Maelstrom.....Be Honest....

[the-reason14]

Yea, I walk on by. Never seen the movie, never plan on it, never feel guilty about leaving either.

 

[EpcotServo]

Seen it many a time, so it's mostly just skipped because there are things to be done elsewhere.

 

[hawkwood]

I actually enjoy the movie; it's one of the more enjoyable movies for me. However, it's been the same for ages, so I rarely stick around for it.

Also, I remember the volume always being WAY too loud; tends to frighten young children. I don't know if that's still the case, though. I haven't stuck around for the movie the last few times I was there.

 

[Foolish Mortal]

Always watch the movie. Sometimes 3, 4 times a trip. I don't think I have ever NOT watched.

 

[devoy1701]

The Norway film is probably the worst country film in the World Showcase. We usually watch all of the films throughout the Showcase...but after watching the film in January we decided that it had almost nothing to do with the country and will never watch again...showed a viking ship, showed one street in one village and some parade...2 mins later we're back to the ship and haven't learned anything new....

 

[TooCoolForTheJC]

When I went with my parents back in 2001, my mom felt incredibly guilty skipping the movie. We watched it the first time, but after that we always skipped it. I've been back a couple times since then with my girlfriend, and it's like she had blinders on. We head straight out the theatre and never look back.

To be honest I can't even remember the film and I do always feel a bit guilty walking past any CM's, but I try and make it up to them by riding their ride multiple times.:animwink:

 

[JiminyandTink]

I don't watch it anymore but have no problem watching again with first-timers

 

[ssymes]

WHAT!? People skip this film? It's only the best 10 minutes of action since the lightbike sequence in Tron. You guys are missing out on a spectacle of vikings fighting trolls, vikings fighting zombies, AND vikings fighting aliens. This history of Norway is fascinating. :lookaroun

:ROFLOL:


Ahem...If that were the film, I would stay and watch it everytime :wave: Come to think of it whats not to like about Vikings fighting....heck everyone. They could use the guys for the "What's in your wallet?" commercials.

 

[ssymes]

I never watch either. I don't think I've ever seen it actually. It just seems so boring in comparison to other things I could be doing at Epcot.



I always avoid eye contact with the CMs standing there. I feel like I'm insulting them somehow even though most of them probably don't care.

Actually, most of the CMs probably want to rush out with everyone too :animwink:

 

[gardener14]

I watch the movie every time, although the frequency with which I experience Maelstrom is much less than some others here. I get to ride Maelstrom once or twice during my vacation to WDW once every two or three years. I enjoy the movie, and it's something I look forward to on each visit.

I agree that the film is dated, but I like the dramatic opening with the boy imagining the vikings as he looks at the museum exhibits, and I remember seeing it during my trip the year that Norway opened at Epcot. The fact that the film hasn't changed and the mural in the ride's queue is still there is somewhat nostalgic to me.

 

[Disney05]

I've never watched it. I feel a little guilty not even giving it a try.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I saw it once. I have no desire to watch it again, unless I was really in need of a short nap.

I zip right on through there, keeping my head down, so as to avoid eye contact with the CM's.

 

[Pens24]

i've watched it a couple times but i skip it now

 

[Retrorides]

I saw it the first time in 1994 and got caught in it accidentally the next year once when everyone in the row I picked decided to sit down and watch it so I couldn't get through it in time before they closed the doors. I remember being mad about that. Once is definitely enough unless they update it.

 

[kcnole]

I'm pretty sure most of the Norway CM's would rather you skip the film too. If it were even close to being what Norway is like today then they might be hurt, but since that film is about 20 years old, I think they're ok with it.

 

[DizneePhan14]

My family and I started to watch the movie and in the first minute we got up and opened the doors and left. The ride is great, but the movie not so much.

 

[David S.]

I watch the movie because I really enjoy the WS films and this one is no exception.

The only times I can remember skipping it is when it is closed for the day, such as shortly before Illuminations.

Also, if the line for Maelstrom is empty or if I have an extra Fastpass, I may decide to ride the boat ride 2 or 3 times in a row but just do the film once. So in those cases I have found myself sometimes walking through the theatre, but not in order to skip the film COMPLETELY, just that watching it once per day is usually satisfying enough. Once , however, I remember a nearly full show with some loud, obnoxious people sitting near me who distracted from the experience, so I stayed in the theatre for a second straight viewing!

In addition to the excellent cinematography and music of the film itself, (as pointed out by Marni) I also really enjoy the load/exit music.

Speaking of Norway and music, I really miss Spellmann's Gledje!

 

[FigmentJedi]

Skipped it on my first trip, though I've watched it the last two times. Might skip next time.
Also, barely on topic and only relevant to older members, but wasn't MaElStRoM RoCkS the best troll we ever got on these boards?

 

[kingslyZISSOU]

Is it strange that I like the mural in the boarding area, and the simulated norway village at the end more than the actual ride?

I love sitting on that bench with the ambiance sounds playing through the speaker behind you. I really just love sitting in there, and Mexico; just relaxing.

 

[WDITrent]

I never stay and watch. It's a terribly done film. My Norweigan family doesn't care for it at all.