Frozen/Maelstrom Side by Side Comparison at Epcot

[@larrylemson]

The Frozen ride was nice. However I think the ride is more suited for the Magic Kingdom rather than the Norway Pavilion. It doesn't really represent Norway as the Maelstrom ride did.

[@florentinb3166]

Disney know's well what they're doing, it is their right, it is not up to us to tell them what to do. Whatever we say or people say will not change their minds, Disney is very confident. All we to do is have appreciation for what they're sharing and investing in us to give with these unbelievable experiences & Gratitude not see problems when there are no problems. #ToDisney We to enjoy gratefully for everything see the spectacular!* let's reset our minds to gratitude and Happy! P.S. Instead of thinking to yourselves about where the ride should go, think about the kids and children who visit Epcot instead of MK all the time.*

[@exoticbutters9867]

+Florentin Brett it just seems disrespectful to the original prurpose of epcot...ppl are entitled to thier opinion.....i thought iread somewhere disney prodes themselves thatcthier rides were emersive movies..stories. ...i still cant figure out the storyline to this ride...

[@KevinReneeJames]

Grattitude towards Disney? I have been going there since WDW opened as a kid and have continued the tradition every year with my family. I pay the exorbitant prices as the magic fades into commercialistic crap. I want to see Epcot as the educational venture it was originally was. This should be in MK or HS.

[@florentinb3166]

KevinReneeJames 1 ride replacement with Frozen to go along Norway, doesn't change distractic all Epcot and the rest of World Showcase in it's original educated way. They still can. Besides the kids and children have something to feel a part of Epcot, this will not only make them want to go try Epcot and World Showcase. Can you point out that Test Track took over the education aspect of The World of Motion.

[@florentinb3166]

Leesa Robinson Epcot still is Disney and incorporating 1 or 2 Disney attractions is not so bad, it's not like the whole park is all Disney attractions. How does HS make Frozen fit there? There is no storyline to Frozen Ever After. In the ride Anna says For The First Time we can share Frozen Fun with Everyone. It's a celebration of Frozen.*

[@FrecklesHasAQuestionMark]

The wizard guy from maelstrom is my favorite Disney princess

[@DTMB35]

That Person DISAPPEAR! DISAPPEAR! BACK! BACK! OVER THE FALLS!

[@SidRulz100]

I believe it was a Troll. The ride mentioned those creatures skulking the water's edge within the land of Norway.

[@arkanyapeters1669]

Prince*

[@Sigma1876]

Lmao

[@seandoesnpcshit]

@@arkanyapeters1669 princess

[@aileencayuga4]

Maelstrom was more magical, more realistic and more true to the spirit of Norway. It offered more surprises and made you feel like you were being carried by a spirit, truly going on a Norwegian adventure. Frozen is just a smooth ride inside the movie

[@velociwyatt9080]

You said more magical than frozen which was the problem of frozen in the first place so why didn't this happen with maelstrom? No offense

[@Beeimus]

I'll miss Maelstrom, but holy cow! The Disney Imagineers turned trolls and oil rigs into a winter fairytale! And those animatronics are the best I've seen. Elsa moves so gracefully. I love the attention to detail.

[@PoptartPockets]

Very similar to the types of animatronics used in the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. I'm glad they stuck with that.

[@TuneBoyOfficial]

+Poptart Pockets YTP I personally like everything except the faces, I liked it better then they had actual faces and not just animations.

[@Beeimus]

+TuneBoy would you life stiff facial expressions, or smiling expressive faces?

[@TuneBoyOfficial]

+Shelby Nawalaniec Look at the animatronics in the Little Mermaid ride, those have actual faves that can make expressions. They do have the technology to do that. And Olaf's expressions are great and he has an actual face.

[@Beeimus]

+TuneBoy the eyes are projections. The eyes are what make the character.

[@TheRealAmericanMan]

Hooray! They replaced a thoughtful attraction about the dangers of globalization with a three minute Frozen medley. What everyone wanted?....

[@TheRealAmericanMan]

The animatronics are absolutely incredible however and it looks like Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff are all using projectors from the inside for facial animation. Which is a neat and obvious idea to resolve classic issues.

[@jbloun911]

Why not update the animatronics on Maelstrom and put this kiddie ride in M.K. or Hollywood studios.

[@jbloun911]

@@Ratedgforgtfo frozen sucks and is already forgotten by children with ADD

[@luckdragongirl]

@@Ratedgforgtfo I think if they had waited, they could have done better to overhaul Mexico's pavilion and theme it to "Coco." "Coco" was a massive hit and has cultural value. "Frozen," while a massive hit, really doesn't celebrate Norwegian culture. It's also now dated because they've had a holiday special and a new movie. How much longer before they'll have to shut it down and add in scenes for the new movie? That last scene was from a short that was before the holiday short, so they're two "Frozen" things behind. EPCOT should teach children more than pacify them. I understand the point since EPCOT tends to have the least crowds (but I think is physically the biggest?). EPCOT appeals more toward adults, and that's perfectly fine. That's why they have all of those festivals all the time there. There are things they could do for the world showcase to make it more kid-friendly without taking away the culture. They could add in kid craft stations kind of like the resorts do with their various timed events. They could make sure to have the characters walking around those pavilions. They used to do that. I remember as a kid in the 90s being in the England pavilion when Pooh and friends and Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and Friar Tuck showed up. Why not have guaranteed characters there? Aladdin in Morocco, Frozen in Norway (still not Norwegian, but I'll concede), Alice in England, Tiana in US, Coco in Mexico, Beauty and the Beast in France, Pinocchio in Italy, Snow White in Germany, Mulan in China, etc. There's really nothing Canadian, unless they want to bring in Brother Bear (I'm for it, but I'm sure they won't), so have Goofy as a Mountie. For Japan, maybe Big Hero 6? That's kind of Japanese-inspired. And jeez, they need to add Greece, India, Brazil, and South Korea. Maybe Spain. Spain could be fun. They need to expand their showcase.

