It's Official: Frozen Attraction Coming to Epcot's Norway
The rumors that have been going around for months have finally been officially confirmed today by the Disney Parks Blog: a new Frozen-themed attraction will replace Maelstrom in the Norway pavilion at Epcot in the near future, as well as a new meet-and-greet area. In addition to that, a new seasonal celebration will take place nightly at the Magic Kingdom Park starting from November and lasting through December 2014. But there's even more. Here you are the official announcement:
‘Frozen’ Attraction Coming to Epcot
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.
UPDATE: The Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that Maelstrom's last day of operation will be October 5, 2014. The attraction will close forever on October 6, 2014 to allow work to start. Farewell...
PHOTOS/CONCEPT RENDERINGS: ©2014 Walt Disney World Resort. All rights reserved.
Not surprising to anyone who follows the rumors, but glad it's confirmed. Unfortunately no details on timeframe or whether they're just "redecorating" or gutting the building and starting from scratch. Lots of wasted space in Maelstrom with the boat landing and movie theater at the end so hopefully they'll use that space for a longer ride!
ReplyDeleteR.I.P. Maelstrom.
ReplyDeleteI could see a "overlay" of Frozen working with the theater being the meet and greet, but I think it will need a total ground up to accommodate the insane queue lines. Going to miss the Norway gift shop lots of cool stuff there.
R.I.P. Maelstrom.
ReplyDeleteI could see a "overlay" of Frozen working with the theater being the meet and greet, but I think it will need a total ground up to accommodate the insane queue lines. Going to miss the Norway gift shop lots of cool stuff there. too!
@Jason
ReplyDeleteI agree there was a lot of wasted space, but lets face it the ride barely had a queue line. For a ride thats obviously going to be a HUGE draw the queue will be pretty massive so there goes more space!
What a shame, Maelstrom was a good ride! I feel like Epcot should not have rides with Disney Characters, but there goes that idea.
ReplyDeleteCome on, Epcot needs more rides! Not replacements
ReplyDeleteWe're talking about Team Disney Orlando here, there probably gonna use the same track layout! With just a frozen theme, lets face it the ride isn't scary and definitely is form families and little kids
ReplyDeleteI really hope they make this an Awesome E-Ticket, Epcot really needs more!
ReplyDeleteOn the bright side, maybe soarin' and test track won't have two hour lines no more :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure people who think Disney can do no wrong will have problems with my comments, but I think this is terrible. First off, you do not have a max cap on rides. With Disney's building pace, this should open just in time for the 10th anniversary Diamond edition Blu-ray release. Why would you have to close one in order to open another one. The Maelstrom has been a favorite of my family for a long time. It was one of the few rides that is anything other than flat that has no ride height restrictions. Why would you take away a ride based on a country to make a ride based on a movie in a area solely dedicated to countries. I know DHS has been neglected so long they might have forgotten it exists, but guess what Disney. You have an entire theme park dedicated to movies. Maybe if you even put another ride there, the Toy Story ride might have less than a 3 hour wait. Walt Disney used to innovate, but sadly, that concept is lost on the imagineers of today. Every year, I find it harder and harder to shell out more and more money for our annual passes.
ReplyDeleteI been talking about this a lot on DIBB a uk Florida forum. Anyway I think that the room with the theatre in with be used as the queue line and they will reroute the ride exit
ReplyDeleteBAD MOVE! DHS should get this attraction!
ReplyDelete