New Frozen ride

[NewDVCowner]

The new Frozen ride officially opened today. Just out of curiousity I went onto the MDE app to see what the wait time was and it shows up as temporarily closed. That had me thinking - was there ever a soft opening for this ride leading up to today? Or, did they just throw the doors open without a real test run which is causing it to be down now as bugs are shaken out? (I don't know how long it's been down today, I just checked one time and it said it was down.)

[brad192]

So, the Norway pavilion has degraded culturally into nothing more than a place to get Norwegian food (if you don't mind princesses), and a gift shop, which I'm certain will be at least halfway devoted to Frozen merchandise now that the ride is open.

No need to even stop there anymore.

[DonaldDuck1117]

Considering the 5 hour wait throughout the day I would say the public is very happy with the switch!

[brad192]

To follow up on my first post...

I watched the ride-thru video of this earlier today and was struck by a couple of things:

1. The ride is well done, with great animatronics, and will press all the buttons for Frozen fans (I'm obviously not one).

2. It has absolutely no tie-in to Norway, its people, or its culture. (My biggest complaint)

Personally, I wish they would have left things the way they were, and put this attraction where it would've been better suited - in MK or DHS.

5 hour waits? Get used to it folks, it's gonna be that way for a loooong while.

[BugeyedMuggy]

To follow up on my first post...

I watched the ride-thru video of this earlier today and was struck by a couple of things:

1. The ride is well done, with great animatronics, and will press all the buttons for Frozen fans (I'm obviously not one).

2. It has absolutely no tie-in to Norway, its people, or its culture. (My biggest complaint)

Personally, I wish they would have left things the way they were, and put this attraction where it would've been better suited - in MK or DHS.

5 hour waits? Get used to it folks, it's gonna be that way for a loooong while.

Well Said!

[Disney4us2]

From what I know it have seen, there was no soft opening. I was there last Friday and the walls were still up. There was a soft opening for the Anna and Elsa meet and greet. I was there for opening day. They did open the rideat 9am instead of 11am. The Mexico pavilion was also op en at 9am.

I was not there Saturday, Sunday or Monday. I have no idea if there was a soft opening on those days.

Despite the ride being down, I waited until it was reopened. I was not disappointed. It was done very well. I will always miss Maelstrom though.

[azcavalier]

I liked Frozen well enough (I thought that Tangled was a far better movie, though), and I look forward to riding the new ride in September. Though there is no way i'll wait five hours for it. Or even one hour. So maybe I won't be riding it in September. We'll see.

However, regarding the Norway pavilion not having much actual ties back to Norway anymore...isn't it true that the country doesn't actually sponsor the pavilion anymore? I had heard rumors of LEGO trying to get a Scandinavian consortium to sponsor the pavilion, but since there isn't a shred of LEGO branding anywhere, I'm assuming that never happened. And while it is part of the World Showcase, and you would want it to represent that part of the world, if those countries aren't interested in sponsoring it, then Disney has no responsibility to represent them or consult them. Do they?

[brad192]

...However, regarding the Norway pavilion not having much actual ties back to Norway anymore...isn't it true that the country doesn't actually sponsor the pavilion anymore? I had heard rumors of LEGO trying to get a Scandinavian consortium to sponsor the pavilion, but since there isn't a shred of LEGO branding anywhere, I'm assuming that never happened. And while it is part of the World Showcase, and you would want it to represent that part of the world, if those countries aren't interested in sponsoring it, then Disney has no responsibility to represent them or consult them. Do they?

I believe they do.. My point is while technically/legally they might not have a responsibility for representing that particular country, proper ethics and plain common sense says that they should. After all, it is the NORWAY pavilion, and should reflect the land, people, and culture of that country, not be a showcase for a fantasy cartoon with singing princesses and a talking snowman. If that's the case, just go ahead and rename it Frozenland, or something.

I will repeat myself - the whole Frozen thing would be better suited to MK or DHS.

