posted on September 12th, 2014 by Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
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.”
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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.
No work yet on WHEN the Maelstrom will close... _________________ Up or Down North, South, East, or West An Adventurer's Life is Best!
Mixed feelings on this. On the one part I think Maelstrom is one of the best attraction/Pavillion theming combinations. It is a great fit for Norway and provides a lot of the Norway background.
I don't see how Frozen is going to accomplish the same thing as introducing people to what makes Norway special.
On the other side, I am glad to see them investing in the park and there is a lot of potential in this proposed theme.
Guess we will have to see how they pull in Frozen with out loosing the flavor of Norway.
Joined: Nov 10, 2005 Posts: 3811 Location: Orlando, FL
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 9:13 pm Post subject:
This does it. Disney has put the final nail in the Epcot coffin. What once was Walt Disney's greatest dream has now become a place to 'showcase' the latest fad. This the end of Epcot as we know it. Any hopes of it returning to the glory days are gone forever. So very sad... _________________ John
Joined: May 21, 2013 Posts: 1070 Location: Tennessee
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 6:46 pm Post subject:
I'm also split on this. The Frozen overlay will definitely feel like a departure from the aesthetic that you normally experience in the different showcases. What I would love to have heard is an upgrade to the existing attraction. We ride Maelstrom for every visit, but it does feel a bit dated.
I tell you this, though - my 9-year-old is ecstatic!
Joined: Feb 21, 2006 Posts: 4196 Location: Sanford, Fl
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:19 am Post subject:
It has been announced that Oct 5 will be the last day... couldn't get out to do Backlot Tour and see the Epcot entertainment this past weekend, hope to get out this weekend... before it "DISAPPEAR... DISAPPEAR!" _________________ Up or Down North, South, East, or West An Adventurer's Life is Best!
maybe if Epcot didn't have such a bad track record with change more folks would be open minded about this change... You have to admit most epcot changes have not worked out well.
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