Changes

When an attraction for the Norway pavilion was originally being developed, Imagineers wanted to give the pavilion EPCOT Center’s first thrill ride. Named “SeaVenture”, Norway’s attraction would take guests through a 946 ft. flume ride <Ref name= "Martin"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?tag=norway-pavilion </ref>. Along their journey, guests would encounter mythical creatures such as trolls and gnomes as they searched for the Rainbow Bridge to Valhalla <ref name= "Martin"/>. The attraction’s thrill was to come from a new ride system, developed by Imagineer Dave Van Wyck<ref name= "book"/>, which allowed Imagineers to reverse the direction of the boat during the ride <ref name= "Martin"/>. Furthermore, during  During the development of SeaVenture, the Sherman Brothers were called in to create a song for the attraction, although this was never used. According to Imagineer Paul Torrigino:

Although SeaVenture was now fairly well developed, NorShow (the Norway pavilion's sponsors ) wanted their country's attraction to be more of a travelogue, which would show all that Norway had to offer, as opposed to a mythological adventure <ref name= "book"> The EPCOT explorer's encyclopedia: R. Pedersen - Epcyclopedia Press - 2011 </ref>. They also gave the Imagineers a list of things that they wanted included in the attraction including: Vikings, a fishing village, a polar bear, a fjord, and an oil rig <ref name= "book"/>. In order to meet the demands of sponsors, Imagineers eventually decided that the ride would take guests on a time-traveling boat tour through Norway's history. The attraction would now begin with a Viking scene, before going through Norwegian folklore and ending in modern day Norway <ref name= "Martin"/> <ref name= "mouseplanet"/>. With this new concept in place, plans for a Sherman Brothers song were scrapped <ref name= "mouseplanet"/>. Adding to the attractions appeal however, would be various drops and visual effects. The new designs also called for a full scale replication of a North Sea storm , which would include wind, waves, rain, thunder and real lightning <ref name= "Martin"/>. In order to create the lightning effect, Imagineers initially hoped to use a large Tesla coil. When Imagineer Jim Mulder attempted to use the coil however, it became clear that it would be unsafe for guests and the idea was scrapped <ref name= "part3"> https://www.mouseplanet.com/7133/Walt_Disney_Worlds_Maelstrom_Part_3/</ref>.

During its development, the name of Norway’s attraction changed from SeaVenture to Maelstrom. Construction began on the Norway pavilion on May 27, 1986 and the ride was installed shortly after <ref name= "Martin"/>. Although the rest of the Norway pavilion opened on June 3, 1988, Maelstrom's opening was delayed. According to an Orlando Sentinel article published at reporting on the pavilion's opening, the attraction was delayed by unspecified technical issues <ref> Vaughen, Vicki. “Norway Pavilion Opens -- Without Viking Ride.” Orlando Sentinel , 2 June 1988 </ref>. Although Disney would not elaborate on the attraction's problems, it was Maelstrom's North Sea storm scene that caused the delay (due to guests getting soaked or even tossed out of the boat) <ref name="Korkis"/>.

Finally, on July 5, 1988, Maelstrom opened to the public <ref name= "parksblog"> http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/05/this-day-in-disney-history-norway-pavilion-debuts/ </ref>. At it's its opening, Imagineer Randy Bright noted that: