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It’s July 5, 1988. The Orlando summer heat encompasses Disney’s recent sensation: The World Showcase. You make your way to the 11th pavilion that just opened in May, Norway, and suddenly you’re whisked from a peaceful Park perusing to an epic Viking adventure.
Exactly 35 years ago today, EPCOT’s cult classic ride hit the Disney scene. Maelstrom was a thrilling boat ride with twists, turns, and reverse maneuvers with a Park view. A welcome attraction among the countries, the Maelstrom ride invited Guests to seek the spirit of Norway on a winding Viking ship topped with a film aptly called The Spirit of Norway.
Credit: meeko_, Flickr
By the time Guests reached the theater doors, Disney Imagineers had made them honorary Norwegians, and Maelstrom quickly gained a cult following. Perhaps even more than its country pavilion counterparts, Maelstrom added even more depth to the immersive experience of the Norway Pavilion, transporting Guests straight into the heart of the country.
While it appeared to fans that Maelstrom was accomplishing precisely what Disney intended with its immaculately-themed country pavilions, it became a fixture in Disney history when it was replaced by an extremely popular IP: Frozen (2013).
‘Frozen’ in Time
Maelstrom took its last cruise on October 5, 2014, after 26 years of producing honorary Vikings. On June 21, 2016, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf moved into its place to create the attraction Frozen Ever After. While the Frozen-themed ride is undoubtedly a hit with Disney fans who were part of the billions in love with Frozen and Frozen 2, the update was jarring for Maelstrom proponents like Nick, who shared an update about the ride on Twitter:
On this day (7/5) in 1988 Maelstrom opened in #EPCOT. I loved this attraction. While I enjoy Frozen I sure do wish Maelstrom didn’t disappear, disappear. Who else misses it?
On this day (7/5) in 1988 Maelstrom opened in #EPCOT. I loved this attraction. While I enjoy Frozen I sure do wish Maelstrom didn’t disappear, disappear. Who else misses it?#Disney #DisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/yRFIVQrQBv
— Nick (@GrimGrinningNic) July 5, 2023
The Frozen attraction didn’t change much about Maelstrom, with an adventurous plunge around an ice palace before being met with the beloved Disney princesses at the end. Still, fans have lamented the Frozen ride taking over Troll Valley, especially with a princess presence already at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall’s character dining meals.
Progress vs. Preservation
Donald Duck was the first to impart a Disney IP into a World Showcase attraction in the Mexico Pavilion with Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Still, the Frozen attraction launched a movement in EPCOT that not every Disney fan is happy about. Not only has there been the addition of Remy from Ratatouille (2007) with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along welcomed Belle to France, and a Mary Poppins (1964) attraction is heading to the UK Pavilion, but on hold for now.
Credit: Disney
Scaffolding and construction have been displayed in EPCOT for a significant time, and IP attractions will likely gradually take over The World Showcase. Although famous Disney films draw many Guests, others call for a return to the educational tone EPCOT was initially built with, especially since Mickey’s home, Magic Kingdom, lends itself to IP attractions and shows.
A campaign for Maelstrom’s return has held firm since its departure, and it begs the question: should Disney leave The World Showcase alone?