[Stu29573]

Ok here are my thoughts (I'm sure everyone is relieved)...
1. I hated losing Maelstrom and the lesson it taught (however simple).
2. Frozen Ever After actually looks pretty good. At least they did a good job on the overlay.
3. It should be at a different park.
4. If they wanted to draw people into the World Showcase, a new ride at one of the other countries would have done it nicely while leaving Norway alone.
5. I will rate this as a "mild misstep" in the overall scheme of things. It could have been worse. Heck, it still could get worse.
6. The huge lines for a C ticket attraction show how hungry people are for new things at Disney.
7. Adding more new things instead of changing existing attractions is much smarter.
8. Disney is about a decade behind in this area.
There ya go!

[MNNHFLTX]

Considering the 5 hour wait throughout the day I would say the public is very happy with the switch!

Not necessarily. Whenever a new ride opens or has been extensively refurbished, curiosity probably fuels the length of the lines more than anything else. That's what I find so ironic--that people will wait for hours for a 5-10 minute attraction and then complain that it wasn't worth the wait. :shake:

[ransam]

So, the Norway pavilion has degraded culturally into nothing more than a place to get Norwegian food (if you don't mind princesses), and a gift shop, which I'm certain will be at least halfway devoted to Frozen merchandise now that the ride is open.

No need to even stop there anymore.

Cool, one less person i have to wait for. :mickey:

[Daisy'sMom]

I agree with you. I just don't think Epcot is the right place for Frozen. It really makes me sad to see Disney forgetting what Walt had planned for Epcot. They now worship the mighty dollar.

[Altair]

It really makes me sad to see Disney forgetting what Walt had planned for Epcot. They now worship the mighty dollar.

EPCOT never was anything like what Walt envisioned. His plan was for a self sufficient city and not a theme park, but at least what we got was somewhat educational.

[wiltsan]

"You are not the first to pass this way, nor will you be the last..."
Just watched ride video with family and have to say that we were disappointed. The animatronics are undeniably incredible but too much wasted space (ala spaceship earth) in the area that is just screens after visiting Elsa's castle. Even my 11 year old daughter just said,"As much as I love Frozen, Maelstorm was better." And for the record, I am also a major fan of Frozen. We really enjoyed the former ride a lot and appreciated the culture/educational components of the pavilion. Now this has turned into a princess pavilion hawking merchandise. I get that they need to attract the 4-7 year old set to Epcot but think there could have been better ways than to desicrate a beloved (by my family) attraction. "Norway, it's spirit is in its people."

[i'm grumpy]

I liked Frozen well enough (I thought that Tangled was a far better movie, though), and I look forward to riding the new ride in September. Though there is no way i'll wait five hours for it. Or even one hour. So maybe I won't be riding it in September. We'll see.

However, regarding the Norway pavilion not having much actual ties back to Norway anymore...isn't it true that the country doesn't actually sponsor the pavilion anymore? I had heard rumors of LEGO trying to get a Scandinavian consortium to sponsor the pavilion, but since there isn't a shred of LEGO branding anywhere, I'm assuming that never happened. And while it is part of the World Showcase, and you would want it to represent that part of the world, if those countries aren't interested in sponsoring it, then Disney has no responsibility to represent them or consult them. Do they?

We LOVE Tangled. And UP.:joy:

[Zippy 1]

There was a soft opening on sunday. The walls were still up but they were taking people in through the doors for much of the day

[brad192]

"You are not the first to pass this way, nor will you be the last..."
Just watched ride video with family and have to say that we were disappointed. The animatronics are undeniably incredible but too much wasted space (ala spaceship earth) in the area that is just screens after visiting Elsa's castle. Even my 11 year old daughter just said,"As much as I love Frozen, Maelstorm was better." And for the record, I am also a major fan of Frozen. We really enjoyed the former ride a lot and appreciated the culture/educational components of the pavilion. Now this has turned into a princess pavilion hawking merchandise. I get that they need to attract the 4-7 year old set to Epcot but think there could have been better ways than to desicrate a beloved (by my family) attraction. "Norway, it's spirit is in its people."

Yes! But a better way to desicrate an attraction?? I don't think so...

[Terra]

I watched the POV video the day it opened. Love it, and so did my sons.
So sad that currently we are unable to go as usual [as per my thread in Mousellanous].
But watching it is enough until hopefully one day we can get back when my son is better and life is better. Changes at WDW are the least of my worries. I'd rather be there than going through what we are any day :mickey:
I loved Maelstrom as well, but also love the update. Looks like they lengthened the ride a bit which is nice. Love the theming as well.

