Hidden Gem Keeps Maelstrom Nostalgia Alive in ‘Frozen’ Ride

in Walt Disney World

maelstrom frozen

Both Images: Credit Disney

In October 2014, Disney World fans had to say goodbye to Maelstrom, an attraction located within the Norway pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, to make way for Frozen Ever After, which currently resides in the same building.

But, did you know that when Frozen Ever After opened to the public, it also brought along a little piece of Maelstrom with it?

Related: ‘Frozen’ Ride Experiences LONG Wait, Even After Temporary Closure!

maelstrom
Credit: Disney

Maelstrom was an attraction that took Guests through the history of Norway as they passed by vikings, polar bears, and even trolls! It certainly was a fun and unique ride, especially for those Guests who were interested in mythology and fantasy.

There were also adorable little puffins incorporated within the attraction that Guests loved to see. Well, even though Maelstrom closed in 2014, the puffins still live on!

While aboard Frozen Ever After, if you look at the last scene, you will notice some adorable little puffins off to the side. These are the same exact puffins that were used on Maelstrom!

Matthew H. (@imagineer999) took to Twitter to share a photo of the Maelstrom puffins found on Frozen Ever After, writing:

Maelstrom puffins at the finale of Frozen Ever After. #Maelstrom #Frozen #FrozenEverAfter #Epcot #WorldShowcase #DisneyWorld #WDW #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyParks

Related: Historical Details Hidden in Maelstrom

It is so fun when Disney Imagineers bring a bit of the past into the future, and we are loving that Maelstrom lives on in Frozen Ever After. So, the next time you are aboard the boat on Frozen Ever After, be sure to look out for the adorable Maelstrom puffins for a bit of nostalgia!

Frozen Ever After, EPCOT
Credit: ITM

More on Frozen Ever After

Below is the official ride description, courtesy of Disney:

Voyage to Arendelle aboard an ancient Nordic vessel as you take a musical tour of the wintery world of Frozen.

Let it Go, All Over Again

Find a seat aboard your boat and let the lapping waters take you through a frozen willow forest.Soon, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some “boulders”—a.k.a. Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley—before bracing for the cold. High up in the icy blue world of the North Mountain, Queen Elsa’s enchanting ice palace awaits. Behold the wonder… and keep an eye out for Anna, Olaf and a few more Frozen friends. This enchanting “Summer Snow Day” celebration—complete with many of your favorite Frozen tunes—is sure to melt even the coldest hearts!

Know Before You Go

This song-filled journey is a slow-moving boat ride with backward and forward plunges down short waterfalls. You may get wet!
frozen ever after animatronics
Credit: Disney

Is Frozen Ever After one of your favorite rides? Did you know this fun fact about the Maelstrom puffins? Let us know in the comments below.

If you want to visit Disney World on your next family vacation, but aren’t sure where to begin planning, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our friends over at the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at Academy Travel for a free quote.

Comments Off on Hidden Gem Keeps Maelstrom Nostalgia Alive in ‘Frozen’ Ride