Maelstrom's crappy new exit

[JimboJones123]

I can't see how it wouldn't disturb someone's enjoyment of the film to have: 1. people walking between them and the screen, 2. noise from guests who are talking after leaving their boat entering the theater through an open door (without realizing a film is being displayed beyond the open door they are walking toward, why would anyone make any effort to be quiet?), and 3. light entering the theater from the two open doors.

It seems to me it would be a very challenging environment in which to watch a film and I am guessing that even fewer people will make the effort than before if it stays this way. And, as I said, I think that may be the goal Disney is wanting to achieve.

How much focus do you think one NEEDS to watch this film? It isn't church. Or even a decent sitcom.

It's the crappy Norway movie. Geez. It's OKAY to disturb those wanting to get on with their day, but not those wanting to watch a looping blurb of a film.

You people are nuts and cracking me up.

 

[aladdin2007]

How much focus do you think one NEEDS to watch this film? It isn't church. Or even a decent sitcom.

It's the crappy Norway movie. Geez. It's OKAY to disturb those wanting to get on with their day, but not those wanting to watch a looping blurb of a film.

You people are nuts and cracking me up.

hey now its not that bad of a movie, yes its horribly outdated, but its kinda cozy after the viking part. maybe only us Norwegians still appreciate it. :shrug:

 

[wild01ride]

If only they just put a handful of the blonde Norwegian babes in that village...I could stand there and wait all day! :lol:

 

[kingdaniel97]

Just thought I'd chime in on this, since while I can see the argument of how it may be insulting to the Norwegian employees, it should also be noted that this is a very outdated experience. I think that's largely the issue with the World Showcase, it's essentially a real world example of the cliche of Aliens picking up really old broadcasts and taking them as fact.

In the case of America for example(not the pavilion, the nation). Would you consider someone who thinks of people in terms of hippies, commies and "swell" people modern? Would you think they're an accurate representation of America? It's basically the same idea for about 90% of the World Showcase. France today is a very forward country, they've expanded well beyond what is shown in their movie and yet, from a casual observer or average American they would all come off as stuffy and "refined". A view that would make the average visitor to Disney World have a bias against them because if their video was dull, they must be too. This is an issue that is inherent to the concept of the World Showcase, because with the exception of O'Canada and The American Experience, the movies haven't changed in quite a while, leading to false perceptions about the people that live in China, or France.

And even countries that have been updated(looking at Japan specifically) are very narrow in their presentation. Japan isn't a nation of just Anime, candy and fans. They're a very deep culture but to most people, that's not how they're presented.

 

[CThaddeus]

This is the most self important post I have seen in a long time.

Here is the truth. People visit theme parks for rides. Sure Epcot breaks the mold more than any theme park ever in offering rich experiences. That doesn't change the mentality that the attraction ends after you exit the vehicle. It is built into our subconcious. The Norway Boat Ride is NOT the ride that will overcome that mentality. It just isn't. In fact, because of the hackish nature of the postride show -- added to the fact that it is a fairly rude way to treat guests, how could you expect anything more than a few chattering guests as they walk through the theater. They didn't ask for the film to be there.

In fact, b!+c#!ng about how rude these "other" guests are is quite hypocritical.

The post Norway is not sacred ground. People are loud in theme parks. If it upsets you, you are causing yourself a much less than magical experience than necessary. Next time, instead if glaring, take a 20 minute informal poll of the average guest. Maybe sample 20 people as they exit. Find out if the give a crap about the film. Find out if those that do are very bothered by walk byers. I think you will find that getting upset puts you in an extreme minority.

Self-important? Not exactly. Yes, there is what could be called a self-important desire to peacefully enjoy an attraction and not have Joe Loudmouth making brainless comments, talking on his cell phone, texting, taking flash pictures, or meandering through the theater. Those are the true self-important jerks. If you can't be civil and courteous to the people around you, then you really shouldn't be in public. That's a bit extreme, perhaps, but I think you see my point here. I'm only asking for courtesy to EVERYONE. If that's being self-important, then guilty as charged.
Now, how is it hypocritical to be unhappy about rude guests? I'm not being rude in any way, shape, or form. I'm taking my seat, and preparing myself to enjoy the upcoming attraction. I'm being what I wish others would, so that everyone could enjoy it. I will admit to a bit of hypocracy, though. I stated I would be happy if there was a way to skip Maelstrom. I'm ragging on people for skipping the movie, yet I'm willing to do the same just to see the movie. So, you got me on that count...even though you didn't bring it up; I did.
Finally, as for getting upset, isn't that kind of the purpose of these boards? If you're unhappy about something at the Parks you can express it here. True, people aren't expected to agree with you, and I wouldn't expect anyone to. What others think of The Spirit of Norway is their own business, but they and Disney shouldn't be trying to diminish the experience for those of us who do wish to enjoy it. The whole poll thing is ludicrous. Yes, I'm sure many don't care for it. That gives them the right to be, as you put it, "self-important" and rude? Sorry, I don't buy that...not for a dollar, and certainly not for the price of admission to the Park. Then again, I also don't buy the idea that a ride can't be followed up by a movie. If I liked Maelstrom, I would consider the movie a bonus. As it is, I consider the movie almost an apology for the lame ending on the ride, but I personally appreciate an attraction where there's more than one part to the experience, be it a movie at the end or whatever. That's just me, though, being self-important again.