[Bass T-bone]

EPCOT never was anything like what Walt envisioned. His plan was for a self sufficient city and not a theme park, but at least what we got was somewhat educational.

Initially...

Seems to becoming just another 'theme park'

(Yes, I preferred the original EPCOT)

[DonaldDuck1117]

I think we are seeing the natural progression/evolution of Epcot. It's time Disney realizes that the park is no where near what the original purpose was: to be a permanent World's Fair.

Rededicate the park with a new purpose statement. Have the park be a spark of imagination for all who come. Make it show the sense of wonder and amazement the world has. Instead of actual education have the rides show the possibilities of the world and of the individual. It has been years since the park actually educated visitors and the only remaining attraction that does is Spaceship Earth. It's time to let that purpose die and reinvent the park.

After AK and Studios are done Epcot is in need of a make over. I really think this is the start of a new Epcot. I wouldn't be surprised if we get a Remy ride for France. That would fit nicely. They need to add another country. Australia would be great with a gamey restaurant and and E Ticket attraction about a walk about.

I don't see characters invading World Showcase as a bad thing. I think it would boost attendance and bring life back to a park that saw an almost zero increase in attendance figures.

[Lucky Rabbit]

I agree with Donald. I'm fine with characters invading the World Showcase, as long as it fits. I understand the waits stink, but Frozen is a good fit for Norway.

[Wells]

So...I could stand in line and watch the movie two and three quarter times before a three and a half minute ride........
I will mostly miss the troll who said "Disappear! Disappear!" that guy always cracked me up....

[mermaidmarian]

Aren't the country pavillions in Epcot designed and built by the boards of travel and tourism from their respective countries? I didn't think WDW could unilaterally change the type of attraction(s) featured. Unless I am mistaken with that understanding, it seems like Norway must have believed that a Frozen ride was very good for it's tourism industry.

I'll probably never get over the loss of "NorVEY....." and we always watched the movie even when everyone else just walked through.

[BrerGnat]

Aren't the country pavillions in Epcot designed and built by the boards of travel and tourism from their respective countries? I didn't think WDW could unilaterally change the type of attraction(s) featured. Unless I am mistaken with that understanding, it seems like Norway must have believed that a Frozen ride was very good for it's tourism industry.

I'll probably never get over the loss of "NorVEY....." and we always watched the movie even when everyone else just walked through.

Norway doesn't really have any stake in the pavilion anymore, from what I recall reading.

[Stu29573]

No countries' governments ever had anything to do with the World Showcase (at least until Morocco came along). Disney wanted them to, but they couldn't interest any governments in participating. Norway was originally sponsored by Norwegian companies- not their government.

[mandaep]

The idea of a Frozen ride is great and all but why does Disney assume that we wouldn't rather see a ride that is tied to the culture of the country. That's the whole point of world showcase. We actually want those things.

[wiltsan]

We also ALWAYS watched the movie. "Norway, it's spirit is in its people. 😢

[Mackflava99]

I was always a big fan of Maelstrom and have yet to see the Frozen ride ( I do have a FP+ for August 15) . I have always been a big Viking fan and loved the concept behind Maelstrom and the small building in the front of the pavilion.
I liked the trolls and also liked the Oil Rig section. BUT the ride did need some upgrades, it was not up to the standard of other Disney rides and I know if I could have re-imagineered it there were a dozen things I would have enhanced.
My assumption always was that there was a decision to either fix it up or else add something new ( Frozen) and the Frozen frenzy probably made it an easier decision to make. There was no real big opportunity for any merchandising and it was not a ride that took any crowds away from Soarin or test track.
I never based any part of my day around " Hey we need to make a bee-line for Maelstrom." It was a nice ride, pretty unique but it wasn't really even marketed ( I do think there is a pin). When I figured out my Epcot must-do's I think it ranked just below trying Beverley.
I would rather they fix up Figment, upgrade Ellen's adventure, find a way to bring Sum of all Thrills back and add a few more countries.( or bring back Horizons), get the Piggy game and the Burning house activites from Innoventions back. Epcot does need some TLC I think we can all agree.

