Norway is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[Mexico]] and [[China]]<html><style> .smaller img { width: 270px; height: 300px; }</style><div class="smaller"></html>
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==Pavilion History==
The history of what would one day be known as the Norway pavilion, actually began its development in 1978 as the Denmark pavilion <ref name= "Martin"/>. One of World Showcases' original concepts, the Denmark pavilion was initially going to be Scandinavia's representative in the park. Before [[EPCOT Center]] opened in 1982 however, plans for the pavilion were dropped, reinstated, and then moved around World Showcase Lagoon (at one point the pavilion was to be located where [[China]] sits today) <ref name= "Martin"/>. Eventually, Disney decided that the Denmark pavilion would be built at a later date, as part of EPCOT Center's Phase II.
What would one day become Although the Norway pavilion, began in 1978 as the Denmark pavilion. Denmark was one of the original concept for World Showcase, with the idea that it would be not present on the park's Scandinavian representative. Between in 1978 and 1982 howeveropening day, the pavilion went through a lot shortage of changes. Before Epcot's opening the pavilion was dropped, reinstated, and moved next to China. It was eventually decided that Denmark would open with phase two of Epcot, scheduled to take place shortly after the park opened. Since restrooms in World Showcase needed more led Disney to create Danish themed restrooms, some were built in on the planned location of plot allocated for Denmark, with the idea that the other buildings rest of the pavilion would eventually be constructed built around themthese structures. By One year later, in 1983 however, plans for the pavilion changed. It Washington Post reported that Disney was decided that Norway, Sweden, and Denmark would open still in discussions with LEGO about sponsoring the "Scandinavian Showcase" which was scheduled for 1987. The pavilion was designed by WED and "Norman International", one of Oslo's largest construction companies<ref> http://progresscityusa. Due to the fact that most com/2010/01/27/neverworlds-lost-lands-of the funds were coming from Norwegian sources, plans for the pavilion changed once again. In June of 1985, it was announced that the pavilion would be named "Norway, Gateway to Scandinavia"-lego/ </ref>.
The pavilion was designed with 58By late 1983,000 sq ft however, plans for an autonomous Denmark pavilion where shelved in favor of interior spacea new "Scandinavian Showcase". This area was then divided into stores On October 3, an exhibition1983, Disney announced that it had reached an agreement with Scanshow A/S (a restaurant subsidiary of the Norwegian company Selmer-Sande and Epcot's first thrill ride. The attraction was titled Kloster) to create the new pavilion <ref name="Sea VentureKorkis"> https://www.mouseplanet.com/11423/The_Story_of_the_Norway_Pavilion_Before_Frozen </ref>. Scandinavian Showcase, and it's initial concept called for a log flume attraction on which guests would encounter trolls an gnomes as they searched for a rainbow bridge represent Norway, Sweden and Denmark, was to Valhalla. The storyline howeverbe built in-between the [[France]] and [[United Kingdom]] pavilions, with Imagineers Claude Coats and Tim Brunner tasked with heading the project <ref name= "Lou"> http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/04/lou-mongellos-walt-disney-world-wayback-machine-the-epcot-that-never-was deemed too short/ </ref>. The idea Aesthetically, the Scandinavian Showcase pavilion was then expanded to include a history trip that took guests be made up of architecture from the folklore of Norway all the way to modern times. The thrill part three of the attraction was planned to come represented counties. Egeskov Castle and houses from a new flume ride system where Odense and Copenhagen would represent Denmark, Stockholm Stadshus and buildings from Gamla Stan would represent Sweden, and finally Bryggen i Bergen and Akershus Festning would represent Norway <ref name="Korkis"/>. By 1984, plans for the boat direction could be reversed during the ridepavilion were were nearing completion, with a planned opening date of 1987 <ref name= Lou/>.
