Fun and Adventure Await At Epcot's Expanded Norway Pavilion

A cold wind blew into Epcot today as the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase greeted its new permanent residents Anna and Elsa, from Disney's blockbuster film Frozen. While we understand that Norway is not the mythical Arendelle - the art, culture, and people of Norway helped to inspire the beautiful country that came to life on screen. Here's what traveler are saying about the fresh take on Epcot's Norway Pavilion.


Frozen Ever After Opens at Epcot (Matt Mauney, Orlando Sentinel)


As guests heading clockwise around the World Showcase Promenade the first signs of change will be the expansion of the Norway Pavilion to include the Royal Sommerhus Meet and Greet Location. Disney's Imagineers created a charming hewn log cottage with bright red doors, painted shutters, and a classic grass roof. Every nook and corner have gotten attention, even the ceilings are beautifully painted in traditional Nordic motifs. The design was modeled after an authentic one located in Trondheim, Norway. The Royal Sommerhus has four different rooms where Anna and Elsa hold court, it's a high capacity turn to make sure you get presented in a timely manner.

After your audience with the Queen and Princess, you'll find that the meet and greet empties into a new gift shop called The Wandering Reindeer, where fans can pick up all the Frozen merchandise they could ever dream of. And never fear, you can still find restrooms and stroller parking in the newly reimagined area surrounded by etched blocks of stone, and hand-splattered dirt.


Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus (Disney)


Moving further on down the Promenade you come to the central courtyard of the Norway Pavilion where you'll find the newest ride to open at Walt Disney World, Frozen Ever After. Built in the space and on the track which once contained Maelstrom, and the Spirit of Norway film, the Frozen Ever After attraction didn't just overlay the old ride, but worked hard to create an entirely new experience. Guests that brave the wait times will enjoy some of the most sophisticated technology on all of Walt Disney World's dark rides.

Maelstrom lovers will be familiar with the path that the ride's track takes and how it influences different sections, but Queen Elsa's icy blast is enough to push us back from edge of doubt to Marshmallow, Snowgie safety, and a glittering finale. Some have even suggested that this may be Disney's best dark ride ever - but we'll let you be the judge.

Tina, over at the Disney Food Blog waited in line for between 5-6 hours to hop on the boat and ride the new attraction 'Frozen Ever After' you can see her ride from the DFB's Facebook live video. For his sharp camera work and multi-angle magic, take a ride-through with John from BigFatPanda.com in the video below.





In addition to the Royals that have moved in, a few rather bumbling commoners have joined the town. Dressed ready to go a viking (but obviously a few oars short in the longboat) this streetmosphere duo is a totally fun addition in what is surely to be the most crowded Pavilion of the summer. The Vikings can be found roaming the pavilion periodically throughout the day.


A Little Fun With Vikings (Matt Mauney, Orlando Sentinel)


By all accounts so far Disney seems to have hit it out of the Park with the refresh this beautiful Pavilion and brought even more carefully constructed detail and charm to the area. Are you looking forward to experiencing the new attractions in Norway? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!