Originally Posted By sjhym333 Of course we know that Martin Short was added to the Canada film to see if it would increase the number of guests who saw the film. Norway has been a problem since it opened. It was a pavillion that was sponsored by a group called NorShow, which was a conglamarate of several companies including NCL and others. As a group they had a hard time deciding what the pavillion should have. Disney Imagineering designed the ride with what they thought were some interesting twists such as the post-show movie, the two switches and the backward part of the boat ride. Like many attractions it went way over budget and NorShow would not put up any more money which is why you have that dead spot between the polar bears and the rock scene before you change directions again. The boats were built in Germany and shipped to the US, but when they were placed inside the flume they were too heavy to float. The boats were taken to Disney Central Shops and had to be refurbed to make them light and float (actually they added bouys as part of the hull) Norway was the first attraction at WDW to be built by and outside company (the same company that built Jaws an Uni it that tells you anything about their problems) and while there were Imagineers there who oversaw the construction of the ride, the outside company created many other problems including a building that has leaked since day one. The opening of the ride was delayed almost six months because of issues including the boats, the down ramp that was too steep and the fact that the boats jumped the flume at the bottom of the hill. Originally the three headed troll on the attraction spoke in Norwegian. Guests didn't know who they were or what they were saying and the storyline (which was already muddy)made even less sense. The voices were rerecorded using some actors in LA. At the stores, Disney and NorShow fought about what would sell. NorShow wanted higher end quality things like the sweaters, perfume and if I remember correctly glassware and plates of some sort. One thing they didnt want were trolls and vikings. When Disney buyers presented the product line NorShow was angry that the trolls and vikings made up a large part of the presentation. Disney explained that Americans know Norway as the land of trolls and vikings. They were fun meetings to say the least. The film that ends the attraction was made by one of Norways best filmakers whose name escapes me. It was purposely set to show both Norways past and present and was approved by the Royal Family of Norway before it would be shown at EPCOT. On the positive side, NorShow insisted on the best inside the pavillion. The seats inside the theater were all hand crafted in Norway and if you ever had the chance to see the orginial corporate lounge (before it became a Disney meeting hall of sorts) it had pretty impressive furniture. The inside of the resturant also has nice fixtures from Norway, though until Disney began doing character meals there it was often deserted. I think both the movie and ride can use an update. Unfortunatly I dont see that happening without a new sponsor. I dont think Disney sees the need at the moment.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin When we went in October (first timers), we thought that France was the only one so out-of-date it made us comfortable. Martin Short is why my husband made me watch the Canada movie twice and why we bought the cd set with the Canada song on it. I am part-Norwegian and didn't think the Norway movie was that bad. Of course, if you've been to WDW more than once, you'll have other opinions.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin Oh, and we really enjoyed Maelstrom (twice), but it could use some TLC, for sure.
Originally Posted By TP2000 Great list of Norwegian exports there. Another thing to consider is that most of Western Europe's oil comes from Norwegian-tended oil fields in the North Sea, so anything you own from Germany, France or Britain was manufactured and likely transported to you using Norwegian energy. And yeah, the Norse dislike the Swedes a great deal. Almost as much as they dislike the Germans for that bit of violent invasion and occupation from 1940 to 1945. If Norway found out Volvo or IKEA was about to step in and sponsor the pavilion and retheme it to Sweden, you can bet a week's worth of lutefisk that Norway wouldn't let that happen.
Originally Posted By Manfried I think its the current one, which I believe is the same one from a long time ago. Boring. Boring. Boring.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Rip out the existing ride and rebuild it. The best part is the trolls, so focus on Norwegian mythology and put together a ride themed around that. Nobody cares about polar bears or Vikings or oil rigs. Show us the rich environment and the mythology which grew up out of those magnificent mountains and fjords. This should be right up Imagineering's alley. But I doubt Disney will spring for the needed capital to make it happen.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Speaking of Norway and trolls, I'm looking forward to this: <a href="http://www.trollhunterfilm.com/" target="_blank">http://www.trollhunterfilm.com/</a>
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<And yeah, the Norse dislike the Swedes a great deal.>> TP, have you ever seen the movie, "Kitchen Stories"? Great little film which touches on this very subject.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: Oh, not so fast there, skinnerbox, duckling! I care about Vikings!!! (You would, too, if you'd ever been with one!) ORGOCH: I think ol' skinnerbox is more likely ta care 'bout bein' with a Viqueen, if'n ya asks me!
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Sorry, Witches, but I've had enough with the whole Viking thing. Besides... DreamWorks pretty much has a lock on Vikings with the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. Too bad for Disney.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Rip out the existing ride and rebuild it. The best part is the trolls, so focus on Norwegian mythology and put together a ride themed around that. Nobody cares about polar bears or Vikings or oil rigs. Show us the rich environment and the mythology which grew up out of those magnificent mountains and fjords. This should be right up Imagineering's alley. But I doubt Disney will spring for the needed capital to make it happen.<<<< There are plans in the works that have them do just that.... A VERY Troll heavy Maelstrom is a possibility.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORGOCH: Now, that'd suit me just fine! I LOVES the trolls! There's one in Morva, now, I got my eye on an' I think he's got the hots fer me, too! Cain't git 'nuff of them there trolls!!
Originally Posted By Rsey103 View some back story, history of the attraction, and the Spirit of Norway film in its entirety here: <a href="http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=648" target="_blank">http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=648</a> Norway at Epcot - Ultimate Tribute HD
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<There are plans in the works that have them do just that.... A VERY Troll heavy Maelstrom is a possibility.>> Cool! That would be terrific. It wouldn't be Forbidden Journey, but mythological monsters on a grand scale would be better than what's there now. Hopefully, the trolls won't have the same problem as the Yeti. =8^0
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Cool! That would be terrific. It wouldn't be Forbidden Journey, but mythological monsters on a grand scale would be better than what's there now.<<< I agree. And a focus on a single topic, like what was planned in the 80's, with SeaVenture, would make for a more cogent and cohesive experience. Hoping it happens. It looks nice.
