The Frozen Ever After attraction at Disney World's Epcot park replaced the Maelstrom ride.
The Transition from Maelstrom to Frozen Ever After
Maelstrom, a beloved boat ride, was a staple of the Norway Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase for many years. It offered guests a thrilling journey through Norwegian mythology and culture, featuring trolls, polar bears, and a dramatic waterfall drop. The attraction was categorized as a musical boat cruise with a shoot-the-chute element.
On October 5, 2014, Maelstrom officially closed its doors to make way for a new experience inspired by Disney's hit animated film, Frozen. The transformation involved significant re-theming of the ride's structure and queue area to immerse guests in the world of Arendelle.
Key Details of the Replacement
| Old Ride | New Ride | Location | Closing Date of Old Ride | Attraction Type of Old Ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maelstrom | Frozen Ever After | Norway Pavilion, Epcot | October 5, 2014 | Musical Boat Cruise/Shoot the Chute |
Frozen Ever After officially opened in June 2016, utilizing the same ride system and track layout as Maelstrom but featuring new animatronics, special effects, and songs from the Frozen films. The ride takes guests on a boat tour through Arendelle to celebrate the "Winter in Summer" festival, culminating in a visit to Elsa's ice palace.
