Maelstrom Memoirs: A Dedication to a Beloved Ride

Maelstrom Entrance at the Norway Pavilion (submitted by egglegs)

In light of the ride's sad closing, I have turned this blog into a dedication for the beloved dark ride.

If you have any memories of the ride, an opinion you'd like to voice, or simply have questions, PLEASE feel free to submit them to this blog's ask box or submission box below.

There are many of us that would love to keep the memory of Maelstrom alive, and with your help, we can do it!

Thank you so much, friend. It feels like a lot of classic technologically innovative Epcot Rides that stemmed on the ideas of history, innovation, culture, education, and imagination have been lost. It's just sad to see and entire culture be pretty much slapped in the face for cash-grab marketing.

I agree you you completely. While Disney did (for lack of a better word) Disney-fy El Rio del Tiempo, they were able to lighten up the ride a bit, since the tone was admittedly a bit ominous for some kids, and yet still keep the spirit of Mexico while simultaneously retaining some of the cultural aspects.

Though Maelstrom was sadly a tad outdated due to lack of funding and a proper renovation, I personally do not believe that it should have been demolished in light of a Frozen dark ride. Walt Disney always believed in change and progress, however, he also believed in forward thinking and fresh ideas that pushed the boundaries of his parks. Putting in a ride that is merely pandering to a popular franchise is not the progress that Disney was built on.

But,my biggest problem with moving in the Frozen attraction is that unlike The Three Caballeros, Frozen does not take place in its native country, but is rather inspired by it. The point of World Showcase is to accurately respect the culture and pride of the nation each pavillion represents. The Akershus Restaurant is a dine-in Meet-and-Greet with the Disney Princesses, the Viking ship and playground is gone, the Stave Church is now a Frozen-inspired cultural exhibit, and now, Maelstrom has been demolished. What left is there in this pavilion that respects this culture with the smallest effort in sincereity?

A lot happen to my family and in my personal life the past year. Things are much better now, but it caused me to have to pull away from this account for quite a while. But I will try to keep this blog up and running once again, now that things are more in order.

In Light of Maelstrom's Fate

Sadly, the unofficial rumors that were passed around in late 2013 and January 2014 that Maelstrom would be closed down in light of a new dark ride based on Frozen have indeed came true. On September 12th, 2014, it was officially announced that the ride would be closing its doors forever on October 5th, 2014, taking with it much of the respectful culture of the Norway pavillion and in turn, a bit of World Showcase as well.

Due to transportation issues, I was not able to visit this ride again after the trip in which the previous photos I've documented on this blog were taken. However, several of you have left many touching stories and memoirs in my askbox about the ride. 

I will be posting these wonderful asks publicly so that they can be shared with everyone who cherished this wonderful and nostalgic attraction.

If you have ANY memories of Maelstrom, please feel free to send them to this blog so that this ride can continued to be cherished by Disney Parks and EPCOT fans alike.

I can really relate to you, anon. I used to be terrified of the trolls on the ride as a small child. But as I grew up, I understood Maelstrom more and more, and it gained a special place in my heart. :)