[@stroyer2103]

Yes

[@SirBlackReeds]

I've seen both and I can honestly say that Maelstrom is better. While Frozen Ever After is technically superior, what really makes Maelstrom is the film at the end about Norway's history. It's part of the whole point of EPCOT: teaching visitors about other countries. While Arendelle is based off of Norway, the Norweigan representation is said to be the worst representation in the movie. Generally speaking, aside from the fact that the overall aesthetic of the film is Scandinavian, there's really very little true Norwegian stuff. Architecture, music, characters, practices and even folklore from Norway to Finland from the early middle ages to the early 20th century combine very tightly, everyone speaks English with American accents, and in the end, the film is not representative of any given place or time period, only that it's definitely before the automobile was invented and well before the construction of the first railroads. Furthermore, looking at Frozen Ever After, it's a Disneyland ride, not an EPCOT one.

[@SirBlackReeds]

-

[@TuneBoyOfficial]

+jacoblgames Nowhere that would really fit besides where Maelstrom was.

[@penguinsfan_2131]

same i miss maelstrom the frozen one was OK, but i would prefer maelstrom.

[@thegoat164]

Maelstrom will always be better than Frozen as it belongs there telling a story about Norway and Epcot has always been my favorite park and Epcot has the best fireworks hands down! It also has the best restaurants for trying foods from different Countries.Epcot is the most unique of all the parks PERIOD!

[@mancave10369]

*[The Frozen ride looks amazing, but even I agree it has a better place in Fantasyland than in the World Showcase.]*

[@MagCynic]

Am I the only one who doesn't see the point of putting a Frozen ride at Norway? I thought the point of World Showcase was to... showcase the world? There's nothing about Frozen Ever After that showcases Norway. It's just one set-piece after another. Disney should have updated the ride and called it Frozen Maelstrom.

[@Emisop]

Clearly you know nothing about Frozen. The movie was highly influenced by Norway. From the settings, the outfits, and some of the lore.

[@MagCynic]

Brianna Chiavetta And what Norway pertains to this ride? Is it an improvement on what was in Maelstrom?

[@Emisop]

It's defiantly an improvement. Maelstrom was one of the least popular rides I have ever seen. There was rarely ever a wait time whenever I was at Disney. And I was just bored out of my mind whenever I went on it. And I'm a big sucker for World history. The only interesting things about the rides was the environment at certain points, the trolls that send us backwards, and that drop. Everything else was easily forgettable. Frozen is something fun and magical that still gives a sense of Norway that would bring more people to the Norway pavilion. Maelstrom barely brought people to the Norway pavilion. It's always so quiet there because no one really stops there unless they feel like going on the maelstrom, or if they are doing the princess breakfast they have there. It was the least visited country out of all of them. All the Frozen stuff will bring in more people.

[@asapluke]

exactly, there are barely any rides in Hollywood studios. but of course the imagineers just reskinned the maelstrom

[@aidancavanaugh5834]

She'll in the 90s and 80s it was popular

[@blahhblahhblahhpoo]

Not sure how I feel about the new ride. The whole ride is just blue, even though they could have varied the color palette.

[@UrSammich]

I kind of agree, though I assume the blue color palette is to make the ride feel dark and cold, like your actually in winter transitioning to spring. I mean as much as I think Elsa's "Let it go" scene is amazing, I think it would have been cool to see her warm up the area around the ice castle so you as the guest get that feeling of seeing winter turn to spring instead of at the end. :/

[@princedonovaughn1182]

+Luckygirl But the ride states it's the middle of summer and one day a year each summer Elsa makes a snow day for everyone. the end of the ride is the end of the Snow day

[@UrSammich]

Val and Brit hmm, then nvm

[@SpiritTails]

+Val and Brit In Norway the mornings can still be cold and dark. That's why it's all blue and you can still see some stars. Later on it will get brighter like in the ending of the ride. Also in the morning it's still cold.

[@janiceong6189]

summer perhaps?

[@disneydad1000]

people waited 5 hrs for this??

[@exoticbutters9867]

yeah and then elsa froze up lol

[@ninarchiveinactive]

+Leesa Robinson that sounds really "cool."

[@EpicGamerXtreme]

+Legend 530 man that comment was just "cold"

[@Emisop]

Yes. Much better thing to wait for then Maelstrom. Oh wait. No one really had to wait for Maelstrom. It's one of the least popular rides ever in Disney. The only thing that was okay was the trolls. Everything else was boring and easily forgettable.

[@Belle04TMNT]

Maybe we should all just "Let it go". XD

[@ronbloomberg]

That's it...? We sacrificed Maelstrom and waited all this time for yet another ride that's over before ya know it? Not to mention it doesn't belong in W. Showcase. I thought they were making it bigger.

[@princedonovaughn1182]

Well it's longer and it still fits the Norway theme of the area where Frozen is based in.

