Well, it’s official…
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.
No closing date was confirmed, but in addition to our original report, we’ve now also heard the date may be October 7th. Regardless, Maelstrom is out for a Frozen attraction that is slated for completion in early 2016.
UPDATE: Maelstrom will close at the end of the day on October 5th, 2014.
anything coming to DisneyLAND?!
Este noticias es sorprendente, me odio Frozen con todo mi corazon, have you been to Bahia?
So it was the trolls that will now “DISAPPEAR DISAPPEAR!!!”
RIP Maelstrom
Why would you replace a real country in World Showcase with a fake one? It makes no sense. Frozen should be kept in Magic a Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. Epcot is our favorite park because of the countries. Thus is worse than adding The Three Caballeros to Mexico pavilion. SAD.
Not idiotic at all. She’s exactly right. Unless they build Arendelle to be a true Norwegian town, it is taking away from the idea of Epcot. Epcot World Showcase was built to do just that: showcase the world! There is enough Disney in Disney, you don’t have to take away from the uniqueness of Epcot to satisfy was bunch of screaming kids who just want to see the Princesses. It’s a way to get more families to Epcot, it’s all about money. Just like Universal putting the new Harry Potter stuff in the other park, so now parents have to visit both parks so their kids can see Harry. It all comes down to the almighty dollar.
No! She IS idiotic and wrong!
And you’re just as idiotic and wrong, Ktcarc!
At least The Three Caballeros are integrated INTO the ride opposed to making it a complete attraction for them only… Plus, we never see them anywhere else. I love Frozen as much as the next person, but this is going to make me bitter. They ripped out my favourite part of DMK for Tangled, because she’s their latest darling.. and now one of my most sentimental memories for their newest darlings. (It doesn’t even make SENSE to put a fictional country inside of a real country in the World Showcase… It’s meant to show the cultures! Not pseudo culture loosely based off of it. Ugh)
I’m confused. Your favorite park of Magic Kingdom was the closed Skyway Station?
Sad to see it go, but looking forward to a Frozen attraction. We all knew it was a matter of time for Maelstrom…..
this is terrible. maelstrom has always been a favorite of our family. what a shame. i agree with previous comment – Frozen should be at the Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios
I rode the Maelstrom on my last visit (2013) and was really really disappointed in the ride and I have rode it several times since 1996. I’m glad to have it changed.
Me too. Very excited to see the new ride
Norway is not keeping up their end of the bargain, and I see no problem with bringing the movie and the country that inspired it together.
This wouldn’t have happened if WDWNT had continued to put out regular podcasts.
Shame on you.
They are regular again ;)
I rode the Maelstrom on my last visit (2013) and was really really disappointed in the ride and I have rode it several times since 1996. I’m glad to have it changed also! And I love frozen!
Very sad. A fictionary kingdom will change the face of world showcase. Real places. I do however wish that they would put the ratatouille ride in France!
Disney says that the reason they are taking out Off Kilter, is to bring in something authentic from Canada. So the Frozen movie is authentic from Norway? Disney is talking out of both sides of their mouth.
Booooooooooo……. bad show.
Ktcarc, Disney1990, Randy, Starla and Jennifer, you all couldn’t be anymore wrong or idiotic if you all tried.
Open up your minds and get it through your thick skulls that a Frozen DOES belong in Epcot and World Showcase! >:(
I would hope that they maintain the integrity of the ride (like adding the 3 caballeros to mexico), but I’m not quite sure how they do that. Maelstrom definitely needed something, I think because it was in rough shape when i was there in 2008, which was the last time i rode it. It may be selling out, but if it turns Maelstrom from a “b” ticket (in my opinion) to a “d” ticket, it’s a win (also my opinion). This park is sorely needing a new ride to get people excited.
We are conducting an academic survey on this. Please share your thoughts and opinions about Frozen and it’s impact on tourism and what should be done with the Norway Pavilion and Maelstrom ride at Epcot. The anonymous survey is at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FrozenNorway
I don’t think its right to put a theme like that into EPCOT, that’s not what the intent was. But WDW imaginer’s always surprise us with great things. I will hold my judgment until I see it.
Everyone does see that they are not closing the Norway paviliion, right? I think the ride has the potential to be a great addition to WDW but the chose a poor location. However, it is replacing Maelstrom, not the entire pavilion.