The whispers and rumors have begun to flurry through the air and into the ground that a Frozen attraction will soon be replacing Norway’s troll-laden attraction, Maelstrom. Some even go so far as to say that Arendelle may be the new name and theme for the pavilion.
Although it is far from confirmed, some of us wonder: Should a “Frozen” attraction actually happen? Disney purists and historians are cringing at the thought…but why?
Walt’s original idea for Epcot as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was changed significantly after his death in 1966. His unique plan included a living, breathing all-inclusive utopian city that showcased the most cutting edge technology and offered companies the chance to show off their newest inventions and products. Those living within Epcot were able to be the first test-takers for various high-tech prototypes in this urban living environment.
Of course, this never came to fruition. Imagineers had an idea for a technology themed park, and one for a world’s fair featuring various countries. The two ideas were pushed together to create one unique park – Epcot Center.
It was unofficially decided during the process that Epcot Center would lean more toward adults, including the selling of alcohol and the idea of educational exhibits. Therefore, Mickey Mouse did not have a place the park and would not be making meet and greets. Nor would there be any Disney film dark rides.
Rumor has it this is where the origin of the Hidden Mickey has surfaced, because Imagineers still found secret ways to incorporate Mickey into the park!
When Michael Eisner arrived in the 1980s as Disney’s new CEO, many changes happened. Many, many changes. One of these changes included the introduction of Mickey and friends at Epcot Center. Somewhere around 1984, Disney characters began making appearances (most presumably at Future World) wearing space-age suits and looking ridiculous.
The characters had officially invaded Epcot Center. Some Guests were happy, and others were just plain confused.
Why was Epcot all of a sudden getting all Mickey-Mouse-magical?
In the 1990s, other changes pushed by Eisner included the closure of a few 1980s original Epcot staples: Captain EO and Journey into Imagination. Honey I Shrunk the Audience was moved in to Captain EO and well, we all know what happened to Figment and Dreamfinder.
It should also be noted that the Kidcot areas around World Showcase began popping up around this time as well.
Other Disney film-themed characters and attractions eventually followed suit, even after Eisner’s departure.
Nemo took over the Seas pavilion. Donald, Jose and Panchito found a place at the Mexico pavilion. First, it was Kim Possible, and now Phineas and Ferb started getting children to discover the nooks and crannies of the pavilions. Disney characters from various films began meeting and greeting at their respected (or close enough) countries.
Eisner began that gradual shift to get more children excited about the idea of Epcot. He was also notorious for the idea of “bigger and extremely obvious means better,” which allowed for the addition of characters, film-themed attractions, and the BAW (Big …”Awesome” Wand) that randomly appeared during Epcot’s Millennium Celebration in 2000.
Epcot has changed immensely from Walt’s original conception, but it was always intended as a place to see and learn. Walt always felt education was important, and the Imagineers definitely carried this through with their design of the pavilions and exhibits that can be found within.
Which gets us back to the original question:
Can we expect a “Frozen” attraction next? And do we really need one at Epcot?
Wait…but what will happen to the trolls?
While the demand is definitely always there for characters at any Disney park, Disney often goes overboard with populating every theme park crevasse with its films and characters. Numerous Guests have already said this is the case with “Frozen.”
Do you think “Frozen” should have its own attraction at Epcot? Do you think Disney films and/or characters belong at Epcot?
I’m okay with having characters in the parks, though I think both the Nemo and Three Caballeros overlays are far inferior to the originals. I don’t like the Frozen idea for Maelstrom because it removes another attraction from an earlier era, and I don’t have faith it will be well-done. We’ll see, I guess.
I have never had a problem with the characters being at EPCOT, especially in the respective countries the characters are representing. While I enjoy the Three Caballeros in the Mexico pavillion (which was a much-needed change, in my opinion) and the Seas with Nemo and Friends (again, much needed!), I truly believe that Maelstrom needs a simple update, both in technology and with the film. Frozen will be on Broadway before too long and might bypass Tangled as a replacement for the Beauty & the Beast show at the Studios (Again, my opinion…). I miss the original Journey Into Imagination attraction, which simply needed a technology update. I am hoping that happens soon and the return of Dreamfinder with Figment, where they belong.
Frozen has no place in Epcot. The three cabeleros in Epcot get kids excited to learn about a culture, nemo gets kids excited about the sea, and as goofy as it can be, mickey and friends in space gear etc get kids excited about technology and the future. Basically, they get kids excited to learn. Frozen doesn’t do any of that. How will it get them excited to learn about in Norway? It won’t. What can it teach them about? Bland American pop music? The dumbing down of a culture is ok as long as it sells well in the box office? That you can build snowmen there because it’s cold? Frozen holds no value to Epcot and can only stand to cheapen the point of it. I love Epcot, and I love how sparse the characters are. There is still some innocence and wonder to Epcot that is lost in the endless FUNdamentals and themed merchandising that overtakes the other parks. It may have changed greatly but it is still Walt’s vision of a future and a world brought closer together and Frozen doesn’t belong anywhere near it. My kids can get their fill of the Frozen crew and their addle-pated music at the other Three parks they roam.
Disagree with this article, sorry.
As a life long visitor to Disney there is no way that I want to see Frozen in World Showcase. It does not belong there. Maelstrom needs to stay. It depicts the history of Norway and everyone I know enjoys this comfortable little ride. Put Frozen in Magic Kingdom or Studios. No way replace Maelstrom!!!!!
My preference would be to change Akershus to a Frozen hosted meal, instead of a standard meal.
I don’t think the characters being added was a horrible idea. I would be opposed to them renaming the area to Arendaile as that is a fictional world. The ride needed some updating and the characters would excite the kids – but incorporate (like Mexico – thought that was well done).
Our kids need more geography not less – I still run into young adults that don’t know their states much less their countries – so let’s not confuse them more.
Nemo was a good update – the “elevators” just don’t work for today’s kids. I miss Horizons, World of Motion, Dreamfinder – I agree that Epcot is becoming more ride central and less about the edutainment.