World Showcase – Page 3

How Maelstrom Spurred An Actual Vacation to Norway

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

In August 2013, my father turned 65 years old and to celebrate, the whole Ellis clan descended on Walt Disney World to celebrate Mickey style. It was a great summer holiday spent with my parents, boyfriend, brothers and ten-year-old niece.

I’m an Epcot junkie so a few days in Future World and World Showcase were definitely on the agenda, particularly as I knew that my boyfriend, David would really enjoy the mix of edutainment and world culture. David had never been to Walt Disney World before, but had been to Disneyland Paris many times in his role as a high school teacher – he’d supervised many school trips!

I love Disneyland Paris – but Walt Disney World just does things a little bit different and a bit bigger – and as I mention, Epcot is just THE place on earth that makes me super happy. And I was right, David loved exploring Epcot with me and one of the parts we loved the most was the Norway Pavilion of World Showcase.

Now, let me just remind you that this was August 2013 (our first visit to Epcot in the two week holiday was Monday 19 August 2013) so this was all BF – before Frozen! We loved the Stave Church, enjoying sampling Aquavit and exploring the stores and looking at the crazily expensive (and warm!) woollen clothing! We also loved Maelstrom and I was really sad to hear that it was shortly to be replaced to house a Frozen ride.

Maelstrom was important as it was just a really fun ride, but also included a brief video segment at the end. I was always really annoyed to see people ride the ride and just skip out on the video. Okay, I know all the videos at Epcot, Soarin’ included, could do with a HD upgrade, but they’re super well produced and a nice little snippet of a different culture. And it got us – it really got us!

So much so that we came out thinking, wow, we should go to Norway!

“The fjords looks amazing!”

“The painted houses of Bergen are just, wow, pretty!”

So as we returned to Autumnal England in September we had this thought in the back of our mind. It was kinda cemented by a trip drinking around the world in Epcot on Friday 30 August 2013 (Mmmmm, Aquavit!) but it was just there at the back of our mind – and then, in December 2013, Disney magic! Snow! Ice! Frozen released, and Disney had the biggest hit on their hands in almost 20 years.

As a 31 year old man, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I loved Frozen or Disney (the Disney Infinity Elsa figure my boyfriend David brought me on Christmas Day 2013 was the perfect present!) so David and I watched Frozen at the cinema plenty of times. I still remember the goosebumps I felt when I first heard “Love is an Open Door” and leaning over to David in the cinema to whisper, “oh my god, this is a masterpiece!” when Elsa ran into the mountains and built herself an ice castle through the most amazing Disney song since “Beauty and the Beast”.

And as we left the cinema, that thought returned to my head. Arendelle looked gorgeous, and familiar – it looked like World Showcase and the video we sat through when we left the brilliant Maelstrom. So we decided – lets go to Norway in 2014. Let’s go see how the land that inspired Frozen!

We traveled to Norway in August 2014 on Holland America Line on part of a week’s cruise from Dover, UK. We’d leave Dover on the Saturday and spend Sunday cruising towards the arctic circle and Norway up the north sea and then we’d have four great days in towns and cities throughout Norway – Bergen (which the Norway Pavillion most accurately riffs on), Geiranger, Ålesund and Eidfjord, and then on the Friday we’d start our trip back to the United Kingdom past off-shore wind farms and oil platforms.

We were expecting to most enjoy Bergen, as we knew it would look just like the Norway Pavillion, but interestingly we found that the Epcot version of it was less tourist trap and expensive and overall more “controlled” and enjoyable to walk around. Still, it was a beautiful city.

The painted store fronts of Bergen, Norway.

The cruise was our first cruise too and we enjoyed the ms Ryndam’s many bars, restaurants and clubs and particularly loved formal evenings (how often do you get to dress like James Bond for dinner?!)

“The name’s Ellis…Antony Ellis!”

