“If nothing changed, there’d be no butterflies.” – Walt Disney
Perhaps the most recent and controversial of all attraction closures took place on October 5, 2014 in Epcot. Yes, on that date Maelstrom, located in the Norwegian pavilion of the World Showcase, closed forever.
Opening in 1988, the water attraction took visitors in boats through the beauty and history of Norway that included mythological sequences where spells were cast, polar bears, waterfalls and Vikings. The ride, that was part log flume and part film attraction, gave riders the option to watch a video, “The Spirit of Norway” after existing the ride that highlighted the activities in Norway. The ride also had a few hidden Mickey’s.
It was announced in 2014 that the ride was going to be replaced by an attraction based on Frozen, a Disney animated film. Because of the popularity the ride and the effect of social media, petitions were created and signed by thousands upon thousands of people in an attempt to save the ride. Those attempts went unacknowledged by Disney. The new ride is scheduled to open in early 2016.
Will you miss Maelstrom or are you looking forward to the new Frozen attraction?
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.