Maelstrom changes?

[TubaGeek]

My family, my girlfriend's family, and I all agree that the boat on the Maelstrom used to go further out over the waterfall when it peeks outside, but a part of me also thinks that we may all have just imagined it.
What's the story? I would assume that it's on a fixed track, so there shouldn't be any changes. If there were changes, why?

And a theory: does it look like it could be poking out less/more depending on how much water is gushing over the waterfall at any given time? Why would that amount ever change?

Thanks, everyone!

 

[perry23]

I was there at christmas :xmas: and i didn´t notice that the ride has changed since last summer.

 

[Monty]

Unless they shortened the boats, I don't see how it would be possible. The switch that moves the boat across only barely clears as it moves, the boat has to go the same distance out or it couldn't change direction.

 

[wild01ride]

Ah, this reminds me of the tall-tale my grandpa used to tell me: "Sometimes the boats come all the way out and over the falls!" :drevil:

...I've since "shared" the same story with our 6yr old! LOL!

As the poster above said, there is no variation in the amount that the boat comes out, and yes, it is exactly the dimension such that it clears the switch.

It is funny, though, to talk about "how things used to be" - probably how a lot of urban legends, "wives' tales", etc. start!

 

[dreamfinder]

Agreeing with the OP, it could have sworn the boats used to look like they came further outside. When viewed from outside that is. Maybe they just added some rockwork to the outside so you don't see as much boat? I just recall seeing more of the boat from the outside years ago.

 

[Vernonpush]

Agreeing with the OP, it could have sworn the boats used to look like they came further outside. When viewed from outside that is. Maybe they just added some rockwork to the outside so you don't see as much boat? I just recall seeing more of the boat from the outside years ago.

I agree with you. It used to look (from outside) like the end of the boat stuck out a good 2-3 feet from the opening.

 

[Jerm]

Martin.....what was the link to the last time we talked about changes to Maelstrom?

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I coulda sworn it used to do this too....:wave: I just thought my perception changed.

 

[bgraham34]

I always thought the same thing but I think because I was a kid at the time it did seem to go out further.

 

[Fade_to_Blah]

Yep, my memories of seeing Maelstrom as a child...it seems the boats came out considerably further

 

[Jerm]

It did come out more, it changed a few years ago. The tail end of the boat stuck out much more then now but I think it was something with the turntable change that caused it to stop?!?!?

 

[TubaGeek]

It did come out more, it changed a few years ago. The tail end of the boat stuck out much more then now but I think it was something with the turntable change that caused it to stop?!?!?

Seriously? I'm glad I'm not just crazy!
How do you know this?

 

[DarthGrady]

Ah, this reminds me of the tall-tale my grandpa used to tell me: "Sometimes the boats come all the way out and over the falls!" :drevil:

...I've since "shared" the same story with our 6yr old! LOL!

As the poster above said, there is no variation in the amount that the boat comes out, and yes, it is exactly the dimension such that it clears the switch.

It is funny, though, to talk about "how things used to be" - probably how a lot of urban legends, "wives' tales", etc. start!

Yep, happened to us once. The damn thing slid right out of the opening and down into the middle of Norway. We got free Fast Passes for the rest of the day, so it was OK. :lol:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Yep, happened to us once. The damn thing slid right out of the opening and down into the middle of Norway. We got free Fast Passes for the rest of the day, so it was OK. :lol:

Ummm....:lookaroun What?:lol:

 

[ChrisFL]

I also recall thinking they used to go out much further, but maybe too many people panicked

 

[mickey2008.1]

exactly! what do you mean it slid out and down into the middle of norway?:shrug:

 

[Jerm]

I am pretty sure he was kidding about it coming all the way out. As far as it used to come out more, I have some pics some place. Also if you do a search around you will find a long thread about changes to Maelstrom since it has changed.

 

[Mickey87]

I blame the trolls.

 

[mickey2008.1]

cheesy ride, but still fun:ROFLOL:

 

[DisneyMusician2]

exactly! what do you mean it slid out and down into the middle of norway?:shrug:

Just a joke....

I always thought it was a child's perception that the boats came out farther, but if everyone else seems to remember it, than perhaps it is actually true. I thought the same thing on my last trip down to the world.