As has already been reported by various news outfits, Walt Disney World recently released a statement saying that Maelstrom, the semi-popular viking boat road located in Norway at Epcot's World Showcase, will be closing in the coming weeks. Ride closures are always met with mixed reactions and when it comes to Walt Disney World, you don't have to look too far back for a relevant example.
Just a few years ago, the legacy Snow White's Scary Adventures ride at the Magic Kingdom closed down and has since been replaced with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which has quickly earned it's way into the short list of most popular rides at the Magic Kingdom (some of which is likely due to it's newness). However, when the original announcement about the closing of the legacy ride came out, many of the purists were outraged. Few brands have the connection to our childhood that Disney does, so when you see an attraction like Snow White or Maelstrom close down, perhaps a little bit of your childhood goes with it.
What's most interesting is that they're replacing it with a Frozen based ride. There is no argument that Frozen has become one the biggest Disney hits of all time (likely it's biggest based on sales, but I'll bet Cinderella and co have a different view on that), but for a new attraction based on it to be announced within essentially a year of the actual movie coming out is astounding. I guess it speaks to how big of a hit it really has been for Disney.
Look, I loved the ride on Maelstrom when I was kid (save the 5 minute movie at the end), but Epcot desperately needs more attractions to help lessen the wait at Soarin and Test Track. Something Frozen themed seems like the perfect antidote and while we'll miss Maelstrom, we'll always have the memories to look back on as we're waiting in what's sure to be a very long line to be whisked away to Arendelle.
Anyways, what do you think, is this a good move for Disney?
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