Farewell Maelstrom
Today is the final day for Maelstrom, the long-running Viking-themed attraction inside Epcot’s Norway pavilion.
The ride, which opened in 1988, will see its final voyage later today as the park guests get chance to sail through a history of Norway for the final time.
Maelstrom has long been a popular destination in Epcot’s World Showcase, where attractions are rare. Guests have recently flocked to ride the ride one last time, creating wait times upwards of up to 90 minutes at times. On a recent visit last week, the wait time varied 30 to 35 minutes.
Maelstrom has always been popular with families as the chilly boat ride took guests through Norwegian scenes, ranging from trolls, to polar bears to oil rigs. Technically Maelstrom isn’t a thrill ride but the boat does take a 28-foot drop into a scene of oil rigs, depicting the present day North Sea.
Guests depart the boat into a replica Norwegian village where a short film on the history of Norway is shown in a theater that separates the village from a gift shop. The gift shop that features some popular Norwegian-themed products, along with “Frozen” merchandise.
The Maelstrom ride will now be renovated for the new “Frozen” attraction and is scheduled to open in early 2016.
There are no specific details at this time of what the new ride will entail, but Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs said the ride will highlight the popular soundtrack and moments from the film.
The ride will also include a meet-and-greet location for sisters Anna and Elsa. The duo were originally stationed at Epcot for several months late last year, but were later moved to Magic Kingdom.
Farewell Maelstrom… you gave us some fond memories.