Tuesday saw us drop anger in Geiranger. A beautiful little town set against some steep hills and cliffs that housed approximately 240 residents. It had a long history in clifftop farming but as it became more dangerous to farm on the sheer cliffs due to rockfalls the town reinvented itself as a tourist haven. David and I hiked up to the highest viewing platform in the town to get a great view of the fjords and the views were stunning. Other than Eidfjord, this was the landscape that most screamed Arendelle to us.

Geiranger or is it Arendelle?

Ålesund was the third city on our trip and this was probably my favourite. It felt less touristy than anywhere we’d been so far, and more lived-in than Bergen and Geiranger. It was a beautiful lived-in city and it was definitely the highlight of my trip. But it wasn’t very Frozen.

However, it seems that Holland America Line saved Arendelle to the last stop, or more accurately, Eidfjord. Just look at it – beautiful:

Eidfjord – land of trolls…or troll rocks!

If you’ve ever cruised before you’ll understand that you enjoy yourself a bit too much with great food and drink, so Geiranger and Eidfjord were great opportunities to walk off a few martinis or that extra slice of cake. Eidfjord was beautiful to walk around, with a gorgeous little church and a viking burial mound just outside of town on a well marked hiking trail. It was great to spot the landscapes that inspired Frozen too. We even saw Kristoff’s love expert family!

Troll rocks!

So we had one last night in Norway on the ship and then sailed back to England with some amazing pictures and great memories. We really were thankful to the Disney Company too for encouraging us to the do this trip with Frozen and Maelstrom. They set up our expectations and Norway delivered. A gorgeous and interesting country which I’d encourage you all to visit if you can.

We’re already planning our next holiday (honeymoon actually) to New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Anaheim (yes, Disneyland!) for Spring 2015, but we’ll really fondly remember our Disney holiday without Disney. I’m kind of sad that Maelstrom will soon be no more – but I’m just pleased I got to ride it one last time last year and have a wonderful experience in Norway by taking the time to sit and watch the video showcasing more of the beautiful country. If you’ve got a trip planned in the next few weeks or a Fastpass reservation, I can understand that the temptation is there to rush onto the next attraction or sight, but please, watch that video. Enjoy those scenes. Norway will thank you for it.

If you are interested and want to see the rest of my vacation pictures, you can access them from here.

VIDEO: World Showcase Players Say Goodbye to Epcot After 32 Years

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

The World Showcase Players (under various titles) have existed in Epcot’s World Showcase since 1982, entertaining guests and amking them a part of the show. The group was referred to as the World Showcase Players as they performed in the U.K. and Italy for a number of years, before being reduced to shows only in United Kingdom a few years back. The entertainment group performed for the very last time on September 25th, 2014 and we have video of each show that they performed that day to share with you:

Off Kilter, Mo’ Rockin’, Fife & Drum Corps., and World Showcase Players Leaving Epcot, New Acts Coming

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Rumblings began a few days ago that some long running entertainment acts at Epcot might be leaving next month. Today, Disney confirmed that Off Kilter in Canada, Mo’ Rockin’ in Morocco, the Fife & Drum Corps. in American Adventure, and the World Showcase Players are all leaving Epcot in September. All of the groups are scheduled to have their very last performances on September 27th, with the World Showcase Players ending on the 25th.

Usually a budget move, this time the changes seem to be a conscious effort to bring more culturally relevant and new entertainment to the park. In the coming months, a celtic folk music ensemble in the United Kingdom, a lumberjack-inspired show in Canada, flag waving performers in Italy, and a Berber music and dance troupe in Morocco will be added to replace these acts.

As great as updating the entertainment may be, many of the departing acts have been guest favorites for many years, and are sure to be missed.

RUMORS: 5 Walt Disney World Rumors and the Likelihood of Each

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

Many of the most exciting rumors are associated with Hollywood Studios.

