how long before Maelstrom becomes 'Frozen'

[TheVBs]

I couldn't help thinking about Maelstrom while we were watching Frozen too! We do enjoy the ride, but some kind of update would be fun. And, if done well, I think some Frozen elements would be great!

[JerseyDad]

I couldn't help thinking about Maelstrom while we were watching Frozen too! We do enjoy the ride, but some kind of update would be fun. And, if done well, I think some Frozen elements would be great!

.....

......sorry ...just can't get behind more cartoons invading some of the Epcot pavilions. If the Maelstrom needs an update ...then let them use the newer generation of the animatronics to change things like the trolls, the vikings, the BEAR ...but keep the schlock out of there.

[TheVBs]

No need to be sorry! We'll just agree to disagree. I would enjoy the updates you've mentioned as well.

[Gator]

YES!!! What a great idea. I mean really, there's always just a handful of people on this ride. Why? Because it's not a very exciting tale. But if you add Frozen into it, kids will be coming from all over to catch it. We'd actually have to use the Fastpass machines that are there - which I've never ever used.

This totally worked in the Mexico pavillion. It turned the worst Epcot attraction into one that my kids won't miss, and even want to ride twice.

Let's hope!!! I'm definitely on your side here.

[DizneyFreak2002]

YES!!! What a great idea. I mean really, there's always just a handful of people on this ride. Why? Because it's not a very exciting tale. But if you add Frozen into it, kids will be coming from all over to catch it. We'd actually have to use the Fastpass machines that are there - which I've never ever used.

This totally worked in the Mexico pavillion. It turned the worst Epcot attraction into one that my kids won't miss, and even want to ride twice.

Let's hope!!! I'm definitely on your side here.

Huh? There is never only a handful of people on Maelstrom... There is never anyone on Gran Fiesta Tour so adding the characters there has been a major failure... Maelstrom has anywhere from a 20 to 45 minute wait during any time of the day... Mexico? Walk on...

No characters... No more ruining Epcot... Put them in the MK, not Epcot.. They don't belong...

[TheVBs]

We never have a wait for Maelstrom, it's always walk straight on, and we have been on when there are only us and a few other people. But, we typically go off season, so you'd have to factor that in.

[1DisneyNut]

Usually when we go there is about a 20-45 minute on average for Maelstrom. Many times I have seen it over an hour and people were fastpassing it. We have even had to get fastpasses for it because the wait time was so long.

It is a much more popular ride than you think. It is great just like it is and I hope they don't go and screw it up. It is actually one of our favorite rides, especially at Epcot where there are really only a few attractions worth seeing.

[brownie]

They could just replace the film with some Frozen shorts (the film kind not clothing). They could tie it into the existing attraction.

[NJGIRL]

I agree with the sentiments about the ride itself, but the film needs an overhaul. If not utilizing the Frozen connection, at least update it with current images and technology. Norway would be spectacular in HD.

Beth I agree. I feel the film is a little depressing. It doesn't make me want to visit Norway at all.

[JerseyDad]

Beth I agree. I feel the film is a little depressing. It doesn't make me want to visit Norway at all.

.....what IS this movie of which you speak?


.....and I guess that a certain country didn't get to see that movie either back in 1940 ...because they 'visited' Norway and stayed for 5 years.

[Lindsey310]

coming out of Frozen tonight (in 3D..very good movie, but not yet Beauty and the Beast), I immediately thought of Maelstrom being overhauled into a Frozen attraction. A lot of elements are already there..Trolls, water. I could imagine Elsa, instead of the main troll, freezing the air above you, as you start to ride backwards. Olaf instead of the bear! Then a plunge into a restored city!

And then...a 3D short movie based on Frozen

What do you think?

I love love love maelstrom and sure hope they don't change it. It would be cool if they added a frozen ride in addition to maelstrom.

49 days!!!!

[Gator]

Huh? There is never only a handful of people on Maelstrom... There is never anyone on Gran Fiesta Tour so adding the characters there has been a major failure... Maelstrom has anywhere from a 20 to 45 minute wait during any time of the day... Mexico? Walk on...
...

What Epcot are you going to? I'll admit that Gran Fiesta never has a long line, but it never did anyway. On my one summer trip, that attraction had a 5 minute wait with the parks jam packed. And every subsequent off-season trip WITH the Caballeros overlay - the same. I'd say it's a slight pick up, but nothing major.

As for Maelstrom, I've never ever ever waited for over 10 minutes on that ride. It seems I once saw the line out the door, so we went to Gran Fiesta, came back to Maelstrom and it was 5 minutes. Plus, Epcot could use a Disney-themed ride that would actually attract more people to the park. Does Epcot really only need to cater to those who want to get plastered on their Disney trip?

