Maelstrom Gets Frozen

"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."

Big announcement from Disney today making waves online as the company finally made it official: a Frozen attraction will replace the Maelstrom in Epcot's Norway pavilion. There was no further news on the move like a timetable for the change or any info on if this will simply be a layover or if it will be a complete overhaul. A layover would be like the additions of Nemo to Living Seas or the Three Cabaelleros to El Rio Del Tiempo and would likely be something like Frozen characters giving a tour of Norway. This, quite frankly, would probably suck. But it could also be done much much quicker to appease the Frozen-starved masses. A new attraction, on the other hand, could be a very welcome investment on Disney's part into World Showcase, a neglected part of the Resort for years.

That having been said, there are many angry over the decision. Both the usual qualms about Disney replacing an old "classic" with something new and trendy and from those who like World Showcase as an adult area fairly untrampled by Disney characters and screaming kids. Now, as someone who has "drank around the World" and will often dedicate an entire day of vacation to just exploring World Showcase, I can see their point. But the flipside, like I've said, is that Disney might be investing money, REAL MONEY, into World Showcase for the first time in forever (yes, totally intended.) Maybe this leads to more improvements and general overhaul.

I do certainly hope Disney has the foresight to wait until after the Christmas season to shut Maelstrom down. Because that gobbles up lots of people all day. They certainly don't need to make Epcot lines even longer during the busiest time of year. There is also always a chance that they shut it down now for a cheap overhaul open in time for Christmas. This could also be a pretty terrible plan since Food & Wine Festival season is now, making it also a bad time to close an Epcot crowd guzzling attraction and since, as I mentioned earlier, an overlayed ride would blow.

Most importantly, ALL Disney has said on the "Frozen to Epcot" front is that it is happening, there will be music from the film, and it will end in a Meet & Greet. So we won't know the whens, whys, or hows until a later date. Let the speculation and squabbling continue!