Changes
The pavilion was designed with 58,000 sq ft of interior space. This area was then divided into stores, an exhibition, a restaurant and Epcot's first thrill ride. The attraction was titled "Sea Venture", 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 to Valhalla. The storyline however, was deemed too short. The idea was then expanded to include a history trip that took guests from the folklore of Norway all the way to modern times. The thrill part of the attraction was planned to come from a new flume ride system where the boat direction could be reversed during the ride.
Construction began on the Norway pavilion on May 27, 1986. Over the next two years, the pavilion began to take shape around the 1982 restroom building. When complete, the pavilion consisted of a Stave Church (which holds various exhbits), a bakery counter service resturant named Kringla Bakeri OG Kafe and a series of interlinked stores including the Puffins Roost and the Fjording. The Norway pavilion is also home to a restaurant, Akershus, and the pavilions attraction which was renamed "The Malestorm" shortly before opening. The Norway pavilion opened opened to guests on May 6, 1988 and it was officially dedicated in June of that year. On hand for the dedication was Crown Prince Harald, as well as traditional Norwegian dancers. Since the pavilion opened, Norway has seen very few changes. The exhibits inside the Stave Church have been updated over the years and the live band, Spelmanns Gledje, no longer plays in the pavilion. The most recent change came in 2008, when the outdoor playground shaped like the viking Oseberg ship was removed.
Over the last decade, Disney and Norway have been in negotiations about updating the "Spirit of Norway" film. Although nothing has come of these negotiations yet, there is still a strong possibility the movie will be updated.
===Sponsorship of the Pavilion===
* Norway Foods LTD
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.
==Attractions==
'''The Malestorm'''- This boat ride attraction takes guests on a historical tour of Norway. The ride begins within the ancient folklore 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 ride, guests have the option of viewing the "Spirit of Norway" film, shown in the post show.
'''Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure'''-n this interactive adventure, guests can grab a communicator 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 countries.
==Restaurants==
'''Restaurant Akershus'''- This buffet style restaurant serves traditional Norwegian foods. Since 2005, 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).
'''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.