With fall finally here and Labor Day behind us it’s always a good time to check in and report on the rumors that might be circulating about future changes at the World. Below is a partial list reporting what I’m picking up from behind the berm and a little bit about the likelihood of each.

Star Wars
So this is surprise to exactly … no one. When it comes to a possible Star Wars expansion the only real questions are “when?” and “what?” Possibilities include an additional attraction in Hollywood Studios, a new Land, or an entire Star Wars park. We can rule the park out right away. That’s not going to happen. What is more likely is a new Star Wars Land that would be along the lines of Cars Land in California. Initially I heard that the plan was for one E Ticket attraction but that has broadened to include multiple attractions since the original pitch. My gut tells me that the delay in any kind of formal announcement means that the expansion will be bigger than originally conceived. This means more than one E Ticket and a more immersive environment. I expect an announcement either in the spring or fall 2015.

Pixar Place
In the near-term the Disney Company won’t launch multiple large-scale enterprises like Star Wars and Pixar expansion simultaneously at Hollywood Studios. Cost is an issue, but that’s not the most pressing factor to a cash-rich company like Disney. Simultaneous expansions are not likely more because of the impact to Hollywood Studios guests. But this doesn’t mean that a Pixar Place build-out isn’t going to happen. The sense I’m getting is that it will. The bad news is that Hollywood Studios will not receive anything on the level of Cars Land in this regard. Additions are likely to be more modest and come in the form of attractions like Radiator Springs Racers based on Pixar properties one at a time instead of a single yet significant splash. While a Pixar Place expansion will continue to be an exciting story that we will follow it can only mean …

Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and the Studio Backlot Tour
Yes, that would be correct. Pixar expansion would translate into major changes to the surrounding area that includes the Studio Backlot Tour and the Lights, Motor, Action! show. On a personal level I would hate to lose the Backlot Tour. I know it’s a mere shadow of its former self, but seeing the “Jacqueline” from Wes Anderson’s Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and rumbling through Catastrophe Canyon have become very near to “rites” of our annual WDW visits. The stunt show I won’t miss as much. (Have you ever sat in the Lights, Motor, Action! stands in the afternoon? That might be the hottest spot south of the sun.) Perhaps the most traumatic loss associated with Pixar additions will be the Earfel Tower. I know it’s somewhat trivial, but I love the tower’s connection to the Disney Studios in Burbank. That being said, it’s the price of progress and change and a trade I’m willing to make as a fan and customer for these additions.

Sorcerer’s Hat
Sticking with Hollywood Studios, this is one of the more interesting and under-the-radar changes in the conversation. Apparently the story is not “if” the Sorcerer’s Hat is removed, but “when.” Admittedly, the first time this was mentioned to me I was stunned. For me, Mickey’s sorcerer’s hat holds the same relative place as Cinderella’s Castle, the Tree of Life, and Spaceship Earth. While waiting for the rope to drop during one of our last visits, however, it became fairly obvious that the hat actually doesn’t work. In fact, it feels contrary to the original vision of Hollywood Studios. Clearly the Grumman’s Theater facade of the Great Movie Ride was designed to be the feature image at one end of Hollywood Boulevard “bookending” the “Hollywood that never was” with the Pan Pacific Auditorium-inspired entrance at the other end. Moreover, if you take the time to really study the layout it’s antithetical to Disney imagineering. It’s my understanding that the biggest problem facing removal is the depth of the attraction’s anchor points. If it happens it will happen when the Great Movie Ride gets a long-overdue makeover, but it’s not a current priority. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Marvel Land
This has to be mentioned. But there just doesn’t seem to be any way for this to become a reality. In a recent conversation it was again mentioned that Universal owns the Marvel “park rights” east of the Mississippi. I’m currently reading Marvel Comics: The Untold Story and trust me when I say that the Marvel Universe in the hands of Disney imagineers would be one of the greatest things that could ever happen. It’s because of this that I won’t give up on a possible Marvel Land and I wouldn’t put it past Disney to broker a deal in this regard, but it won’t happen anytime soon.