Yes, I will definitely miss Maelstrom, but I also wish that they had used Frozen as a way to educate the populace on Norwegian culture ( the best of both worlds) maybe even have Anna and Elsa battle Ragnar Lothbrook :) It will now only be in our memories. 20 years from now our children will be complaining when they refurbish the Frozen ride with something new. There isn't much we can do.

In retrospective, I will miss Off-Kilter more than Maelstrom, but I am sure after I see the Frozen ride my scale may change . Hopefully I get a positive experience.

[DizneyFreak2002]

BUT the ride did need some upgrades, it was not up to the standard of other Disney rides and I know if I could have re-imagineered it there were a dozen things I would have enhanced. My assumption always was that there was a decision to either fix it up or else add something new ( Frozen) and the Frozen frenzy probably made it an easier decision to make. There was no real big opportunity for any merchandising and it was not a ride that took any crowds away from Soarin or test track.
There was a plan, a great grand plan, to fix Maelstrom... Disney wasn't kidding anyone by trying to portray Maelstrom as some top of the line E ticket anymore... They knew it needed help, and Imagineering came up with a great plan for the ride... Sadly, another Imagineer, who is obviously smart enough to read the tea leaves and know how today's WDW management (and Disney management as a whole) works, came up with a plan to shove Frozen into a spot it doesn't belong, so they could make even more money off merchandise, and potentially save his/her job... Of course, since today's Disney management lack any kind of creativity, and only worship att he alter of the almighty dollar, they loved the idea... And, well, a real country has been pillaged and plundered and turned into a fictional land... Thus killing World Showcase...

but I also wish that they had used Frozen as a way to educate the populace on Norwegian culture ( the best of both worlds) If they had to have Frozen in Norway, and they didn't, then the best concept would have been to use the characters as a way to, maybe not educate, but showcase Norway... A modern Norway, not a Norway stuck in the 80's... But instead they build a castle park dark ride...

Look, no one can deny Frozen's popularity... No one can deny the business Frozen has generated, and still does... If anyone does deny, well, we need to check to see what rock they been living under or make sure they are still alive... Frozen, whether you are a fan or not, deserved better... it deserved more... And so the Frozen fans... But Disney today thinks so little of their guests, of their fans... They think their fans will just eat up any piece of garbage they are fed... Truth is, they aren't wrong.. I mean look on this site, look elsewhere... Die hard fans can't see past their nose... They just say DISNEY RULEZ and accept the trash heap they are given... Frozen deserved it's own land... With an E ticket ride... Not to be shoe horned into a spot it doesn't belong in...

[Terra]

There was a plan, a great grand plan, to fix Maelstrom... Disney wasn't kidding anyone by trying to portray Maelstrom as some top of the line E ticket anymore... They knew it needed help, and Imagineering came up with a great plan for the ride... Sadly, another Imagineer, who is obviously smart enough to read the tea leaves and know how today's WDW management (and Disney management as a whole) works, came up with a plan to shove Frozen into a spot it doesn't belong, so they could make even more money off merchandise, and potentially save his/her job... Of course, since today's Disney management lack any kind of creativity, and only worship att he alter of the almighty dollar, they loved the idea... And, well, a real country has been pillaged and plundered and turned into a fictional land... Thus killing World Showcase...
If they had to have Frozen in Norway, and they didn't, then the best concept would have been to use the characters as a way to, maybe not educate, but showcase Norway... A modern Norway, not a Norway stuck in the 80's... But instead they build a castle park dark ride...

Look, no one can deny Frozen's popularity... No one can deny the business Frozen has generated, and still does... If anyone does deny, well, we need to check to see what rock they been living under or make sure they are still alive... Frozen, whether you are a fan or not, deserved better... it deserved more... And so the Frozen fans... But Disney today thinks so little of their guests, of their fans... They think their fans will just eat up any piece of garbage they are fed... Truth is, they aren't wrong.. I mean look on this site, look elsewhere... Die hard fans can't see past their nose... They just say DISNEY RULEZ and accept the trash heap they are given... Frozen deserved it's own land... With an E ticket ride... Not to be shoe horned into a spot it doesn't belong in...

I agree on some parts. However, I don't understand why you have to be so rude about those of us that do love Disney and are fine with changes. It doesn't mean we are stupid of "fall for garbage." It's really not necessary to look down on others for a difference of opinion.

