Frozen Attraction Coming to Epcot - Replaces Maelstrom

JabberJaws;2433453 wrote: 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.

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...

Strmchsr;2433474 wrote: 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.

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!!! ;)

natedog24;2433475 wrote: Lucky for Canada, I can't think of any Disney movies that take place there...

Brother Bear?

PopPhan;2433478 wrote: 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.

Strmchsr;2433474 wrote: October 5 is now the last day Malestrom will be opening with the new Frozen attraction targeting early 2016 for opening.

Aw, seriously? We're going down right before Thanksgiving. I was hoping to get to ride Maelstrom one more time. Sigh.

I love Frozen, and I have thought that Norway (and really, World Showcase in its entirety) has needed an update for awhile, but I did love Maelstrom. I even loved the movie afterwards when I had time to sit and watch.

EricJ;2433477 wrote: So, never met Kenai and Koda at that little rocky-mountain area just up from the totem poles?

Or that dragon from Mulan in the China pavilion? Or Belle/Beast in France? The characters are already there. Just no actual theming inside the pavilions, really. Unless you count Donald in Mexico.

Strmchsr;2433480 wrote: Only the ride is changing along with the meet n greet area. The rest of the pavilion will stay Norway without much changing.

Oh good! I hope so. DH likes the Helly Hansen shop, and love to get my "Norway" perfume (Laila).

I am not a fan of character attractions in WS. I am also not a huge fan of "Frozen". The movie was good, but I just don't get all the hype. Needless to say I would have preferred the attraction stay away from going the "Frozen" route.

But putting the other characters mentioned here into France, Canada, China, etc. would be 'strange'? Beauty and the Beast has been out for 23 years. So let's just now incorporate it into France's theme? I think they haven't because they know it wouldn't really work, and they've known that's not what Epcot is truly about. That's what's so odd and misguided about throwing a Frozen theme into Norway, and it's sad the PTB are only seeing dollar signs. But dare I say only us diehards care, and we are the minority. Sad, but true.

RIP Maelstrom. I love the ride, and I even love the film. And pulling up into the little Norwegian village will always be a early Epcot memory for me!

EricJ;2433485 wrote: The characters are supposed to be just "visiting" from their country, or who you'd find there if you went to the "real" country.

Right! And I'm fine with that. I've always thought it was a cute touch. I remember when Epcot had NO characters (except the creepy oversized 'dolls' from each country ;) ). There was a bit of outcry when they were introduced there, but overall, how they've incorporated the meets has been nice, IMO.

I honestly don't even mind Donald, Panchito and Jose in Mexico. Do I think they could have done a better job with that refurb? Absolutely! But as far as them being in the attraction, for some strange reason it doesn't bother me. That's old school Disney, not something that's riding a huge high at the present time. Only time will tell, and I'm sure Anna & Elsa will always be popular (as all the Princesses are), but I doubt the Frozen high will last forever. I'm just kind of flabbergasted they are basing an attraction of this magnitude on it. Where's our Monster's Inc. swinging door coaster/attraction?

Disclaimer: I like Frozen. A lot.

Man, we've got some negative nellies here. :secret:

We don't even know what this will be yet. They may do an amazing job. It's one ride not the entire pavilion and let's be honest, the current Maelstrom ride is way outdated. I have this sneaking suspicion that there is more to Norway than cruise lines, fishing, trolls, and early 80's hairdos. Maelstrom is not the best way to teach your kids about their family ancestry. It's an entertainment attraction and it's old. I love it, I really do. It's been around since I was a kid and the nostalgia is strong, but logically I know this is a good move for Disney. I will be sad to see Maelstrom go, but I am looking forward to a new Frozen themed ride next year. :thumbsup:

natedog24;2433475 wrote: Lucky for Canada, I can't think of any Disney movies that take place there...

I think Brother Bear was Canada?
ETA: my internet was going extremely slow and I did not see all of the other responses before my post. Carry on.

John;2433461 wrote: I said this was a done deal months ago - there were those who chose not to believe me.

Vindication.... :mickey:

Congratulations, you were right, the cancer is spreading..

EricJ;2433488 wrote: (Although every time the Armies bring out their ritual chant of "Wheresourdoorride, wheresourdoorride?"--the one they've long since forgotten WHY they keep asking for after thirteen years, they just do--I always keep having to ask the same question:
How exactly do they envision we're supposed to ride a door? Do they think we're going to cling to it by our knuckles for dear life, like Mike & Sully did in the movie?)

Seriously? Whatever. It can be done. No where have you seen me saying I want to 'ride a door,' nor do I expect to ride a door. The door scene in 'Mike & Sulley to the Rescue' at California Adventure is amazing.

You'll get over it. ;)

And you know nothing about me. ;)

Can we just ask not to be dumped from Arrendelle to PERFUMELAND. I have to beg every time I get off Maelstrom to be let out at the entrance and explain that perfume store makes me physically ILL. Seriously, that store is so small, and that smell is SO strong. I love the ride, I love the trolls, I would love to spend time in the rest of the store with my family, but that perfume just wafts over :ack: Fills my head and makes me want to ... well you get the idea. I will take a ride that ends in a crowded room of a meet and greet ANY DAY over smelly perfume!