Backburner
Star Wars, Pixar, and potential effects on Hollywood Studios is clearly the most interesting conversation but they’re not the only rumors circulating. Avatar Land at Animal Kingdom, the Fantasyland Expansion, and the work at Hollywood Studios most likely means that Epcot will be receiving attention in the not-too-distant future. Updates in Future World are in the mix—maybe Soarin’ and for sure Captain EO—but the most interesting discussion is associated with the possibility of adding pavilion(s) to the World Showcase. Not since the Norway pavilion was added in 1988 have we seen an addition there. Before that it was Morocco in 1984. There is apparently room for new pavilions and it’s interesting to consider the countries that would be candidates. I would put the odds on a South American representative, specifically one of the countries Walt visited during his WWII goodwill tour chronicled in the Walt & El Grupo documentary: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

That’s the current state of the rumor mill at least in terms of my discussions. This fan is excited about whatever Disney does with Star Wars in the parks. I’ll also be holding out for significant Marvel additions in the future, but only because it’s just more fun that way. Feel free to post what you’ve heard or even what you’re hoping for.

6/30/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Epcot, 8-Bit Chairs, & More)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

John Corigliano and myself visited Epcot over the weekend and took some phoitos of what is new and noteworthy in the park to share with you, so let’s take a look at the latest from the park:

Welcome to Epcot

An ad for Frozen Summer fun is on the times guide at every park right now…

Work continues to repair the water main behind Innoventions

Inside Innoventions behind Club Cool and Character Spot, some tables and chairs were added to the abandoned lobby area near the restrooms

The chairs have a strange “8-bit” look

Nothing too special about the tables, but a nice offering given how many guests crash in here during the summer months

The water features at Imagination! will be off until the water main is fixed

Not sure when this happened, but the Captain EO FastPass machines were removed

It’s quite the mess

The food cart between Imagination! and The Land is behind walls

The Odyssey has been a very popular place to watch the World Cup

Your World Cup update courtesy of Epcot…

Just a few minutes before this photo was taken, the place was PACKED for the Mexico game…

There is another soccer photo-op by the Germany pavilion

They also have the brackets board back here

The Glasskunst in Germany was closed for a few weeks for a small remodeling, but it is open now and looks great

The main reason for our Epcot trip was the new snacks at the Refreshment Outpost in World Showcase. They have two new yogurts and a alcoholic rum drink

In the 30 seconds between getting the yogurt and getting to a table, the Florida heat made the yogurt a little less photo friendly, but they were still absolutely delicious!

The coconut is my favorite, but pineapple was also very good. We didn’t order the swirl, but when we mixed the two, it was incredible!

In the cultural exhibit in Mexico, they have added a pretty crazy projection-mapping effect to this large stone piece

They are projecting the original paint scheme that would have been on the piece onto the now-grey stone

Every few minutes, the coloring fades in and out

New Disney PArks umbrella for sale in MouseGear, $14.95

There is also this character umbrella

And another Disney Parks design

PHOTOS: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot Introduces Smartphones from AT&T

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot debuted new smartphones today courtesy of new mobile sponsor AT&T after 2 years of using Verizon Samsung flip-phones.

Since today was the first day running with the new phones, cast members made it clear that there may be a few glitches with them and guests should locate an Agent P cast member should they have any problems. That being said, we experienced no issues during the two missions that we tried out today.

The phone itself is a nice, large screen Nokia smartphone. The touch screen was very responsive and the audio quality was noticeably improved. They also have a large range volume control on the side of the phone, a much-welcomed change since the Agent P mission phones were often insanely loud, especially when brought inside a building around World Showcase. We expected some sort of “Otter Box” type indestructible case, instead, there was just a thin, sleek rubber case around the phone. This was day one, so we can only imagine the screens getting rather dirty or smashed very quickly and new cases having to be ordered.

