What is Maelstrom?

[SuperGurl]

What is Maelstrom? I know it is a ride of some sort in Epcot. Can someone describe this attraction to me?

 

[AJKMOM]

It's a tame boat ride in the Norway building. It's cute, and we go on it every time. There is usually a line and FastPass available. Sort of an overview of some history and geography of Norway.

 

[tmt martins]

Like PotC but not as good in sceenery but a better boat ride .Then a film of Norway at the end

 

[Loves Disney]

It is a ride in Norway. You sit in a boat and it takes you through the history of vikings and Norweigan Fables. After you sit and listen to the history it drops you off at a theatre to watch another movie that documents the history. (I did not stay for the movie). If you want to know whether you should try it or not, I would say no! I almost fell alseep during it. There is however, one point where you go down a small hill and get splashed a little. Other than that and the backing out a window, it is pretty much entirely educational.

 

[SuperGurl]

Is this an indoor attraction? Thanks for all of your replies.

 

[Loves Disney]

Is this an indoor attraction? Thanks for all of your replies.

Yes.

 

[JulielovesDisney]

Yes, it is indoors. It has 3(?) drops, but they are small and very tame. It's a little dark, and there are scenes with trolls that might bother some younger kids. The scenery is cool, but not not as good as other rides.

There is a movie at the end that you can watch or just walk through. We usually walk through, but every now and then, we'll watch it. It's a good movie, IMO.

I love this ride, If you sit in the right spot (usually the front, on the sides) you get a little spray after the drops, which is nice in the summer time.

 

[spacemountain]

I love this ride! There is a little drop and then another really little one but nothing scary.

 

[lal32]

The ride is a must do, very unique. However, I think it is also a must for a Fast Pass if there is even a hint of a line. It isn't worth waiting in line for. I suggest getting the Fast Pass and spend your wait time wandering around Norway and Mexico, which is right next door.

 

[Robo]

If you can't open your mouth without a song popping out, then it's a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day!

"It happened on one of those Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Days. When you can't open your mouth without a song jumpin' RIGHT OUT OF IT"...
ZIP-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, ZIP-A-Dee-Ay. My, oh my, what at wonderful day..."

(Copyright: "Disney movies nobody in America can see or fully remember without ordering a Japanese Laser Disc").

 

[BabySimba]

I like this ride. I like when you go backwards.One of these kids stood up and said to his grandmother when we reached the cave where you see outside 'Get ready grandma we're going to go over that hill backwards.' I could not stop talking about it for the whole day. As for it only being educational I THINK NOT!!!!This ride is the best out of the World Showcase Rides and we can't go to EPCOT with out going on it.As for the drop its not that scary but (as others have said)you get a cool wind and wet water on your face so its good in the summer time.I've memorised the first part of the ride lol . As for me its a must!

 

[Super 27]

Malestrom is fantastic; I think it's a must-do at Epcot. Like everyone said, it's very tame, but the couple of drops and stuff is just enough to keep things interesting. The Fastpass works really well here, but if you go at the right times the line isn't that long. I like to go late in the evening after having dinner and walking around for awhile. Unless it's backed up out the door, the line usually won't be more than 10-15 minutes.

Cheers,
MG

 

[Loves Disney]

The Fastpass works really well here, but if you go at the right times the line isn't that long. I like to go late in the evening after having dinner and walking around for awhile. Unless it's backed up out the door, the line usually won't be more than 10-15 minutes.

Cheers,
MG

I have never encountered a line longer than 2 minutes! lol.


My suggestion is unless you like to learn about the history of the vikings and mythical trolls listening to a man comment of the events through the time periods, don't go on it. I personally did not like it at all. I found the voice monotanous and neverending. To compare it to another ride, I would say it isn't too far from Spaceship Earth. So I guess if you liked Spaceship Earth definately go on Maelstrom. (Fun Fact: Maelstrom is a type of whirling storm almost like a hurricane.)

 

[agotta]

Are you guys kidding? Dh and I think this is one of the biggest wastes of space. It is so random (hello, first there are trolls or something, then an oil rig?) and then the worst movie ever at the end (which we never go through).

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have seen lines of 20 minutes many times. I think many people ride this after dinner, before Illuminations. Yes it is educational but then that is somewhat the point of Epcot, to educate us about different countries and cultures. It is something we always enjoy and I think you can't go wrong by trying it once. We also enjoy the movie which is maybe 5-7 minutes long and very well done.

 

[Loves Disney]

I have seen lines of 20 minutes many times. I think many people ride this after dinner, before Illuminations. Yes it is educational but then that is somewhat the point of Epcot, to educate us about different countries and cultures. It is something we always enjoy and I think you can't go wrong by trying it once. We also enjoy the movie which is maybe 5-7 minutes long and very well done.

I agree with you that the obvious point of EPCOT is education. Maelstrom just isn't a ride for me lol. I am not a big fan of EPCOT. I do like Soarin' and Test Track as well as some others, but the World Showcase is a part of EPCOT that sort of makes me yawn. I do like the Ireland part of the UK and the shops are fun, but the rest I will pass on.

Dh and I think this is one of the biggest wastes of space.

I wouldn't go as far as being a waste of space, others evidently enjoy it, but I agree with you on the fact that I don't like it at all! lol. It is something where you can either go on it or don't. We have the option, so I don't! . I am more a person for Fast, Fast, Fast! lol. (yeah Rock 'N' Roller Coaster and Test Track! lol.)

 

[Amy&Dan]

I agree with you that the obvious point of EPCOT is education. Maelstrom just isn't a ride for me lol. I am not a big fan of EPCOT. I do like Soarin' and Test Track as well as some others, but the World Showcase is a part of EPCOT that sort of makes me yawn. I do like the Ireland part of the UK and the shops are fun, but the rest I will pass on.

And if I'm being honest, I have to be in the mood for Epcot because of the educational nature of it! This past trip it felt like we spent way too much time there because we were with family members who enjoy educational, cultural experiences. I'll take MK any day or AK which kind of combines fun and education for me. And frankly the only things I really enjoy in World Showcase is the food, booze, Maelstrom and Illuminations! Although I do now really enjoy that French movie so I may be improving with age and widening my horizons!

 

[spacemountain]

"It happened on one of those Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Days. When you can't open your mouth without a song jumpin' RIGHT OUT OF IT"...
ZIP-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, ZIP-A-Dee-Ay. My, oh my, what at wonderful day..."

(Copyright: "Disney movies nobody in America can see or fully remember without ordering a Japanese Laser Disc").

It's actually not from the movie but the ride. I think it is after you get off the ride but it might be when you're waiting in line. But there is a sign that says those exact words.

 

[zachnlucy]

Well, I've always loved it. Especially when you hit the North Sea and see those derricks.

 

[Magic Man]

It ends near a souvenir shop. That's different.