‘Frozen’ Attraction Set to Replace Maelstrom in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

POSTED: Sat, 09/13/2014 - 05:00 | POSTED BY: Traci C.

After several months of rumors and speculation, the news is official: a Frozen attraction is being built to replace Maelstrom in Epcot's Norway Pavilion.

Disney Parks made the official announcement this afternoon. Construction is underway on the new Frozen attraction that will takes guests to Arendelle where they'll be surrounded by the music from the film.

Maelstrom, a fan favorite and the first ride at Epcot to feature a flume drop, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

The Norway Pavilion will also be home to a new meet-and-greet location where guests can visit Queen Elsa and Princess Anna.

But it's not just Epcot that has been swept up in Frozen fever.

This holiday season Queen Elsa will use her powers to transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace each night beginning in November. And, the cast of characters from Frozen will be part of "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade."

Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios Anna and Elsa will continue their Frozen sing-along after the Frozen Summer Fun event ends at the end of this month. Wandering Oaken's will also be setting up shop in a new location in the park.

What are your thoughts about the new Frozen attraction and the end of Maelstrom? Leave us a comment and let us know.

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Kristen K. wrote on Sun, 09/14/2014 - 15:41:

I haven't decided what I think about this yet. Malestrom was on my "must ride" list for every Epcot visit and I'm just not that in to Frozen. :-(

Otto G. wrote on Sun, 09/14/2014 - 16:29:

I hope the new attraction remains true to the Norwegian culture and enhances the experience of visiting the Norway Pavilion. Based on their record, I would expect Disney to honor the location instead of succumbing to Frozen Fever, but I'll reserve judgment.

Any news releases on expected opening date?

Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 09/15/2014 - 13:53:

I haven't yet heard of an opening date Otto - but we'll be sure to report as soon as we get one.

C Edwards wrote on Tue, 09/16/2014 - 02:33:

I know that The World Showcase is about the countries represented there- so we can all experience some of what that country has to offer. Norway will not be represented as it should be with a new, ficticious Frozen attraction. It's a shame they're placing this attraction in the Norway pavillion rather than at Hollywood Studios (which could really use the boost this attraction could offer them)! I don't agree with what Disney is doing here.

Lynn D wrote on Tue, 09/16/2014 - 15:19:

I have to admit, I was never a big fan of Maelstrom. I know most people love it. For me though, I am excited to see what the new Frozen attraction will be.

Ken D wrote on Tue, 09/16/2014 - 20:30:

Maelstrom was always one of our favorite rides. "Disappear disappear". Going to miss it.

Chuck B wrote on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:29:

I'm disappointed at this news. Norway was/is my favorite place to visit in World Showcase. Maelstrom was a "must" on every visit. We are going to WDW for the first time in 10 years and I just found it that the ride is closing the day before I arrive -- a major bummer. I always look at World Showcase as being the place to showcase the sponsoring country, not promote a Disney movie. I can see a Frozen-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, not Epcot. I hope whatever the result is still focuses on Norway the country. Unfortunately, I suspect the new ride will be overrun with kids for the Frozen aspect of the show and I would expect wait times to be ridiculous. What a shame to lose this Maelstrom.

JEANYSANCHEZ wrote on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 23:50:

I can't wait to ride Frozen in 2016 because I love Frozen!

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