Difference between revisions of "Norway"

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Norway is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[Mexico]] and [[China]].
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Norway is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[Mexico]] and [[China]] pavilions.
 
==Pavilion History==
 
==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 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 the park's Scandinavian representative. Between in 1978 and 1982 however, the pavilion went through a lot 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 World Showcase needed more restrooms, some were built in the planned location of Denmark, with the idea that the other buildings would be constructed around them. By 1983 however, plans for the pavilion changed. It was decided that Norway, Sweden, and Denmark would open in the "Scandinavian Showcase" which was scheduled for 1987. The pavilion was designed by WED and "Norman International", one of Oslo's largest construction companies. Due to the fact that most 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".  
+
Although the pavilion was not  present on the park's opening day, a shortage of restrooms in World Showcase led Disney to create Danish themed restrooms on the plot allocated for Denmark, with the idea that the rest of the pavilion would eventually be built around these structures. One year later, in 1983, the Washington Post reported that Disney was still in discussions with LEGO about sponsoring the pavilion <ref> http://progresscityusa.com/2010/01/27/neverworlds-lost-lands-of-lego/ </ref>.
  
−
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.  
+
By late 1983, however,  plans for an autonomous Denmark pavilion where shelved in favor of a new "Scandinavian Showcase". On October 3, 1983, Disney announced that it had reached an agreement with Scanshow A/S  (a subsidiary of the Norwegian company Selmer-Sande and Kloster) to create the new pavilion <ref name="Korkis"> https://www.mouseplanet.com/11423/The_Story_of_the_Norway_Pavilion_Before_Frozen </ref>. Scandinavian Showcase, which would represent Norway, Sweden and Denmark, was to be 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/ </ref>. Aesthetically, the Scandinavian Showcase pavilion was to be made up of architecture from all three of the represented counties. Egeskov Castle and houses from 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 pavilion were were nearing completion, with a planned opening date of 1987 <ref name= Lou/>.  
  
−
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 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 on July 5, 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.  
+
Of the three countries that were to make up the Scandinavian Showcase, only Norway provided the funding necessary to create the pavilion. Because of this, the focus of the pavilion shifted away from Scandinavia as a whole and solely to Norway. At this time, the name of the pavilion changed to "Norway: Gateway to Scandinavia". In order to fund the pavilion, an 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 VARD <ref name="Korkis"/>. Their funding, combined with contributions from the Norwegian government, raised $34 million dollars for the pavilion. This paid for more than two-thirds of the pavilion's cost, with Disney picking up the rest. The Norway pavilion was then designed and built by Walt Disney Imagineering, with the help of Scandinavian architects. At this time, One point of contention between Disney and NorShow, involved the pavilion's lighting. The other World Showcase pavilions were wired to a grid that allowed them to light up during the park's nighttime firework show (originally Laserphonic Fantasy, soon to be Illuminations). While NorShow believed that the spilled light from the [[Mexico]] and [[Canada]] would suffice, Disney knew better, but was unwilling to pickup the cost (assuming that NorShow would cave) <ref name= "Korkis"/>. With neither entity willing to budge, Norway was built without the nighttime lighting given to the other World Showcase pavilions.
−
May 6, 1988
+
[[Image:ScandavianShowcase.jpg|500px|thumb|Concept art for the unbuilt Scandinavian Showcase pavilion.]]
−
[[Image:norwayentrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance to Norway's only attraction, The Malestorm.]]
+
Construction on the Norway pavilion began on May 27, 1986, when Minister Kurt Mosbakk laid the pavilion's foundation. When constructing the pavilion, Norway's exterior was overseen by architect Birger Lambertz-Nilsen, while the interior was under the responsibility of Ulla S. Ujort. On June 3, 1988, the Norway pavilion was officially dedicated by Crown Prince Harald V and his wife Sonja. The opening ceremonies were broadcast in prime time to all of Norway on the station NPK.  At the dedication Harald V declared:
−
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===
+
  
−
When countries were originally added to World Showcase, Disney required 30 million dollars in funding before it would add a country. The following companies contributed to the pavilion's creation:
+
{{Quotation|"Ladies and gentlemen, wishing the best of luck to Disney World and those who will be responsible for the operation of the pavilion, I hereby declare the Norway pavilion open. Thank you"}}
  
−
* Selmer-Sande Construction
+
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, 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-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 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 Creditbank
+
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 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>.
  
