The Maelstrom...Frozen in Time!

[DizNights]

I know, its been a while since the Maelstrom closed at EPCOT...but I STILL MISS IT, DAMN IT! Ever since my first visit to Walt Disney World, when people ask me what my favorite attraction is, I would always say The Maelstrom. Well, now I can't say that. If you didn't know, The Maelstrom is now CLOSED!

Before you start thinking that this post is all about how Disney sucks because they closed down my favorite ride, think again. I totally understand why Disney decided to change it into a Frozen ride. I'm not bitter about it...well, maybe a little. Disney World has to change with the times. I can't let my personal feelings about a particular ride dictate whether I think its a good decision or not. A 10-year-old is probably going to enjoy a Frozen ride that they can relate to better than a Norway Documentary ride. Although you have to admit the troll was awesome!

SIDE NOTE: If you haven't seen it already, you HAVE to check out a movie called Troll Hunter. CLICK HERE to see the trailer. I absolutely loved this movie, and some parts actually provided a little insight into the Maelstrom ride at EPCOT.

Anyway, my dilemma now is to try and figure out my new favorite ride at Walt Disney World. Its a question that is certain to come up time and time again at many DizMeet events. I must have a solid answer. So I've been doing a lot of thinking lately as to what I should declare my new favorite ride.

When most people pick their favorite ride at any amusement park, its usually heavily based on what gives you the greatest thrill. But as you should know, WDW isn't necessarily what I would categorize as a Thrill Ride Park. I like rides at WDW for completely different reasons. The Maelstrom is a great example. Its not the most thrilling ride in the world by any means. In fact, its a very mundane ride other than the very short drop. My new favorite ride has to be something that is a little sentimental to me...something I can ride time and time again.

After a lot of thought, I've decided that my new favorite rider will be......drum roll......Spaceship Earth! Again, not the most exciting ride in the world, but I do love it. In fact, whenever I came to EPCOT, there were two rides that I would be willing to do. The first of course was The Maelstrom, but Spaceship Earth was a close second.

You might ask why I'm limited things to only EPCOT, but I'm not. It just so happens to be that my favorite park in WDW is EPCOT, and that's due in part to my favorite attractions being there. There's something about that park that never gets old.

So what's your favorite attraction, in EPCOT or any other park? What do you think about the Maelstrom being closed?

 

[AllieBoo]

My favorite in Epcot is Soarin. I really do hate that Maelstrom closed though, I loved that ride!

 

[DizNights]

Its super crazy, but I've actually never ridden Soarin'. I tend to get a little nauseous on rides involving watching a video screen. Most everyone tells me "Oh no, this one won't make you sick...this one is totally different." But those people don't get sick on those types of rides, so they think I won't. But I do. And it sucks. But I really do just need to take a day to go ride Soarin', then go back home and be sick the rest of the day.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Maelstrom was one of my very favorites too. I said goodbye last August with tears in my eyes. It was still rumor that it was closing at that point, but I knew it would happen. I'll miss sitting on the back bench in the unload area, just taking in that scene and listening to the recording of the couple in the house behind me having a conversation in Norwegian. I wonder how many people even knew about that! I have it all on video for posterity, even the conversation. I had to have the limited edition tee and I framed it.

My very favorite rides in Epcot are Spaceship Earth and Soarin. In all of wdw the Haunted Mansion.

 

[Disneylover99]

I miss Maelstrom too. I do love Spaceship Earth. That is my favourite ride in Epcot. I just can't choose a favourite in MK though. Too many favourites there.

 

[Planogirl]

I miss Norway period. Enough said.

 

[Ambear]

I'm also sad for Norway's future. I'd rather have a Thor themed area than Frozen if it had to change... But oh well.

As for favorite ride it's totally splash mountain. Awesome childhood memories of being soooo scared of it but getting the courage to ride. And looooove it and ride it over and over and over.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

We miss Maelstrom and Norway in general! I think Frozen is a excellent movie and needs to be in the parks, just not Epcot and especially not Norway!.

AKK

 

[jhaig]

Please say that the troll is still in the gift shop. If so, then the closure of Maelstrom won't hurt as much.

 

[FirstTimeDisneyVisit]

Like everyone else here we miss the ride too,, glad we got to ride it one last time on our previous trip