Today we are hanging out at EPCOT back in the World Showcase just enjoying the afternoon. In the past we have explored each and every pavilion but today I thought we would spend some time in Norway. As with the other pavilions there are quite a few things like eat some interesting local treats. If you stop in the Kringala Bakery they have a lot of fun treats but one classic you have to get is the School Bread.

Or if you are like me you would prefer to take a nice relaxing log flume style ride that showcases the people and elements of Norway’s history.

Oh crap, I forgot they got rid of that ride and replaced it with this Frozen Ever After attraction instead. Well since I’m here I guess I’ll jump aboard and take a trip to Arendelle, if only I had some ear plugs for this voyage. Maybe instead I’ll just think back to what this attraction used to be.

The attraction was originally known as Maelstrom and opened in July 1988. It had guests board Norwegian style longships and passed through various scenes that featured seafarers and maritime villages depicting a mythological version of Norway’s viking days.

At one point you come face to face with a three-headed troll who is angered by your trespassing boat and casts a spell sending your longboat backwards and eventually down a waterfall. But fear not all will turn out well as you arrive safely in the calm harbor of a small village and the narrator announces “Norway’s spirit has always been, and will always be adventure!”

This was a ride I remember going on many times as a child, but will admit that I was not a fan of the boat going backwards. It seems funny now as the attraction foundations is still here but instead of a troll sending us backwards it’s Elsa kicking us out of her Ice Palace. Now that I’m older I do find that it’s not that bad, but my daughters don’t seem to enjoy it so maybe it’s just a younger kid kind of thing.

As much as I do enjoy Frozen there was something about Maelstrom that I really do miss. Unfortunately it’s gone forever except for some old grainy clips you can find online or in my case some old videotape footage my dad took during a vacation. But I was able to come across this beauty from fellow collector and designer Don Cade. The design is a nice recreation of the classic Maelstrom attraction entrance sign, and when I saw it I was immediately taken back to that troll sending me down the waterfall.

It’s amazing how something so small like a pressed penny can connect us to a special member from our past travels. In my case they bring back such wonderful memories of all the trips I’ve taken with my family that I will treasure forever. Thank you Don for all your work on this coin and taking us back in time to revisit another fan favorite attraction. But I guess it’s finally time to Let It Go!

Sorry I couldn’t resist.