−
* Vesta-Gruppen Insturance/Finance
+
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 [[Anna and Elsa's Royal Sommerhus]] (the meet and greet), the Wandering Reindeer shop, a small stage, and expanded restrooms <ref name= "yesterland"/>.
  
−
* Norcem Industrial
 
  
−
* Kosmos Shipping
+
On 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 Insurance
+
Since 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.
  
−
* Norway Foods LTD
+
'''[[The Spirit of Norway]]'''- 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.
  
−
 
+
==Exhibits==
−
Note: SAS, the largest Scandinavian airline also sponsored "The Spirit of Norway" film which guests see after exiting the Malestorm.
+
'''Gods of the Vikings'''- Found inside the pavilion's Stave Church, Gods of the Vikings showcases authentic Viking artifacts, which help teach guests about the Viking gods Thor, Odin, Freyja and Loki.
−
 
+
−
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==
 
==Restaurants==
−
'''Restaurant Akershus'''- This buffet style restaurant serves traditional Norwegian foods. Since 2005, guests can also meet various Disney princesses while they eat.  
+
'''[[Akershus Royal Banquet Hall]]'''- This buffet style restaurant serves traditional Norwegian foods. In 2005, Restaurant Akerhus became a character dining location where guests can 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.  
+
'''[[Kringla Bakeri og Kafe]]'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in pastries and sandwiches.
  
−
==Shopping===
+
==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!
+
'''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|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==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
−
 
 
* Norway was the last pavilion to be added to World Showcase.
 
* Norway was the last pavilion to be added to World Showcase.
  
−
* The Norway pavilion's dedication was broadcast all over Norway.
+
* 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.
+
* 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.
+
* 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 is Akershus Fortress which was built in Oslo in the year 1290.
+
* The backdrop of the Norway pavilion is based on Akershus Fortress which was built in Oslo in the year 1290. <ref name= "Spence"/>
  
 
==References==
 
==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/
 

Latest revision as of 07:25, 29 May 2020

Norway
Stavechurch2.jpg
A Stave Church serves as the focal point of the Norway pavilion
Epcot
Land World Showcase
Opening date May 6, 1988
Number of Attractions 1
Number of Restaurants 2

Norway is a pavilion located within World Showcase in Epcot. It is located between the Mexico and China pavilions.

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 [1]. 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) [1]. Eventually, Disney decided that the Denmark pavilion would be built at a later date, as part of EPCOT Center's Phase II.

Although the pavilion was not present on the park's opening day, a shortage of restrooms in World Showcase led Disney to create Danish themed restrooms on the plot allocated for Denmark, with the idea that the rest of the pavilion would eventually be built around these structures. One year later, in 1983, the Washington Post reported that Disney was still in discussions with LEGO about sponsoring the pavilion [2].

By late 1983, however, plans for an autonomous Denmark pavilion where shelved in favor of a new "Scandinavian Showcase". On October 3, 1983, Disney announced that it had reached an agreement with Scanshow A/S (a subsidiary of the Norwegian company Selmer-Sande and Kloster) to create the new pavilion [3]. Scandinavian Showcase, which would represent Norway, Sweden and Denmark, was to be built in-between the France and United Kingdom pavilions, with Imagineers Claude Coats and Tim Brunner tasked with heading the project [4]. Aesthetically, the Scandinavian Showcase pavilion was to be made up of architecture from all three of the represented counties. Egeskov Castle and houses from 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 [3]. By 1984, plans for the pavilion were were nearing completion, with a planned opening date of 1987 [4].

