Norway

In 1978, one of the original countries developed for the world showcase was Denmark. Denmark idea was dropped and reinstated and moved. It was eventually decided that Denmark would open with phase two of Epcot, shortly after the park opened. Since World Showcase needed to provide restrooms, bathrooms were built in a Denmark style, with the idea that the other buildings would be added at a later date. By 1983 however plans for the pavilion changed. It was decided that Norway Sweden and Denmark would open in the "Scandinavian Showcase" pavilion which was set to open in 1987. The Scanadivan pavilion was designed by WED and "Norman International" one of Oslo's largest construction companies. "Scanshow A/S was setup by this company to develop and finace the project. Due to the fact that the funds for the pavilion were mainly coming from Norweigan Sources. In June of 1985 the pavilion was announced as "Norway, Gateway To Scandinavia". Funds for the pavilion came from 10 Norweigan comapine.s. 58, 000 sq ft of the interior space was divided into stores, an exhibition, a resturant and the parks first thrill ride. The ride titled "Sea Venture" was going to carry passangers in 12 boats along a 964ft. Flume. Construction on the pavilion began on May 27th 1986. Ovet the next two years the pavilion began to take shape, around the 1982 restroom building. Pavilion consists of exhibition space in a structure based on a stave church. The bakery of Kringla Bakeri OG Kafe. A series of interlinkied stores including the Puffins Roost and the Fjording. A resturant, Akershus. Attraction renamed Maelstrom just before opening. Also includes the short movied, the Spirit of Norway. Norway was dedicatd on May 6, 1988. At the dedication, Norwwigan band played as hundreds of red and white baloons were released. A viking ship playground which was located outside in the pavilion, was removed in 2008.