[Mackflava99]

I agree on some parts. However, I don't understand why you have to be so rude about those of us that do love Disney and are fine with changes. It doesn't mean we are stupid of "fall for garbage." It's really not necessary to look down on others for a difference of opinion.

I actually didn't take that as being rude at all, he was expressing his opinion and that's what the boards are for. I really liked the post.
I recently went to Disneyland and got to see alot of the rides that I miss at WDW - Mr Toad, Snow White, the Submarine, attractions on Main Street etc, and it was great, But i do love alot of what WDW has done with the changes too. I am always torn between the two. I love the history and tradition, its part of me in some way. But I also like new technology and also have found the ability to give change a chance. it is difficult but sometimes we really don't have a choice.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I agree on some parts. However, I don't understand why you have to be so rude about those of us that do love Disney and are fine with changes. It doesn't mean we are stupid of "fall for garbage." It's really not necessary to look down on others for a difference of opinion.
Actually, there is nothing rude about saying there are many Disney fans who are blindly loyal to the brand.. Which is exactly what was meant by saying many Disney fans can't see past their nose... No where in that post did I ever call anyone stupid... You seem like a reasonable person Terra... Yea sure we had our back and forths, disagreements... But that never made me think you were anything but a reasonable person, so if you want to continue about things being "rude" feel free to PM me... I'll have that convo with you, just not on this forum... We are discussing the Frozen attraction... But, as a reasonable person, you have to admit, there are many fans in the community who are blind followers of all things Disney, and can't see past their nose when it comes time for the brand...

As for Frozen, I'll state again, this does NOT belong in Epcot... Frozen deserved its own land... MK was the right location, but even DHS would have been better, especially since DHS needs all the help it can get, and no Star Wars and Toy Story won't suffice... Will help, but will not cure that park...

I watch the ride through video.. A few of them actually... I won't form a true opinion about the ride... Haven't seen it in person, and I won't... I do refuse to ride it... But, from what I saw, eh... Again it is a castle park dark ride... Nothing more, nothing less... I will, however, give kudos for the AA's... Yes, the animatronics really were amazing... But over all, just an eh... Such a missed opportunity for such a successful and popular IP... Disney dropped the ball on this one in WDW...

[texas211]

I actually didn't take that as being rude at all, he was expressing his opinion and that's what the boards are for. I really liked the post.
I recently went to Disneyland and got to see alot of the rides that I miss at WDW - Mr Toad, Snow White, the Submarine, attractions on Main Street etc, and it was great, But i do love alot of what WDW has done with the changes too. I am always torn between the two. I love the history and tradition, its part of me in some way. But I also like new technology and also have found the ability to give change a chance. it is difficult but sometimes we really don't have a choice.

While I hate DL, I did really like seeing the dark rides that I miss so much (mr. toad).

I agree w/ the person who said, why not have Frozen characters talk about Norway. It is worse to me, b/c since the ride is exactly the same track, it doesn't seem right. And there is no way I'd wait 5 hours for a ride as short as the Maelstrom was. 35 minutes was pushing it for a minute long ride. Our next trip is at the FW festival. Hopefully people will be busy over there and I can enjoy my snacks in peace.

[MNNHFLTX]

Actually, there is nothing rude about saying there are many Disney fans who are blindly loyal to the brand.. Which is exactly what was meant by saying many Disney fans can't see past their nose... No where in that post did I ever call anyone stupid.

Saying someone is "blindly loyal" and "can't see past their nose" is kind of the equivalent to calling someone stupid. Please be mindful of your words.

[RBrooksC]

The movie Frozen was taken from and use much of the culture of Norway and other Scandinavian Countries. The Meet and Greet area is also very much themed to a Norway Summer House that would have been used. And so what if it is a Frozen dark ride in Norway. It removes an old and tired dark ride and injects it with something new. Yes, the lines won't always be five hours long but it they are constantly long and it draws people in World Showcase early, then it's a good thing. And about that comment about the "all might dollar", yes, they DO want to make a profit. The last time I checked Disney is a "For Profit" organization. So anything they do will be in a way for them to MAKE MONEY. I never understand people who cannot grasp this concept.