[@florentinb3166]

Anywhere Frozen belongs at @ Disney and Disney World, it belongs!

[@ronbloomberg]

Florentin Brett The World Showcase in Epcot was designed for the purpose of "Showcasing" the different countries of the world. Norway, for example, had the Maelstrom ride which was a way for other cultures to learn about the Norwegian way of life. "Frozen" won't teach anyone anything about Norway whatsoever.

[@florentinb3166]

Claude Herbert Yes, however Disney knew the time was time for Maelstrom to be done. The theming to replace was a perfect idea in their minds for Frozen how they could reuse the entire building structure. I guess in a way it saved them money, Epcot is in demand of new things. This will definitely attract more people to head over to experience Epcot most of all kids and children to bring them even more a reason to enjoy the park. It will teach kids to relate to some of their favorite films how where the movie was inspired, like Norway, Danish, Scandinavian culture which was all around the original plans of the Norway pavilion. They will learn to appreciate Norway the country even so more and World Showcase because of this. Without Maelstrom think Norway would become a standing pavilion with no attraction or ride like many other's. Plus Norway isn't sponsoring or paying, so it is now considered in belong to Disney's hands to choose whatever they wish to do with it! With Frozen being included it doesn't detach nothing about World Showcase showcasing countries around the world, I know Epcot what it is, it's my favorite of all parks even I accept. I get your point trying to teach me about Epcot and World Showcase, I'm from one of those countries I get what showcasing countries means. : ) By the way, the Norway Pavilion has not changed since the ride opening, the most new of Frozen is in an expanded area on the side near Mexico. All the architecture built into that is of Norwegian based. We have a much larger Norway in sense unless you separate Royal Sammerrhaus and consider it Frozen land which I don't see that either than Frozen within Norway.

[@ronbloomberg]

Florentin Brett You're right about Disney being in control (ownership) of the pavilion. Norway has been refusing to pony up the money for improvements for years now and so when the opportunity for a Frozen ride came about Disney jumped at the chance. Don't get me wrong...both Maelstrom and the pavilion itself has been in dire need of a refurbishment for many years, so what they have done is a great thing. I just wish we didn't have to lose Maelstrom to get the Frozen ride. And yet...I know the reality of it is that there were very few of us that still went on Maelstrom on a regular basis...and fewer yet who stayed to watch the post-ride show. I personally NEVER skipped the post show...and most of the time we would stay to watch it twice! I really would of liked to see the size of the whole pavilion enlarged. It has always been a bit tight & cramped to move around in Norway.

[@liamjohnston4129]

Thats crazy, how they're the exact same ride (even down to the depth into the walls that the set pieces go) but also completely different rides

[@velociwyatt9080]

It's not maelstrom maelstrom has trolls and oil rigs while frozen has princesses and snowman

[@L8RG8R2U]

As much as I loved Frozen, I'm still not entirely happy that Maelstrom was closed for this ride. Don't get me wrong, Frozen Ever After does look fun (probably wouldn't wait five hours for it. Heck, I wouldn't wait five hours for Expedition Everest because I'm too impatient), but I have way too much nostalgia for Maelstrom. My parents worked at Walt Disney World when I was little, so we went to the parks very frequently. I rode on Maelstrom more times than most people will probably ever do in their lifetime. So I'd probably not be totally satisfied with anything that would replace this ride. BTW, nice job on the editing!

[@rossbergen]

Thanks for uploading such a great video. I have been really curious about what the new ride would look like. I typically don't comment on things like this, but I don't really understand people talking badly about Maelstrom. I loved Maelstrom. It had nothing to do with "ride quality", but rather that it was just a classic Disney ride - something Disney seems to be straying from. I'm 28 now, but as a kid every time we went to EPCOT, Maelstrom was always the ride that I was excited to go on. I love Epcot as I got older, but as a kid it was my least favorite park (I think most people my age would say the same thing). Yes, I think a ride like Frozen is necessary in the parks these days, but it's extremely unfortunate that they had to take away a classic ride to do so, rather than expanding the park. I know most people would say "there's no room to expand", but look at what they did with the new Fantasy Land section at Magic Kingdom. There's definitely room to expand. Part of the reason I return to Disney World each year is to enjoy the rides that I loved as a kid. It's not about going on some insane ride, I could do that at any run of the mill theme park these days. But rather it's all about the nostalgia and the simplicity that these older rides can bring, and I think most people in their mid 20s to early 30s would agree. They need to keep the classics because people return for them. Oh well. I'm not disagreeing with anyone here, just my opinion.

[@princedonovaughn1182]

They did take away a classic land to make new Fantasyland. Besides with Frozen there Disney is likely to invest more in Epcot. Also almost any Disney ride that's been there for years is considered a classic ride. I guessing attendance on the Maelstrom wasn't great so it got replaced

[@RiverKinn]

I agree with you completely - but there will be a time when I have to accept that I am no longer the target demographic for what they do to Disney World. Haunted Mansion is covered up completely right now as well, hopefully they don't remove another piece of my nostalgia from existence.

[@princedonovaughn1182]

RiverKinn I highly doubt it since Haunted Mansion is still a huge guest favorite and It still get huge recognition with each generation. It is one a few ride more catered to tens then kids.

[@Horizons1]

+RiverKinn It's just a facade refurb. Mansion is fine.

