by Sean | Oct 2, 2014 | History
We continue our tribute to Maelstrom this week as it sets sail this weekend. Let’s go back to when the ride was first being imagineered, what was this attraction going to be called?
You are not the first to pass this way, nor shall you be the last. Those who seek the spirit of Norway face peril and adventure. But more often find beauty and charm. We have always lived with the sea, so look first to the spirit of the seafarer.
Disney and the Imagineers were looking to bring the first thrill ride to EPCOT. As guests passed through the 1000 foot long flume ride they would encounter many mythical creatures including gnomes and trolls. The adventure would take you in search of the Rainbow Bridge to Valhalla. Valhalla is a mythical, majestic, and enormous hall located in Asgard. Our favorite Sherman Brothers were even engaged to develop the song for the attraction. How fun would that have been?
As the ride progressed the Norway sponsors asked that the attraction be updated to contain more information on what Norway had to offer to promote tourism rather than mythological creatures/adventures. So the story line was changed to take guest through the history of Norway beginning with Norwegian Folklore and ending with modern day Norway (an oil rig?).
Maelstrom set sail on July 1988 and will cast off for the last time on Oct 5, 2014. Now to answer the question – Maelstrom was originally going to be called SeaVenture this was change even before construction started. How many of you remember the smoke affects on the original attraction, these were in a couple spots: the troll scene and in the area where the boat is reversed. These smoke machines were the largest on property at the time and really gave you that mythical feeling.
If you like history photos – click here for some from the Disney Parks Blog showing the construction of Maelstrom.
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by Sean | Sep 30, 2014 | Wordless Wednesday
Theme: October Calendar
by Sean | Sep 30, 2014 | Tips and Tricks
We continue our tribute to Maelstrom this week as it sets sail this weekend. As you make your way through this attraction your boat encounters a few trolls along the way. One of these trolls is pretty upset and makes your boat disappear, back, back, over the falls. How many heads does this troll have?
You are not the first to pass this way,
Nor shall you be the last.
Those who seek the Spirit of Norway face peril and adventure,
But more often find beauty and charm.
The answer is 3 – pictured below.
by Sean | Sep 29, 2014 | Hidden Mickey
Our Hidden Mickey this week is a tribute to an attraction that is closing this week to make way for a Frozen attraction. Maelstrom! You can read more about it here, but Maelstrom will sail it’s last voyage this Sunday, Oct 5th, 2014. Yes it’s hard to say good bye, but we look forward to seeing how they incorporate Frozen into Norway.
As you stand in line for this attraction there isn’t a lot to hold your attention besides the huge mural on the wall. And, what better thing to do with a mural at Disney than try to find where some Imagineers might have placed some Hidden Mickey’s. Here are a few that we have found. Please share any you have found in the comments below.
Hmm here are some hints on where to look….
Let’s start from left to right – the one on the far left is our favorite. Of a viking in a viking ship wearing a set of Mickey Ears – see that one here.
The next one is in the middle – here you find a fishing boat that has some uniquely placed fishing net floats (in reddish color)
Our final Hidden Mickey takes us to the one marked on the right had side of the mural and always the most difficult for me to point out to others. This Mickey is setting on it’s side with ears pointed to the left, look just to the left of metal clip on her clip board.
Hi Mickey!! We love Hidden Mickey‘s, let us know where you have found him on Maelstrom before we have to say good bye to this attraction. If you would like one last ride – here you go….
by Sean | Sep 25, 2014 | Favorite Food Friday
Our Favorite Food This Week: Kid’s Turkey Sandwich
Location: Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Disneyland
Price: $6.49
Welcome to this week’s Favorite Food Friday where we share our favorite foods with our friends. This week we head to the west coast and enjoy a sandwich from the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe just at the end of Main St USA Disneyland. If you are in the parks looking for a quick bite, we have found the kid’s meal offer up a very economical filling meal. On this trip we ordered the Turkey Sandwich, the sandwich consists of bread, turkey, lettuce, and tomato, mayo and mustard is available to add after your purchase. The price includes carrots and apple slices along with a small drink. Overall a great value for the parks and enough to keep you full until your next meal or ice cream sundae.
What is your favorite kids meal?
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