They wouldn't have to overdo it. Just add Olaf and a "Let it Go" room. It wouldn't ruin the ride and it wouldn't ruin Epcot. From a father of two daughters, it gives Epcot more appeal for the kids.

[JerseyDad]

.....10 minute or less waits on Maelstrom are very rare. The average (that we've experienced) ....are in the 20-30 minute range.

....I just have a problem with 'needing' to make everything a cartoon in order to make it interesting. My 2 daughters have loved Epcot from the very first visit in 2004 ...and my youngest (now 17 yrs old) once said it was the "grown-up" park (referring to the World Showcase specifically). They loved the restaurant in Norway (name escapes me at the moment) long before it was a character meal destination.

....sometimes ...the allure of a venue (to a 'child') is that they are experiencing something that is both a bit of fun and educational at the same time ...without singling out either of those and focusing on it. It's sort of like a kid liking spinach ...if they like it ...don't tell them it's good for them too....and just let it be.

[DizneyFreak2002]

What Epcot are you going to? I'll admit that Gran Fiesta never has a long line, but it never did anyway. On my one summer trip, that attraction had a 5 minute wait with the parks jam packed. And every subsequent off-season trip WITH the Caballeros overlay - the same. I'd say it's a slight pick up, but nothing major.

As for Maelstrom, I've never ever ever waited for over 10 minutes on that ride. It seems I once saw the line out the door, so we went to Gran Fiesta, came back to Maelstrom and it was 5 minutes. Plus, Epcot could use a Disney-themed ride that would actually attract more people to the park. Does Epcot really only need to cater to those who want to get plastered on their Disney trip?

They wouldn't have to overdo it. Just add Olaf and a "Let it Go" room. It wouldn't ruin the ride and it wouldn't ruin Epcot. From a father of two daughters, it gives Epcot more appeal for the kids.

I'm going to the same Epcot 10 million of guests are going to... This past October, the day I visited Epcot (wasn't a crowded day at all), Maelstrom was at 40 minutes every time I passed by... In fact, as I was trying to decide which three rides to book FP+ for, Maelstrom won out because I never ever walked on Maelstrom, nor did I ever encounter Maelstrom with a 10 minute of less wait time... And this day, good thing I picked Maelstrom... When I arrived at Norway, Maelstrom was at 40 minutes... I walked through the FP line, rode the boat through a brief history of Norway (which is what the countries are supposed to be all about, not to promote Disney fantasy characters), and even sat for the movie, and as I exited the gift shop, Maelstrom was still 40 minutes with the stand by line out the door...

Tossing a ride based on an animated movie into a country the movie takes place in is NOT what World Showcase was or is supposed to be about... Having character meet and greets in WS is bad enough, though tolerable... An attraction based on an animated movie about princesses no less should never ever be put into World Showcase... That is what Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland is for...

Guess maybe they should remove Wonders of China and just play Mulan all day long...

[Gator]

Guess maybe they should remove Wonders of China and just play Mulan all day long...

And if they did that, me and the family would go catch that show for the first time.

[Melanie]

And if they did that, me and the family would go catch that show for the first time.

No. Oh goodness, that is definitely not what WS is for me. I'd hate that. I have no issue with the characters greeting in the countries they represent, but I appreciate an authentic representation of the countries in the attractions.

I for one like the Norway film. It's weird, because it's a throw back to the early years of Epcot for me (even though I realize it was one of the latest pavilions to open). I love how during the film it goes from silent to very loud so quickly. Hope that makes sense. LOL But it is kind of unrealistic how everyone is 'Scandinavian blonde.'

[DizneyFreak2002]

And if they did that, me and the family would go catch that show for the first time.

Sign up for Netflix, it streams on there..

[Terra]

What?? It does?? I have Netflix and never knew that! Love the films of the countries. I love the beauty of it.

I also LOVED Frozen. One of the best Disney movies I've personally seen in ages.
I would go for a bit of Frozen Maelstorm. Maybe a picturesque Ice Castle in the Polar bear scene. Keep the old elements but add some new touches

[DizneyFreak2002]

What?? It does?? I have Netflix and never knew that! Love the films of the countries. I love the beauty of it.

Netflix streams many of the animated Disney movies: Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, Pocahontas... Just do a search...

[Crow]

they already have froxen tie ins in the church. now meet and greets. id say update the Norway movie. and a movie country with tie ins to all the movies. call it the country of Disney.
or a country of retired rides and characters