[@RiverKinn]

Horizons1 that is great to hear.

[@vidmaster7]

Thank you for doing this. I went on the Maelstrom years ago so it was good to see it again. The new ride looks so much better. I can't wait to return so I can go on this magnificent attraction.

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

they should have kept both rides. build the frozen ride in fantasy land and keep the old malstorm in epcot.

[@whiskerbristled]

'Maelstrom' was culturally richer and had richer environments for guests to experience

[@MagicalMeg]

Wonderful editing! I love that Disney kept part of the original track! I can't wait to ride frozen ever after! It looks great!

[@EM-ec4jo]

I still prefer Maelstrom, simply for the fact that it fits the place where it's at. The World Showcase isn't really the kind of place for this level of Disneyfication. It's cute to have references to Mulan in China. It's invasive when they turn a ride about Norway in the Norway pavilion into a ride about Frozen. Hell, even Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros is still 90% about Mexico.

[@PoptartPockets]

One thing I am very glad about in this update is the animatronics. They are very similar to the types used in the Seven Dwarves Mine Train ride, which were fantastic in movement and detail. I'm glad they kept the same type of animatronics for this ride. It really brings it to life.

[@tiberiusfemur374]

That moment where it shows Elsa and the Troll side by side is just the perfect showcase of the situation. There stand the trolls defending their land from invaders, all the while having to shout above Elsa and her song. A gesture which in the end is pointless as her singing is far louder.

[@Fawkes2574]

The audio from the Frozen half is loud and over powers the audio from the original Maelstrom ride. You can barely hear it. Any chance of resolving this Attractions Magazine?

[@Fawkes2574]

Thanks

[@Emisop]

Well, Maelstrom is normally hard to hear. So I don't hear much of a difference.

[@scarlettsmoak8977]

Never rode the maelstrom so... Though I don't automatically think frozen was the greatest thing to built; they did it with obvious purpose. It's something for kids to do, and as a kid always wanting to do something I can tell you Epcot isn't filled with too many exciting things. Maybe it will tear some time away from test track anyway. Plus, it's obviously popular otherwise there wouldn't be a 5 hour wait.

[@florentinb3166]

Exactly on point with what many don't see it so, it's purpose 1 to bring more options for the little ones, that way they feel a part of Epcot also! Well said : P

[@mytropicalbackyard5696]

I haven't been on the new frozen version bur I think the Maelstrom had a better story that you followed, rather than disney just cramming all the characters into the ride

[@florentinb3166]

It's a celebration of Frozen Fun for Everyone, Anna says it herself!

[@florentinb3166]

+Mr. Dank It's a celebration of Frozen Fun for Everyone, Anna says it herself, it shows Frozen, it's a ride on Frozen. Located in Norway, because the movie backdrops, mountains, etc were inspired by Norway.

[@emmakirton4629]

The Maelstrom spoken intro wih the Vuelie music honestly sounds really cool

[@charlottethomsen8076]

The Norway pavilion really helped me to learn to love my Scandinavian heritage and now it's just frozenified :( while the ride looks nice, I loved Maelstrom.

[@marc5497]

eh this frozen ride is a disappointment, i prefer maelstrom it had a story line at least, but olaf looks nice

[@Hemuset]

Yeah, that and to be honest, I do like the varying colors in Malesrom. All the blue in Frozen (while I get the point behind it) kinda makes it underwhelming, maybe same-y? It's not bad, but with the lack of a story it kinda feels rushed.

[@heatherkillough-walden8760]

I was just thinking the same thing about the colors/change of scenery. I like the daylight, the trees, the woodsy feel, and of course Frozen doesn't have that.

[@darkinddreamer]

agreed. i almost feel some of the issue comes from so much of it taking place inside her "ice palace." So what used to be forest and trees and stuff to look at are flat walls with projects of snow flakes and architectural elements. It's already one of the shorter Disney rides, so when you spend 60 seconds (almost 1/4 of the ride) passing by columns and snowflake projections you feel sorta ripped off. The few animatronics present are stunning, but lord if i waited 3+ hours for this I would be pretty upset. I waited that long last summer to see the new 7 dwarfs ride and an hour for the little mermaid but they were totally worth it because every moment you had something to feat your eyes on.

[@Hemuset]

Heather Killough-Walden Yeah it would have been rather tough to do so with Frozen, so all the same-y colors maybe contribute to the ride feeling even shorter. Trick of the mind and all that.

[@Hemuset]

Anthony Canney Oh yeah, you're right. I hadn't noticed most of the ride is in the ice palace when I initially watched the video. Yeah, it would really feel like it wasn't worth it, especially for that long a wait. I feel like this would be one of those "go on it if the line's forgiving" type of rides. I haven't been back to Disney in YEARS, so I haven't seen the new rides; I'll have to watch some videos. But yes, bringing up something to look at, that's something the other attractions have. This one at some points feels a bit... barren.

[@tylerglynn6334]

Maelstrom was so much cooler! Someone invent a time machine so I can go back.

[@owenknauer3478]

ok, i get it, frozen came and they changed the ride. I'm not made at the fact that they changed it to a movie that would fit the ride, but did they really need to rock off the waterfall?

[@1218Draco]

I say it's a downgrade

[@rollercostergirl101]

Why? maelstrom was just a pass up ride. I've been to Epcot three times and I've never been on Maelstrom. Even if there wasn't a queue. Now frozen is there with a really impressive range of theming and effects, I would wait 2hrs for it.