Construction began on Of the Norway pavilion on May 27, 1986. Over three countries that were to make up the next two yearsScandinavian Showcase, only Norway provided the pavilion began funding necessary to take shape around create the 1982 restroom buildingpavilion. When completeBecause of this, the focus of the pavilion consisted of shifted away from Scandinavia as a Stave Church (which holds various exhbits)whole and solely to Norway. At this time, a counter service resturant named Kringla Bakeri OG Kafe and a series the name of interlinked stores including the Puffins Roost and the Fjording. The Norway pavilion is also home changed to a restaurant"Norway: Gateway to Scandinavia". In order to fund the pavilion, Akershusan organization named NorShow as formed by the Norwegian companies: Aker, Norsk Data, Norway Foods, Den norske Creditbank, Det Norske Veritas, Frionor, Kosmos, Vesta Group, Selmer-Sande, SAS and the pavilions attraction which was renamed VARD <ref name="The MalestormKorkis" shortly before opening/>. The Norway pavilion opened opened to guests on May 6Their funding, 1988 and it was officially dedicated on July 5combined with contributions from the Norwegian government, of that year. On hand raised $34 million dollars for the dedication was Crown Prince Harald, as well as traditional Norwegian dancerspavilion. Since This paid for more than two-thirds of the pavilion opened's cost, Norway has seen very few changeswith Disney picking up the rest. The exhibits inside the Stave Church have been updated over the years Norway pavilion was then designed and built by Walt Disney Imagineering, with the live bandhelp of Scandinavian architects. At this time, Spelmanns GledjeOne point of contention between Disney and NorShow, no longer plays in involved the pavilion's lighting. The most recent change came in 2008other World Showcase pavilions were wired to a grid that allowed them to light up during the park's nighttime firework show (originally Laserphonic Fantasy, when soon to be Illuminations). While NorShow believed that the outdoor playground shaped like spilled light from the viking Oseberg ship [[Mexico]] and [[Canada]] would suffice, Disney knew better, but was removedunwilling to pickup the cost (assuming that NorShow would cave) <ref name= "Korkis"/>. May 6With neither entity willing to budge, 1988Norway was built without the nighttime lighting given to the other World Showcase pavilions. [[Image:norwayentranceScandavianShowcase.jpg|500px|thumb|Entrance to Norway's only attraction, The MalestormConcept art for the unbuilt Scandinavian Showcase pavilion.]]Over Construction on the last decadeNorway pavilion began on May 27, 1986, when Minister Kurt Mosbakk laid the pavilion's foundation. When constructing the pavilion, Disney and Norway have been in negotiations about updating 's exterior was overseen by architect Birger Lambertz-Nilsen, while the "Spirit interior was under the responsibility of Norway" filmUlla S. Although nothing has come of these negotiations yetUjort. On June 3, 1988, there is still a strong possibility the movie will be updatedNorway pavilion was officially dedicated by Crown Prince Harald V and his wife Sonja. ===Sponsorship The opening ceremonies were broadcast in prime time to all of Norway on the Pavilion===station NPK. At the dedication Harald V declared:
When countries were originally added {{Quotation|"Ladies and gentlemen, wishing the best of luck to Disney World Showcaseand those who will be responsible for the operation of the pavilion, Disney required 30 million dollars in funding before it would add a country. The following companies contributed to I hereby declare the Norway pavilion's creation:open. Thank you"}}
* SelmerWhen Norway opened, the pavilion featured 58,000 sq ft of interior space <ref name= "Martin"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=648 </ref>. When complete, Norway 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-Sande Constructionto-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 through 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.
* Den Norske CreditbankOutside 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 dining <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 the pavilion's outdoor playground was removed<ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue790.htm </ref>.
* VestaFollowing 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-Gruppen Insturancedaily-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 [[Anna and Elsa's Royal Sommerhus]] (the meet and greet), the Wandering Reindeer shop, a small stage, and expanded restrooms <ref name= "yesterland"/Finance>.
* Norcem Industrial
* Kosmos ShippingOn June 21, 2016, Frozen Ever After officially opened to guests <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/frozen-ever-after/ </ref>. On the new boat ride attraction, guests take a tour through the kingdom of Arendelle on a “Summer Snow Day”, with Queen Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and friends.