On a negative note, the animation sequences have not been changed. Seemingly produced for the smaller flip phone screen, when stretched to the size of the larger smart phone screen the animation is noticeably pixelated. We can only hope new animation will be made and will debut at a later time. What they fail to tell you at mission briefing is be sure not to touch the home, back or search buttons on the bottom of the phone. This will bring you to a main phone menu. When we tried to get back to the mission, all progress was lost and it asked that the phone be returned in a designated drop box. Hopefully these minor issues will be addressed, but overall, the new phones are a great improvement over the old flip-style phones.

Epcot “Wind-Down” Offers Guests The Chance to Drink and dine Until 11PM Nightly

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Have you ever wished you could grab a drink and get a bite to eat at Epcot after the park closes at 9PM? Well, this is the place where dreams come true after-all…

Epcot guests can now take part in the “after-hours wind-down”, an opportunity to visit La Cava Del Tequila in Mexico, Spice Road Table in Morocco, Tutto Gusto in Italy, or the Rose & Crown in the United Kingdom for small bites paired with a beverage flight (additional beverages can be purchased) from 9:20Pm until 11Pm. The cost is $35 plus tax and gratuity. The offering begins April 17th and runs through September 15th.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Frozen Characters Anna & Elsa Debut in Norway at Epcot

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

Over the weekend, Anna and Elsa from Disney’s upcoming animated film Frozen began greeting guests in some former shop space in the Norway pavilion at Epcot:

The new exhibit in the stave church is still not open

Windows of the Norway shops are filled with Frozen merchandise

The entrance being used for the meet and greet

Anna and Elsa

Here’s a short video of the duo in action:

Guests get a gift (while supplies last)

After you meet the sisters, you can buy all kids of Frozen merchandise

So, there is a little less shopping to do in the Norway pavilion as the front of the store has been made into the meet and greet. Also, the former perfume room is now being utilized for Frozen items.

So, what do you think? Are you excited to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen?

Joe Hogarty’s 11/29/13 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty went to Epcot on Friday to experience the first day of Holidays Around the world and he has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Holidays Around the World has returned to Epcot

Joyful! has returned for 2013

As has the Santa Mickey popcorn bucket

Holidays Around the World of course brings us the story of Christmas from each culture

Santa’s Village is back at the American Adventure

The Norsk Kultur cultural exhibit featuring Frozen in Norway finally opened

A really cool model in the exhibit featuring the castle

The American Adventure Christmas tree at night

The World Showcase Christmas tree looks great, as always

These snowflake decorations in Future World are new this year

Happy holidays from Epcot!

WDWNT: The Magazine – A Gluten & Dairy Free Epcot Illuminations Dessert Party

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

On October 13, 2013, a gluten and dairy-free IllumiNations dessert party was held at Rue De Paris, near the France Pavilion in Epcot.

This event was sponsored by Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW. Tickets were $50 per person and included admission into the event, giveaways, goody bags, and more.

An all-you-care-to-eat special diets related buffet was available, as well. I have to admit that at first I was a little cautious about spending the money for my ticket. I do not personally have any dietary restrictions, and how good can a bunch of gluten and dairy-free desserts really be? Once I took a closer look at the menu, however, I knew I had to give this party a try.

Chocolate drops were the texture of brownies…delicious!

Asian Green Tea and Ginger Glazed Mini Donuts

French Apple Cocotte was basically like a warm apple cobbler and non-dairy whip made from rice milk

The absolute, hands down crowd favorite, however, were these fabulous All American Chocolate Bacon Whoopie Pies! They were fantastic!

Having access to a private IllumiNations viewing area made for an amazing end to a wonderful evening.

This was the second annual event of its kind. Next year if there is a third annual event, and you are able to make it, I highly recommend that you do so! The desserts made a believer out of me. Just because it’s gluten and dairy-free does not mean it has to be taste free.

Tag: World Showcase