[@andrewreid5310]

+OneFootInHellAlready I wouldn't wait five minutes for the new one. Beyond being upset that they replaced Maelstrom (which is part of a three-way tie for my favorite ride), I felt genuine pain watching the video of the new ride.

[@angie78650]

The frozen ride is so much better, it's detailed, well designed and it looks amazing, whereas the old ride felt really outdated. I can see how it's weird to have this in Epcot though, but overall the ride is fantastic, the animatronics run smoothly and it's just... Great !

[@SuperAwesomeness64]

While there are some neat things within Frozen, it just feels too hollow in themeing compared to Maelstrom. Maelstrom had a lot of neat physical sets, where Frozen feels like empty digital screens. I kinda wish the Imagineers put some more thought and effort into this, I would've loved to see more physical effects within this ride, carefully mixed well with the digital ones. It's not the worst thing from Frozen I've seen, but it just feels a bit hollow compared to its predecessor.

[@yippedoodah]

Same thing with the new show at Disney California Adventure. While the Aladdin show used plenty of props and sets, the Frozen one is primarily screens and projections which makes sense for Elsa's powers but using it for everything else seems excessive. I do wish this ride used animatronics like the ones for the Mermaid ride.

[@SoCalThemeParks55]

I spot 21 AA's in the ride and about 23 physical sets in Frozen Live at the Hyperion, but also if you look at all the other shows on broadway, they use a lot of projections, School of Rock the musical for example

[@JNC1973]

Wow this is Crazy cause I was Born in 73' and remember going on this Ride when it was Maelstrom but could Never remember the damn name of it all these years lol. Brought back so many memories from back in the day when I rode it as a Kid. Why in the World did they change it ? If they wanted to do a Frozen Ride they should have just built a New Ride for it. Not take away our Memories. Whose job is it to go in there and completely change a ride around like that ? So much stuff that would need to be done I wouldn't even know where to begin lol. That is Crazy !! Getting Old Sucks !! I want my Childhood back !!

[@hiddeninthesnowwe]

It's amazing how much use they got out of that little bit of extra track. Beautiful upgrades :)

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Frozen may be superior from a technological point, but Maelstrom had more charm! Maelstrom was a ride unlike any other during that time. It was a technical feat, and had this mystical quality to it. The Frozen ride is cute, but it just feels lacking compared to Maelstrom, in a way that's difficult to pin down.

[@tny1757]

Ok. Yes I miss Maelstrom but Frozen Ever After is very well done. I just wish there was an alternative where both rides could exist at the same time.

[@toysvilltvstudios7576]

We agree with you! :)

[@HeatherDeweyPettet]

I agree with this! The characters could have talked about Norway. Why not? They could have talked about the folklore, like about trolls, or whatever. Somebody could have talked about Hans Christian Anderson, the man who wrote the original story: The Snow Queen. It actually blows my mind if they didn't do anyting like that.

[@lenniegray3086]

I get it. Frozen's set in Norway. But Maelstrom had much better place in the Norway pavilion than Frozen Ever After. It showed the historic side of Norway. Frozen belongs in the Magic Kingdom. Not Epcot.

[@MegaSoulHero]

I rode Maelstrom once a long time ago and I didn't like it. The new Frozen ride looks pretty good, though.

[@KingKongWTF117]

Whole attraction looks great and thanks to this I bet the wait times for the other attractions at Epcot are gonna be considerably shorter :)

[@fullbloodlion]

What an absolutely amazing and wonderful ride! Oh... and Frozen is nice too... I guess...

[@Dreamer6664]

I think I like the frozen version better. I felt like they used up more of the space, and I enjoyed the new scenes

[@genracer8866]

I love both of those rides

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Great idea! I was waiting for someone to do this.

[@amandamietus2253]

Having gone on both Maelstrom and the Frozen Ever After Ride, I do have to say that I miss the old ride. I enjoy epcot (especially the world showcase) because they don't throw characters in your face. It's nice to experience the cultural aspect of the countries. In my opinion, the old Maelstrom was better. That same concept happened with Test Track. I personally enjoyed the old Test Track a lot better. I guess one way to put it was that there was more of a story. I haven't had a chance to go on the updated version of Soarin' yet, but I hope the ride is still as good as it was before and it doesn't fall subject to the sub-par redesigns. I trust Disney to not pull a Maelstrom and take care Soarin'

[@barryorange]

Maelstrom was very well done, and still was really popular later on. They could've done re-theming with a new country with Norway pulling out but didn't want to try. Frozen is also well done and should exist in Magic Kingdom or Studios but just in the wrong place here. It's supposed to be the actual world represented in World Showcase

[@saranova613]

I can completely understand why people are upset about Frozen being here. I'm a HUGE fan of Maelstrom, and had my own moment of being really pissed when it was taken down. However, things do change, and that happens. BUT I will still be very upset about one thing-- not enough Anna! She's literally the main character of the film, and has the biggest character arc throughout. I could write essays on why Anna is underappreciated, and sadly, this ride is another reason.

