Frozen Attraction Coming to Epcot - Replaces Maelstrom

[AgentC]

It's Official - Disney Parks Blog 9-12-14

When Walt Disney promised that Disneyland would never be completed, so long as there is imagination left in the world, he made a promise to our guests that we take seriously at all our locations around the world. This year, one particular product of imagination — Disney Animation’s blockbuster hit “Frozen” — captured the hearts and minds of people around the world and gave us a new opportunity to make good on Walt’s pledge.

We’ve made “Frozen” a part of the guest experience in a number of ways already and our guests have both loved them and asked for more. So I’m pleased to say that we’re starting construction at Walt Disney World Resort on a brand new “Frozen” attraction at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot. The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these “Frozen” elements are great compliments to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film.

“Frozen’s” popular characters will also have a bigger presence at Magic Kingdom Park this holiday season. In addition to the ongoing character appearances, Queen Elsa will use her powers to transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace every night starting in early November. And Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-goers can see Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”

We’re extending some favorite elements of Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!, too, so that guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can continue singing along to “Frozen” songs with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. Wandering Oaken’s will set up shop closer to the show through the holiday season and will feature a larger play area with real snow (in Florida!).

From the moment we screened the film several months before its release, we were inspired by the possibility of bringing this great story to life for our guests. Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! has been extremely popular, and now we’re looking forward to doing even more to allow our guests to experience the “Frozen” phenomenon.

[Buttercup]

Ugh. World showcase is not supposed to be another fantasyland. It's supposed to teach you about other countries and give you authentic cultural experiences. NOT take you on a ride through a fictional land that slightly resembles something Norwegian.
Epcot has once again lost its direction and is becoming a mishmash of random weird stuff strung together.
It's so sad, given what it was supposed to be.

[yankeesfan123]

This is the first I'm hearing of all this

[JabberJaws]

Yup the rumors are finally confirmed. I understand it. It's a relatively quick and easy way to not only cash in on the Frozen phenomenon even more, but to continue to add more child-friendly offerings to WS (which is something they've been trying to do for years now).

That all being said, I loved the Maelstrom and am especially bummed that we won't get a chance to ride it one last time on our trip in early Oct (if rumors hold up that it is closing down on Sept. 30).

[PirateLover]

I've said my peace on the other threads. I think a Frozen ride is fine in general but a dumb/lazy move to put it here. Maelstrom was a quirky favorite of ours. We quote it all the time.RIP. Sad we won't be able to go back back over the falls one more time.

[Zippy 1]

Sad that they can not add this as an addition to the attractions at Norway instead of replacing one. They need to be growing in World Showcase not just replacing. Not what I would like to see

[Aurora]

My DH and kids are of Norwegian ancestry. I'm sure the Frozen ride will be swell, but I'm very sad my kids won't be sent over the falls by the trolls again.

[John]

I said this was a done deal months ago - there were those who chose not to believe me.

Vindication....

[cer]

So, it is now "official".



But on the up side, I suppose no one will have any more problems getting fast passes for Soarin'.

There's that.

[Stu29573]

Crud. Whatever.

[SBETigg]

I said this was a done deal months ago - there were those who chose not to believe me.

Vindication....

I took your word for it, so it comes as no surprise to me today. Which doesn't mean I'm happy about it, not really upset either. Epcot needs some freshening up. This is not the way I would prefer it to go, and I loved Maelstrom, but...

I always remain optimistic about these things until we can see what they do. The idea of bringing more character cuteness into World Showcase doesn't thrill me. This is the one area of WDW I can relax and enjoy more adult time. Not that I want to keep kids out, (WDW is for everyone) but I think it should be about Norway, not Arendelle, as others have said. Optimistically, maybe they will build a really great attraction that incorporates the Frozen elements and still keeps the spirit of Norway alive. Maybe? I can't see getting upset over it until we see how it all shakes out. I have no control over it, might as well sit back, wait, and see.

[DonaldDuck1117]

I like it. More importantly it's a start. Epcot needs more rides and more rides that will pull people-especially to world showcase. I hope this is the start of continual addition to Epcot. Can we get the Remy ride to the France Pavillion as well? And maybe get that new country we have wanted for ages?

I understand this is not what Epcot was when it opened but things change, and parks evolve. Hopefully this is the first step in Epcot's rebirth.

[Goofster]

Very disappointed, my great grandparents emigrated from Norway, so I've always enjoyed this pavilion and saw it as a chance to experience the culture of my ancestors. I hope they at least keep the movie at the end (though updated) and that it is about Norway and its people. Otherwise, why even call it a Norway pavilion if it's completely devoted to Frozen.

[DonaldDuck1117]

Oh EricJ for the thousandth time Disney execs are not sitting at their desks going, " Wow, those posters over at Intercot will not stop talking about a Frozen ride! Well, lets give it to them!"

Instead maybe they have the highest grossing animated movie of all time, the biggest smash hit Disney Animation Studios has had in some time, and yes, the music is part if the draw just like Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lion King, but great music alone doesn't create the kind if popularity Frozen has. Maybe they saw that they have lines of 4 hours to see the characters, that they can't keep Frozen merchandise on the shelves, and that the Frozen Summer Fun was a hit and decided that Frozen deserves a permanent attraction.

I am excited to see what they have in store. With such great material to work with they could create an amazing ride experience.

[Strmchsr]

That all being said, I loved the Maelstrom and am especially bummed that we won't get a chance to ride it one last time on our trip in early Oct (if rumors hold up that it is closing down on Sept. 30).

October 5 is now the last day Malestrom will be opening with the new Frozen attraction targeting early 2016 for opening.

[natedog24]

I doubt anyone is REALLY surprised by this. The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow has been heading into this direction for some time.
Donald Duck took over El Rio del Tiempo, there are character meeting spots in pretty much every country's pavilion, and now this.
Unfortunately, having characters and Disney themes attracts more people than an educational, cultural experience. I understand why Disney is doing this, but it doesn't mean I'm happy about it either.
How long until the "Reflection of China" movie is featuring Mulan? Or "Impressions de France" is hosted by Belle? Lucky for Canada, I can't think of any Disney movies that take place there...

[AgentC]

October 5 is now the last day Malestrom will be opening with the new Frozen attraction targeting early 2016 for opening.

If they are doing it, I do want them to take the time to do a good job, but over a year is a long time to be down a ride in a park that is already suffering from not having enough rides.

[PopPhan]

So, does this mean that the pavilion will no longer be 'sponsored' by Norway? I wouldn't think they would want to base their pavilion on something that is only loosely based on their land.

Also, will the Helly Hansen shop go away? There was no Helly Hansen in Arendelle!!!

[Strmchsr]

Lucky for Canada, I can't think of any Disney movies that take place there...

Brother Bear?

[Strmchsr]

So, does this mean that the pavilion will no longer be 'sponsored' by Norway? I wouldn't think they would want to base their pavilion on something that is only loosely based on their land.

Also, will the Helly Hansen shop go away? There was no Helly Hansen in Arendelle!!!

Only the ride is changing along with the meet n greet area. The rest of the pavilion will stay Norway without much changing.