Norway | |
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A Stave Church serves as the focal point of the Norway pavilion | |
Epcot | |
Land | World Showcase |
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Opening date | May 6, 1988 |
Number of Attractions | 0 |
Number of Restaurants | 2 |
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Pavilion History
What would one day become the Norway pavilion actually began in 1978 as the Denmark pavilion. Denmark was one of the original concepts for World Showcase, with the idea that it would be the park's Scandinavian representative [1]. Between 1978 and 1982 however, the pavilion went through a series of changes. Before EPCOT Center’s opening, the pavilion was dropped, reinstated, and moved next to the China pavilion [1]. Eventually, it was decided that Denmark would open with Phase II of Epcot, which was scheduled to take place shortly after the park opened [1]. Due to the fact that World Showcase needed more restrooms however, some were built in the planned location of Denmark, with the idea that the other buildings would be constructed around them [2].
By 1983 plans for the Denmark pavilion had been cancelled. Instead, it was decided that Norway, Sweden, and Denmark would open in the "Scandinavian Showcase" which was scheduled for 1987 [1]. The pavilion was designed by WED and "Norman International"- one of Oslo's largest construction companies. Due to the fact that most of the funds were coming from Norwegian sources however, plans for the pavilion changed once again, and in June of 1985 it was announced that the pavilion would be named "Norway, Gateway to Scandinavia"[1].
The original Norway pavilion was designed with 58,000 sq. ft. of interior space [1]. This area was then divided up into stores, an exhibition, a restaurant, and EPCOT Center’s first thrill ride- SeaVenture. The plans for SeaVenture called for an interior boat ride attraction, on which guests would encounter trolls and gnomes as they searched for a rainbow bridge to Valhalla (an earlier idea would have had guests traveling through a day in the life of a Viking) [1]. This storyline was deemed too short however, and the concept was expanded so that it now included a history trip that took guests from the folklore of Norway, all the way through modern times[1]. The thrill part of the attraction was planned to come from a new ride system where the boat’s direction could be reversed during the ride.
Construction began on the Norway pavilion on May 27, 1986 [3]. Over the next two years, the pavilion began to take shape around the original 1982 Denmark restroom building. When complete, the pavilion consisted of a Stave Church (which holds various exhibits), a counter service restaurant named Kringla Bakeri OG Kafe, the table service Restaurant Akershus, as well a series of interlinked stores including the Puffins Roost and Fjording. The pavilion’s attraction was renamed Maelstrom shortly before the pavilion opened, and it, along with the rest of the Norway pavilion opened to guests on May 6, 1988. On July 5, of that year, the pavilion was officially dedicated, with Crown Prince Harald on hand for the festivities.
Since the pavilion opened, Norway has seen a few significant changes. The exhibits inside the Stave Church have been updated over the years, and the live band “Spelmanns Gledje” which once played in the pavilion no longer appears [4] [5]. Furthermore, in 2005 Restaurant Akershus began to offer character dining [6]. The next change came in 2008, when the outdoor playground shaped like the famous Viking ship “Oseberg” was removed [7].
On October 5, 2014 Maelstrom and the Spirit of Norway film located in the attraction's exit closed [8]. The ride will be replaced with an attraction based on the 2013 Disney film "Frozen". Disney subsequently announced that the attraction would be titled "Frozen Ever After" [9] and it would open in Spring 2016 [10].
Sponsorship of the Pavilion [1]
In order to add a new pavilion to World Showcase, Disney required 30 million dollars to come from outside sponsors. The following companies contributed to the Norway pavilion's creation:
- Selmer-Sande Construction
- Den Norske Creditbank
- Vesta-Gruppen Insturance/Finance
- Norcem Industrial
- Kosmos Shipping
- Det Norske Veritas Marine Insurance
- Frionor Norsk Frossenfisk Seafood
- Norsk Data Technology
- Norway Foods LTD
Note: SAS (the largest Scandinavian airline) also sponsored "The Spirit of Norway" film which guests see after exiting the Maelstrom.
In 1992, all of the sponsors sold their stake in the Norway pavilion to Disney. Following that sale, the government of Norway agreed to give Disney $200,000 a year until their contract ended in 2002.
Attractions
Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure- On this interactive adventure, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.
Former Attractions
Maelstrom- This boat ride attraction took guests on a historical tour of Norway. The ride began within the ancient folklore of Norway’s past, and ended in modern times. Along the way guests encountered trolls, fell down a waterfall, and sailed through North Sea storm. Maelstrom operated from July 5, 1988 until October 5, 2014.
The Spirit of Norway- This travelogue film allowed guests to get an idea of what "modern" Norway had to offer. Guests viewed the film after exiting Maelstrom. The Spirit of Norway film was shown from July 5, 1988 until October 5, 2014.
Exhibits
Creating the World of Frozen- Found inside the Stave Church, Creating the World of Frozen showcases how the culture and aesthetics of Norway influenced the creation of Frozen.
Restaurants
Restaurant Akershus- This buffet style restaurant serves traditional Norwegian foods. In 2005, Restaurant Akerhus became a character dining location where guests can meet various Disney princesses while they eat.
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe- This counter service restaurant specializes in pastries and sandwiches.
Shopping
Puffin's Roost- This large store sells all kinds of authentic Norwegian merchandise. Here guests can by items ranging from viking helmets to perfume and everything else in between.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Norway was the last pavilion to be added to World Showcase.
- The Norway pavilion's dedication was broadcast all over Norway. [11]
- The Stave Church that serves as the focal point of the pavilion was based on Gol Stave Church in Norway, which dates back to 1212. [11]
- Outside of the church, guests can see a statue of Olaf II, king and Patron Saint of Norway. [11]
- The backdrop of the Norway pavilion is based on Akershus Fortress which was built in Oslo in the year 1290. [11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 http://vimeo.com/13283957
- ↑ http://progresscityusa.com/2009/12/03/retro-neverworlds-the-lost-potties-of-denmark/
- ↑ http://allears.net/ae/issue790.htm
- ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/michaelbachand/2009/11/a_walking_tour_of_epcots_norwa.html
- ↑ http://thedisneyblog.com/2011/05/31/epcots-shabby-norway-film-making-waves-in-norway/
- ↑ https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/282/Walt-Disney-World/Epcot/World-Showcase--Norway/Akershus-Royal-Banquet-Hall
- ↑ http://allears.net/ae/issue790.htm
- ↑ http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-farewell-to-norway-maelstrom-ride-at-epcot-20141005-story.html
- ↑ http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/06/first-look-frozen-ever-after-at-epcot/
- ↑ http://blogs.disney.com/oh-my-disney/2015/11/02/we-just-found-out-so-much-more-about-epcots-frozen-ever-after-attraction/
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/01/norway_pavilion_part_one_1.html