Changes
/* Pavilion History */
When Norway opened, the pavilion featured 58,000 sq ft of interior space <ref name= "Martin"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=648 </ref>. When complete, the Norway pavilion consisted of a Stave Church (which holds various exhibits), the original 1982 Denmark bathrooms, a counter service restaurant named [[Kringla Bakeri OG Kafe]], the table service [[Restaurant Akershus]], and a series of interlinked stores including the Puffins Roost and Fjording <ref name= "Martin"/>. The star of the pavilion, however, was the not yet operational [[Maelstrom]] attraction. EPCOT Center's first thrill ride, Maelstrom would not welcome its first guests until July 5th <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/maelstrom/ </ref>. Initially, the boat ride attraction was to be titled SeaVenture, and early in its development the plot was to focus on Norway's mythology, as guests searched for a rainbow bridge to Valhalla. This concept was eventually broadened, so that Maelstrom instead took guests on a trip the country's history, beginning in folklore and ending in modern day Norway<ref name= "Martin"/>. After disembarking from [[Maelstrom]], guests could watch the [[Spirit of Norway]] film, before exiting into the pavilion's shops.
Outside of changes to the pavilion's Stave Church exhibits, the first major change to the Norway pavilion occurred in 1992, when NorShow ended their sponsorship of the pavilion. At this time, the Norwegian government assumed sole sponsorship of the pavilion, contributing $200,000 a year until ending their sponsorship in 2002. Since that time, the pavilion has remained sponsorless. The first real addition to Norway, came in 1998, when a new outdoor playground shaped like the famous Viking ship "Osenberg" opened to guests <ref name= "yesterland"> https://www.yesterland.com/norwaytn.html </ref>. In 2005, Norway's [[Restaurant Akershus]], changed its name to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and began offering character <ref> http://allears.net/din/restnews05.htm </ref>. More changes to the pavilion occurred in 2008, when the pavilion's live band “Spelmanns Gledje” ceased their performances [[Image:Coutryard.jpg|400px|thumb|The 2016 expansion of Norway made room for Anna and Elsa’s Royal Sommerhus. Photo credit: Disney]] <ref> http://epcot82.blogspot.com/2008/10/no-love-for-norway.html </ref> <ref> http://allears.net/2009/11/19/a-walking-tour-of-epcots-norway-pavilion/ </ref>, and pavilion's outdoor playground was removed<ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue790.htm </ref>. [[Image:Coutryard.jpg|400px|thumb|The 2016 expansion of Norway made room for Anna and Elsa’s Royal Sommerhus. Photo credit: Disney]]
Following the massive success of the 2013 Disney film "Frozen", the Norway pavilion began to be infused with characters from the film. The integration of Frozen into the Norway pavilion began in late 2013, when the exhibit “Norsk Kultur, Inspiration for Disney Frozen” replaced the "Vikings, Conquerors of the Sea" exhibit in the pavilion's Stave Church <ref name= "yesterland"/> and Frozen merchandise began to appear in the pavilion's shops. Subsequently, on October 5, 2014, both [[Maelstrom]] and the [[Spirit of Norway]] closed in order to make way for a new Frozen attraction titled [[Frozen Ever After]]<ref> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-farewell-to-norway-maelstrom-ride-at-epcot-20141005-story.html </ref>. During the renovations, the Norway pavilion was also expanded into an adjacent lot in order to facilitate the construction of a new Frozen meet and greet. This new area, which opened June 17, 2016, features a small courtyard consisting of the [[Anna and Elsa's Royal Sommerhus]] (the meet and greet), the Wandering Reindeer shop, a small stage, and expanded restrooms <ref name= "yesterland"/>.
