Difference between revisions of "The Maelstrom"

Revision as of 00:03, 19 May 2012

The Malestorm is an attraction located within the Norway pavilion in Epcot.

The Maelstrom
The entrance to the Maelstrom.
Epcot
Land	Norway
Attraction type	Interior Boat Ride
Opening date	July 5, 1988
Vehicle names	Boat
Vehicle capacity	15
Ride duration	4:47 minutes

Attraction History

When an attraction for Norway was originally being developed, Imagineers wanted to give Norway Epcot's first thrill ride. The attraction, which was originally known, as "Sea Venture" would have taken 16 passengers and in 12 boats along a 964 ft. flume ride. The plot of the ride would have involved guests encountering trolls and gnomes as they searched for a rainbow bridge to Valhalla. In order to enhance the ride, the Sherman Brothers were even called in to write a song for the Sea Venture.

The sponsors from Norway however, wanted the attraction to be more of a travelogue showing all that Norway had to offer. They also gave the Imagineers a list of things that they wanted included in the attraction including, Vikings, a fishing village, a polar bear, a fjord, and an oil rig. In order to meet the demands of sponsors, Imagineers eventually decided that the ride would take guests on a boat tour through Norway's history. The attraction would begin with Norwegian Folklore and end in modern day Norway. Sea Ventures thrill was always going to come from a new ride system, which allowed Imagineers to reverse the direction of the boat during the ride. Adding to the attractions appeal would be various drops, and visual effects. One effect that they produced, was a full scale, North Sea storm. The storm would have included wind, waves, rain and real lightning. The authentic lighting effect however, was scrapped when Imagineers could not figure out how to use it without electrocuting guests.

During development, the name of the Norway attraction was changed to the Maelstrom. Construction began on the Norway pavilion on May 27, 1986 and the ride was installed shortly after. The opening of the Maelstrom had to be delayed however, when Imagineers found out that the boats would capsize. Finally, on July 5, 1988 the Maelstrom (as well as the rest of the Norway pavilion) opened to the public.

Imagineers

Imagineers that worked on the Malestorm included:

Randy Carter- Producer

Bob Kurzweil- Ride Designer

Dave Van Wyk- Head Engineer

Joe Rohde- Concept Art

Paul Torrigino- Production Designer

Jim Mulder- Special Effects

Attraction Plot

Fun Facts and Trivia

• There is more water in the Maelstrom than will fit in the reservoir underneath the attraction.

• One of the scenes that was rejected for the ride, would have featured the Norwegian coastline with Oslo in the middle.

• The film at the end of the attraction was added at the request of the Norwegian sponsors.

• To help give Imagineers an idea of what Norway was like, the pavilions sponsors took them on a grand tour of the country.

References

http://www.mouseplanet.com/7131/Walt_Disney_Worlds_Maelstrom_Part_1

http://www.mouseplanet.com/7132/Walt_Disney_Worlds_Maelstrom_Part_2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z05WeWfs7tw

http://progresscityusa.com/2010/07/13/you-are-not-the-first-to-pass-this-way/