?

 

[wendow]

Thanks for that reply!

Now, here's the $2.65 question: After the ride, has anyone stayed for the movie about "Norvay" more than once?

I've never even stayed once

I've also seen (and yes, waited) 20-25 mins for this ride/attraction. And we go in September. Makes no sense.

 

[amberpi]

I freaking LOVE the Maelstrom, and have found when there is a wait, and its always around 4-5 in the afternoon a glass of wine from the adjacent quick service makes the line less long

 

[amberpi]

That said, I almost never have a wait for it, and its usually the re-rides that cause delays in the late afternoons. But I adore it because "the spirit of Norway has always meant ADVENTURE."

 

[Sparkly]

We waited about 10 mins on Thursday about mid afternoon. Most likely you won't need to worry about it

 

[waynesgirl]

I freaking LOVE the Maelstrom, and have found when there is a wait, and its always around 4-5 in the afternoon a glass of wine from the adjacent quick service makes the line less long

This!

I've actually seen a 60 minute wait. The most I'll wait in that line is 25 minutes. The Internet access is sketchy there for my phone.

 

[herb102211]

It depends on when you're going , but I don't think we've waited more than 5-10 minutes in line.

 

[PeterPanic]

Maelstrom, should be written up in some marketing book for how to create a demand. From the time it was first opened, years ago, it was always a short wait. Then Disney decided to, for some reason, make it a FP attraction and people said to themselves... wow, it must be some super ride, let's go to it.

I wonder what would have happened to WoL if they had made it a FP pavilion.

 

[jacquelinemc]

I think the presence of Anna and Elsa in Norway has created a much busier environment. When one family member waits in line, the others in the party are riding Maelstrom, shopping and eating in that small area. That may also be contributing to the wait times.

 

[drew64]

There last week and waited about 15 min in stand by line around 7PM

 

[cbelcdn]

50 mins today

 

[mydisneykids]

I would sincerely hope maelstrom never needs a strategy lol!

Even in peak crowds I've never had to wait over 5 mins.

We usually go off peak. But a few years ago my DD sang at the CP with her HS choir. Yet by getting to parks at rope drop and using FP we rode everything we wanted.
But this one really shocked us.....This is New Years Eve.....

 

[omurice]

My Maelstrom strategy is this:
1) go to Norway at 11AM to noon, or after 7PM
2) OPTIONAL - squeeze around the Akershus Royal Banquet line to the right, avoiding guests grumbling - "it's been an hour are you sure they checked us in?"
3) OPTIONAL - squeeze around the Elsa & Anna M&G line to the left; plug ears to avoid hearing guests shouting "what do you mean THREE HOURS?!?" at a CM who is forcing a smile
4) walk into Maelstrom attraction; wait in the short line if there is one
5) board and ride Maelstrom attraction
6) OPTIONAL say key lines from Maelstrom attraction as you reach them, but much louder - "BACK - BACK - OVER THE FALLS!"
7) OPTIONAL sprint through front of Spirit of Norway theater on getting off the boat, ducking down for the 4 confused people sitting in the theater
8) OPTIONAL [OBSOLETE] hop rope and grab souvenir fast pass on way out of attraction
9) OPTIONAL buy LAILA eau de parfum, or a $700 sweater in the Norway gift shop
10) OPTIONAL visit the Stave Church
11) OPTIONAL buy something yummy at the bakery
12) leave Norway