Of the three countries that were to make up the Scandinavian Showcase, only Norway provided the funding necessary to create the pavilion. Because of this, the focus of the pavilion shifted away from Scandinavia as a whole and solely to Norway. At this time, the name of the pavilion changed to "Norway: Gateway to Scandinavia". In order to fund the pavilion, an 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 VARD [3]. Their funding, combined with contributions from the Norwegian government, raised $34 million dollars for the pavilion. This paid for more than two-thirds of the pavilion's cost, with Disney picking up the rest. The Norway pavilion was then designed and built by Walt Disney Imagineering, with the help of Scandinavian architects. At this time, One point of contention between Disney and NorShow, involved the pavilion's lighting. The other World Showcase pavilions were wired to a grid that allowed them to light up during the park's nighttime firework show (originally Laserphonic Fantasy, soon to be Illuminations). While NorShow believed that the spilled light from the Mexico and Canada would suffice, Disney knew better, but was unwilling to pickup the cost (assuming that NorShow would cave) [3]. With neither entity willing to budge, Norway was built without the nighttime lighting given to the other World Showcase pavilions.

Concept art for the unbuilt Scandinavian Showcase pavilion.

Construction on the Norway pavilion began on May 27, 1986, when Minister Kurt Mosbakk laid the pavilion's foundation. When constructing the pavilion, Norway's exterior was overseen by architect Birger Lambertz-Nilsen, while the interior was under the responsibility of Ulla S. Ujort. On June 3, 1988, the Norway pavilion was officially dedicated by Crown Prince Harald V and his wife Sonja. The opening ceremonies were broadcast in prime time to all of Norway on the station NPK. At the dedication Harald V declared:

"Ladies and gentlemen, wishing the best of luck to Disney World and those who will be responsible for the operation of the pavilion, I hereby declare the Norway pavilion open. Thank you"

When Norway opened, the pavilion featured 58,000 sq ft of interior space [1]. 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 [1]. 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 [5]. 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[1]. 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 [6]. In 2005, Norway's Restaurant Akershus, changed its name to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and began offering character dining [7]. More changes to the pavilion occurred in 2008, when the pavilion's live band “Spelmanns Gledje” ceased their performances
The 2016 expansion of Norway made room for Anna and Elsa’s Royal Sommerhus. Photo credit: Disney
[8] [9] and the pavilion's outdoor playground was removed[10].

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 [6] 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[11]. 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 [6].


On June 21, 2016, Frozen Ever After officially opened to guests [12]. 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.

Since 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 [13].

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.

Former Attractions

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- 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.

Exhibits

Gods of the Vikings- Found inside the pavilion's Stave Church, Gods of the Vikings showcases authentic Viking artifacts, which help teach guests about the Viking gods Thor, Odin, Freyja and Loki.

Restaurants

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall- This buffet style restaurant serves traditional Norwegian foods. In 2005, Restaurant Akerhus became a character dining location where guests can meet various Disney princesses while they eat.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe- This counter service restaurant specializes in pastries and sandwiches.

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.

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. [14]
  • 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. [14]
  • Outside of the church, guests can see a statue of Olaf II, king and Patron Saint of Norway. [14]
  • The backdrop of the Norway pavilion is based on Akershus Fortress which was built in Oslo in the year 1290. [14]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=648
  2. ↑ http://progresscityusa.com/2010/01/27/neverworlds-lost-lands-of-lego/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 https://www.mouseplanet.com/11423/The_Story_of_the_Norway_Pavilion_Before_Frozen
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/04/lou-mongellos-walt-disney-world-wayback-machine-the-epcot-that-never-was/
  5. ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/maelstrom/
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 https://www.yesterland.com/norwaytn.html
  7. ↑ http://allears.net/din/restnews05.htm
  8. ↑ http://epcot82.blogspot.com/2008/10/no-love-for-norway.html
  9. ↑ http://allears.net/2009/11/19/a-walking-tour-of-epcots-norway-pavilion/
  10. ↑ http://allears.net/ae/issue790.htm
  11. ↑ http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-farewell-to-norway-maelstrom-ride-at-epcot-20141005-story.html
  12. ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/frozen-ever-after/
  13. ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/norway/news/27feb2018-new-exhibit-coming-to-epcots-norway-pavilion-stave-church-gallery.htm
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/01/norway_pavilion_part_one_1.html
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