[@FriedGatoraid]

That was a brilliant comparison! Great video!! :)

[@luis.6174]

Why do I get the feeling that the ghosts of the three headed trolls from Maelstrom are gonna haunt this Frozen ride for years to come LOL , they're not gonna have it LOL all this princess-y/fairy tale-musical stuff/sisterly love , I LOVE Frozen and the effort put into this ride was beyond amazing , plus it looks beautiful but come on now , why not just make a mini Arrendale in New Fantasyland and put a Frozen ride there , Maelstrom was a one of a kind ride , one of my favorites at Epcot so awesome , loved the whole Norwegian mythological/vikings experience . P.S. Snow White has been out for almost 80 years and her movie got a ridiculous ride that only showcased the Evil Queens perspective from the story , meanwhile Anna and Elsa's movie has been out for only 2 & 1/2 years and they get this proper ride ....really Disney!!! ( and no the Dwarfs Mine Train coaster doesn't count) .

[@luis.6174]

So does this mean that Tangled is gonna get a cool boat ride in the German pavilion, a Hunchback Of Notre Dame or Aristocats attraction/ride in France , or story time with Mulan in the China pavilion kinda like Belle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. Disney is the only company in the world to make a log flume ride about an obscure movie that's deemed racist , where a fox and a bear chase an innocent rabbit down a briar patch , now Frozen's taking over everything and being capitalized by Disney to milk it for its current popularity , my goodness not even Snow White and Cinderella have there own dark rides ( or at least Snow White not even one where you saw her in the ride) and there the original princesses .

[@scentedxcxndles6510]

CHILL OUT

[@brycefourn2001]

Cool comparison video! The Frozen ride looks way superior than Maelstrom. :)

[@kayleigh9103]

I miss Maelstrom.. I only got to do it one time and I already miss it. Oh well

[@noodlerooster]

are they projected?? or real (the frozen sisters at the end) I can't quite make it out.

[@luther-io7rx]

projected faces so that's why they have issues and glitches

[@rosykindbunny1313]

When I was little and planning on what rides I wanted to go on for my first Disney trip, Maelstrom was my top priority. Kinda a weird choice, but I think it was the darkness and the creatures that captivated me. I was devastated when I found out they closed the ride down to turn it into a Frozen ride.

[@RiverKinn]

Am I the only one bothered by the fact the Maelstrom was intended to showcase the origins and heritage of the Norwegian people, and now that is almost entirely missing from the Norwegian pavilion? Even the stave church in the Norwegian pavilion has been converted to "inspirations for Frozen" or whatever - seems like Disney is more interested in milking their IPs for all they're worth rather than actually maintaining some integrity. I hope they at least keep the Norway film at the end of the ride.

[@MsMielas]

Norway wasn't keeping up with payments for the pavilion for years. Disney was ready to get rid of Norway altogether and make a new country sit in its place, but they decided to keep Norway and integrate Frozen.

[@florentinb3166]

+MsMielas - oooh I'm curious to know where you found the details to Disney wanting to get rid of Norway and replace another country..

[@MsMielas]

i am trying to find the article now, but I know for a fact that Norway hadn't updated the pavilion since 1988 whereas China, Germany, etc. have all pitched in to update theirs in the last 10 years. If they pitch in money, it's basically free advertising for tourism to their countries. It was a strong armed decision, basically an ultimatum of, "Either you pay up for the updates or we're going to put an update in the country that we choose." IE Frozen Ever After

[@florentinb3166]

msMielas- Thanks! and Yes, I can see that by how Canada updated their film O Canada.

[@RiverKinn]

France has not updated their pavilion since the opening of the park in 1982, yet Disney has made no threats like this to them? Norway already has the Princess Dining restaurant filled with characters from non-related films, the viking ship you could climb on was removed almost a decade ago, the stave church like I said has also been changed to Frozen since before the release of the film, and now the Maelstrom and the Spirit of Norway film are both gone as well. I understand the necessity to update, but sacrificing an engaging and culturally educational piece of the World Showcase for monetary gain (especially using Frozen - a film which has VERY little actual Norwegian influence apart from some architecture and time period) rather than biting the bullet or coming to an agreement with Norway's tourism beareau - That certainly sounds like the new Disney. I miss Walt.

[@FanimationXV]

Well, the new Frozen ride is longer than the original Maelstorm due to the new scene they added to the new ride.

[@0Adne0]

Thank you for the side by side! :)

[@gabrielladelisi8145]

the new ride is really cool! i love how they are updating their animatronics. I'll always miss Maelstrom though;(

[@valkyrie1331]

This ride could've easily been put in magic kingdom. They didn't have to destroy Maelstrom for this ride

[@ilovewaltdisney]

Not a fan of the cartoon but have to admit I'm loving the change!! 💕. The only thing Im going to miss is the "window" and the polar bears ☺️.

[@adamcapozzoli1950]

Thanks! Have been waiting for this!

[@aidancavanaugh5834]

When Epcot was new and maelstrom first opened , the boat my grandma was in stopped before the climatic drop.

[@DianeBanks1]

nice comparison + looks like another minute or two of ride content - a good thing especially if you've been stuck in a long line. with they could've found a place for the polar bears (even if they don't fit the frozen story, lol) love them!! ;)

[@thisdude6754]

I'm sure you'll see them pop up somewhere else.

[@hyungguyanie3813]

I’m glad that the little drop still there in Frozen ride

[@MisterGoose]

I prefer Maelstrom because the oil rigs and the trolls felt so real

[@henrysheffield3998]

I actually like the Frozen ride. Even tho I havent been on it yet it still looks good to me. I think the Disney Imagineers and team did a fantasic job!