* Det Norske Veritas Marine InsuranceSince the opening of Frozen Ever After, the Norway pavilion has not seen any major changes. In 2018, however, the pavilion's Stave Church received a new exhibit titled "Gods of the Vikings", which replaced the “Norsk Kultur, Inspiration for Disney Frozen" exhibit <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/norway/news/27feb2018-new-exhibit-coming-to-epcots-norway-pavilion-stave-church-gallery.htm </ref>.
* Frionor Norsk Frossenfisk Seafood==Attractions=='''[[Frozen Ever After]]'''- On this boat ride, guests are invited to celebrate a special “Summer Snow Day” with Elsa, Anna, Olaf and other characters from Frozen.
* Norsk Data Technology==Former Attractions==[[Image:FrozenEverAfter.jpg|400px|thumb|Frozen Ever After opened to guests in 2016]]'''[[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 a North Sea storm. Maelstrom operated from July 5, 1988 until October 5, 2014.
* '''[[The Spirit of Norway Foods LTD]]'''- This travelogue film allowed guests to get an idea of the many things that "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.
Note: SAS, the largest Scandinavian airline also sponsored "The Spirit of Norway" film which guests see after exiting the Malestorm. In 1992, all of the sponsors sold their stake in the pavilion to Disney, and the pavilion has remained without a sponsor. Beginning 1992 the government of Norway agreed to give Disney $200,000 a year, however they choose not to renew their contract in 2002. ==AttractionsExhibits== '''The MalestormGods of the Vikings'''- This boat ride attraction takes guests on a historical tour of Norway. The ride begins within Found inside the ancient folklore pavilion's Stave Church, Gods of Norway, and ends in modern times. Along the way guests will encounter trolls, fall down a waterfall, and sail through North Sea storm. After going on the rideVikings showcases authentic Viking artifacts, which help teach guests have about the option of viewing the "Spirit of Norway" filmViking gods Thor, shown in the post show. '''Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure'''-n this interactive adventureOdin, guests can grab a communicator Freyja and travel around World Showcase to help Kim and Ron save the world! The Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure takes place in every one of the World Showcase countriesLoki.
==Restaurants==
'''Restaurant [[AkershusRoyal Banquet Hall]]'''- This buffet style restaurant serves traditional Norwegian foods. Since In 2005, Restaurant Akerhus became a character dining location where guests can also meet various Disney princesses while they eat.
'''[[Kringla Bakeri og Kafe]]'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in pastries and sandwiches. The restaurant also features both indoor and outdoor seating.
==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! ==Characters==Norway's Restaurant Akershus features various Disney princesses. What princesses guests see during their visit varies, but some characters are more common then others. '''Marry Poppins''' Marry Poppins can usually be found at Restaurant Akershus(Common). '''Princess Aurora'''- Aurora, from Sleeping Beauty can usually be found at Restaurant Akershus(Common). '''Snow White'''- Snow White can also usually be found at Restaurant Akershus(Common).[[Image:Vikingstatue.jpg|200px|thumb|The statue of Olaf II, king and Patron Saint of Norway, located outside of the Stave Church.]] '''Ariel'''- Ariel occasionally appears at Restaurant Akershus (Uncommon). '''Belle'''- Belle can occasionally be found at Restaurant Akershus (Uncommon). '''Jasmine'''- Jasmine, from Disney's Aladdin has been known to appear at Restaurant Akershus, though not very frequently (Rare).
==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.<ref name= "Spence"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/01/norway_pavilion_part_one_1.html </ref>
* 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.<ref name= "Spence"/>
* Outside of the church, guests can see a statue of Olaf II, king and Patron Saint of Norway.<ref name= "Spence"/>
* The backdrop of the Norway Pavilion pavilion is based on Akershus Fortress which was built in Oslo in the year 1290.<ref name= "Spence"/>
==References==
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/01/norway_pavilion_part_one_1.html
http://vimeo.com/13283957
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/akershus/