[@Graph06]

Maelstrom was a way cooler ride then this frozen one. It's disappointing to see they got rid of such a unique ride. The only thing I appreciate in the new ride are the incredibly smooth animatronics

[@caa1000]

If I stand correctly... The area where there was a Norway movie, is that the beginning of the ride? As when Maelstrom started at the climbing pathway, then ended in the Norway village, then you where lead into a small movie chamber for a presentation about Norway. Now, Frozen Ever After begins at the place, where the Maelstrom ride ended. The Movie pathway replaced with the Olaf and the Trolls scenery.

[@Brennna9]

Did they make the drops smaller?

[@melissachanning2753]

I agree tracks are the same the only differences are the load/unload area... where in Frozen you load and unload where the Maelstrom unload was and the snowgie part is closed in and not open to see the outside like Maelstrom was.

[@GoldKnightProduction]

I'm not a fan of Frozen, buuut.... the Olaf animatronics are amazing. Sure, I can see the support arm under the last one, but still. They *all* look amazing, even when you got up close.

[@velociwyatt9080]

So did the new scenes in frozen ever after take over some of the maelstrom queue

[@stadalberts]

Very nice, thanks! One question though, what happens after you get out of the boat? Is there still a movie theatre there where you watch a movie as before?

[@stadalberts]

Thanks!

[@Fawkes2574]

Looks like the Frozen extension is due to the removal of the theater, possibly?

[@PaddyMac276]

I honestly prefer Maelstrom

[@apawneecommon2008]

I totally understand the reasoning for this switch- Epcot needs crowds as well. But wow I miss the original. The line alone!!!

[@dansnet]

Thanks for this! Was just thinking "I wonder if anyone's had time to do a side by side comparison..." and here it is!

[@凸益凸-w4b]

There's nothing I hate more than an original ride being replaced with some marketing cheesefest made for little kids rather than the whole family.

[@dav242]

Brilliant side by side video

[@SuperWarrenz]

Thank you for this comparison! I was never a fan of Maelstrom. And while I'm not a Frozen super fan, this new attraction clearly offers more show scenes, more animatronics, and a more entertaining, cohesive story. It puts all the naysayers in a different light: their complaints really do appear to be just for the sake of complaining about change. It's just so disappointing how "cool" it's become to say anything negative about all the new stuff, or about WDW in general. Anyway, thanks again for this video!

[@hauntnation5433]

So did they get rid of the other ride or is frozen seasonal

[@angelicareal7381]

Cooper Family They got rid of Maelstrom. If you don't like it I'm sorry but you're just going to have to be like Elsa and let it go;)

[@DouglasRickard]

Beyond clever video - thank you - certainly more colorful

[@jade_ottsel]

Everything's just a shade of blue...how is THAT more colorful? O_o

[@DouglasRickard]

Jade Gryphon oh well maybe, I didn't say which colour lol

[@masterchaoss]

so are there any references to the old ride in the new frozen one or did they just want ever one to forget about it.

[@Ajnin42]

I was so expecting them to have some kind of troll in the area where the snow monster is now. Im actually shocked they didn't do a throw back there especially with Frozen having trolls.

[@vanessaa5009]

Yes, the puffins at the end of the drop are a reference to the old ride. They were the same ones used in Maelstrom.

[@Katie-ui4pt]

Can't wait to see this next summer :)

[@tahlialea8282]

I had a feeling they would keep the do that with elsa like have her send you backwards. it was exactly how I imagined it

[@thisdude6754]

hate that they boarded up the waterfall. it was one of the best parts. where is the boarding station at now?

[@jonathanrose829]

I miss the waterfalls also.

[@tjburford]

Guests load and disembark Frozen in the Maelstrom disembark area. Maelstrom's loading area is now where one first sees Olaf and the trolls.

[@kagerobraveninja]

so I have a question in the beginning I took a little while for the original Maelstrom it starts so doesn't that mean they added to the ride track itself and the beginning

[@kagerobraveninja]

***** I saw that in the first time I watched it but I'm talking about at the very beginning

[@TuneBoyOfficial]

+Voltswitch 97 The new scenes were probably where the loading/unloading took place before it was all done in one place.

[@VoicesofMelbourneFlorida]

I took my family on this last week for the first time. We had all been on Maelstrom but I must say, without a doubt, Frozen is a step up from what they had before. I'm not a Frozen fan, but they were very thoughtful in the creation of this ride. The backwards hill in Maelstrom was supposed to be a frightening scene while in Frozen, they turned the same hill into a majestic glide away from Elsa while she's freezing the walls around you. I thought that scene in particular was genius. As for removing the Norway movie that used to be there at the end of Maelstrom... The only time I saw people sitting in that movie room was when they were hot and tired. Most of the time, you'd see guests in there sleeping on the benches... Lol. Also, Disney needs to keep up with creating attractions my kids can relate to. They don't know who Pinocchio or Beauty and the Beast are. Those are old films to them that predate their lives. If it wasn't for Jake and the Neverland Pirates, they would only be able to relate Peter Pan to a peanut butter company. Yes, Disney needs to keep it fresh for the kids... get over your past by keeping the old memories and making new ones.

[@josephwersler386]

I have a feeling that they are the same ride just different or renewing design, maybe u can do a vid on that attractions magazine?

[@Linus_Ohman]

No shit? That is exactly why this video exists.

[@j.j.q1379]

I just love this. I actually think this will show up here one day. only because they tend to make it for both parks even if diseny world gets it first

[@Chantilly_Lace]

If they do they've gotta be careful where they put it. If it takes the place of one of the original Dark rides people are gonna be furious.

[@keolacebal1962]

Honestly, I doubt they'd bring it here for space reasons. Plus, I'd rather have them put some Marvel experiences at DLR, because WDW currently can't do that.

[@sarahg3028]

+Chantel Leon hell people are mad about maelstrom being replaced already. I'm just praying that nothing replaces any of the original rides

[@florentinb3166]

I don't think so, for a fact California already has it, they have Cars Land. So if WDW doesn't have Cars other than Art of Animation, WDW can have Frozen.

[@David-jg9ts]

I really love the new Frozen ride, but I feel like it would have been better off in Magic Kingdom or even Hollywood Studios, and leave Maelstrom alone.

[@donaldoconner]

Could you upload a version of this with malestom audio in one challenge and the frozen audio in the other?

[@sndit2me]

Could I ask you what video camera was used to take these videos ... the quality (exposure, color, clarity, etc.) is extraordinary!!Thanks ...

[@Suzakunatsu]

I make a vow here and now..I refuse to step foot in the Norway Pavillion next time I go to epcot.

[@brittanythompson580]

You won't be able to get in there now with all the traction it has now that maelstrom never had

[@josea.ramirez975]

There is nothing at the theater where the beautiful movie about Norway was projected?

[@alyasgrey9370]

Wow... that's rather depressing going from a bit of a history and geography lesson to watching some robots dance and sing about a mass-market film.

[@paul28177]

Wow...it's interesting how they reused the ride - total transformation.

[@Clay3613]

Oil Rig > Castle

[@sarahwalling2820]

I did that ride when i was 5 and i lover

[@Holyblackmage246]

Have to say, though I've ridden neither ride, I would have loved to ride Maelstrom. it went deep into Norwegian culture and folklore, and was quite visually stunning. I think that while the Frozen ride obviously has better visuals and theming in certain areas, it seems to be more about the movie than Norway itself, let alone the fact that there is no plot, and that people who haven't seen the movie will, I'd imagine, barely even know what's going on. imho, it would have been better if they'd just incorporated the plot of the movie into the ride, like voyage of the little mermaid and splash mountain. Even the seven dwarfs mine train hints at a plot near the ending, when you see the witch. Regardless, goodbye Maelstrom, and I look forward to riding the Frozen ride, it looks beautiful, and the kids will be happy :) just hope I don't have to wait five hours!

[@ludwigvanbeethoven8793]

whats wrong with redoing epcot with newer and more popular brands? if anything it teaches people about the setting inspiration of these films, might even bring new interests in these locations like norway and finland

[@annacnbrg]

I'm not gonna say I didn't like Maelstrom but I was kind of scared of the trolls. I was 16. Thankful I didn't get the chance to ride it as a child or I might have been a bit traumatized. Maybe Frozen Ever After would be a better fit for MK then Epcot but it's not like it is the first ride with characters in the park (and I'm just happy for the kids tbh)

[@DoodleSlayerFce]

you were 16 and you were scared of the trolls!?!?!?!?!? freaking 16!!!!!! that's the age were you are allowed to get a car and you are scared of some fake trolls?!?!?!!!

[@yippedoodah]

I was 21 when I first rode it and no one told me it would be THAT frightening :s

[@_DanielOConnor]

when I was younger, Epcot used to be my least favourite park because I thought it wasn't as magical as all the other parks. I'm pleased the kids of today may feel a little more excited to visit Epcot as a ride like this really is magical.

[@annacnbrg]

A Selenator's View exactly! I went for the first time at 16 and still felt out of place. I love the idea of showing different cultures to kids, but I think having some familiar faces would make it a lot more fun.

[@SirBlackReeds]

It would be better for Magic Kingdom.

[@dansayeyo]

Re-imagine or not, still give me nightmare, the difference is whether is olaf or poisdeones that send my boat backwards.😅

[@SoCalThemeParks55]

Maelstrom fans.... ATTACK

[@happymommywatson]

SoCal ThemeParks all 3 of us Rawr

[@daughtybelarmino7183]

Hi There hahahahahahahha for me Maelstrom is so much better in this ride of course the only thing that i like in frozen was in queuethey add the arrendele

[@joeyfendrich5036]

I love maelstrom ride better

[@MyLady22]

New to Disney here. I was completely comfused as to why the ride was on a boat for frozen. I was like uhm I don't remember that in the movie...

[@lilysage1239]

I guess Epcot needed the foot traffic, and the whole park needed a little more kid friendly stuff... I just wish Frozen had a bit more substance and story to it. The ride is visually beautiful and all the characters are there, but there's no plot to it at all.

[@florentinb3166]

It'/s not a story plot, it's a celebration of Frozen! Listen to Anna say we get to share this Frozen Fun with everyone!

[@lilysage1239]

I understand that, it's just unusual for a dark ride to get nowhere close to the plot of the movie. I enjoyed the ride a lot, but I wished we saw more of the plot, thats all! It was interesting to see a ride that happened post movie tho!

[@florentinb3166]

Ok, I get what your sensing, post movie like they done with The Seas with Nemo. I am confused by plot, Do you mean as more scenes from the film, as Anna in the beginning For the First Time in Forever, the ballroom, Do you want a Build a Snowman scene, the harbor? A coronation scene? : )