 

[ChrisFL]

Just thought I'd chime in on this, since while I can see the argument of how it may be insulting to the Norwegian employees, it should also be noted that this is a very outdated experience. I think that's largely the issue with the World Showcase, it's essentially a real world example of the cliche of Aliens picking up really old broadcasts and taking them as fact.

In the case of America for example(not the pavilion, the nation). Would you consider someone who thinks of people in terms of hippies, commies and "swell" people modern? Would you think they're an accurate representation of America? It's basically the same idea for about 90% of the World Showcase. France today is a very forward country, they've expanded well beyond what is shown in their movie and yet, from a casual observer or average American they would all come off as stuffy and "refined". A view that would make the average visitor to Disney World have a bias against them because if their video was dull, they must be too. This is an issue that is inherent to the concept of the World Showcase, because with the exception of O'Canada and The American Experience, the movies haven't changed in quite a while, leading to false perceptions about the people that live in China, or France.

And even countries that have been updated(looking at Japan specifically) are very narrow in their presentation. Japan isn't a nation of just Anime, candy and fans. They're a very deep culture but to most people, that's not how they're presented.

China's film was updated in 2003 and is still pretty accurate IMO.

Besides the France and Norway films, there's nothing else that I see as very outdated :shrug:

 

[JimboJones123]

Self-important? Not exactly. Yes, there is what could be called a self-important desire to peacefully enjoy an attraction and not have Joe Loudmouth making brainless comments, talking on his cell phone, texting, taking flash pictures, or meandering through the theater. Those are the true self-important jerks. If you can't be civil and courteous to the people around you, then you really shouldn't be in public. That's a bit extreme, perhaps, but I think you see my point here. I'm only asking for courtesy to EVERYONE. If that's being self-important, then guilty as charged.
Now, how is it hypocritical to be unhappy about rude guests? I'm not being rude in any way, shape, or form. I'm taking my seat, and preparing myself to enjoy the upcoming attraction. I'm being what I wish others would, so that everyone could enjoy it. I will admit to a bit of hypocracy, though. I stated I would be happy if there was a way to skip Maelstrom. I'm ragging on people for skipping the movie, yet I'm willing to do the same just to see the movie. So, you got me on that count...even though you didn't bring it up; I did.
Finally, as for getting upset, isn't that kind of the purpose of these boards? If you're unhappy about something at the Parks you can express it here. True, people aren't expected to agree with you, and I wouldn't expect anyone to. What others think of The Spirit of Norway is their own business, but they and Disney shouldn't be trying to diminish the experience for those of us who do wish to enjoy it. The whole poll thing is ludicrous. Yes, I'm sure many don't care for it. That gives them the right to be, as you put it, "self-important" and rude? Sorry, I don't buy that...not for a dollar, and certainly not for the price of admission to the Park. Then again, I also don't buy the idea that a ride can't be followed up by a movie. If I liked Maelstrom, I would consider the movie a bonus. As it is, I consider the movie almost an apology for the lame ending on the ride, but I personally appreciate an attraction where there's more than one part to the experience, be it a movie at the end or whatever. That's just me, though, being self-important again.

So, should we all be required to spend 30 seconds at each car and walk quietly and respectfully through the showroom after Test Track?

The movie is NOT the attraction. Sorry. It isn't. It isn't billed on the map as far as I remember. It is post ride entertainment equal to the post ride entertainment at SSE, JII, M:S, TT, TSWNaF, but for some reason, this post attraction experience is sacred? Not a chance. It is another bonus, but clearly no longer concidered part of the attraction experience by management.

 

[CThaddeus]

So, should we all be required to spend 30 seconds at each car and walk quietly and respectfully through the showroom after Test Track?

The movie is NOT the attraction. Sorry. It isn't. It isn't billed on the map as far as I remember. It is post ride entertainment equal to the post ride entertainment at SSE, JII, M:S, TT, TSWNaF, but for some reason, this post attraction experience is sacred? Not a chance. It is another bonus, but clearly no longer concidered part of the attraction experience by management.

I think you'd have to admit that the film is far more of an attraction than a showroom car. I'm sorry, but that is a silly analogy. Sacred? No. But should guests be respectful of others? Yes. I don't consider people wandering through a theater during the attraction to be respectful in any way.
As for it being listed on the map, I don't have one from this year, but just looking at one from December 2009 we have, "Maelstrom - Viking boat voyage; 5-minute film finale." And according to the Disney World website: "Maelstrom is a family-friendly adventure...After departing a contemporary village, you'll be water-blasted to the past through a unique aquatic landscape. You never know what's around the next bend—you might even encounter polar bears and pirates!
Once you've dodged the trickster trolls and other obstacles, disembark in the safety of a calm harbor. Then watch a glorious 5-minute film that captures the remarkable beauty of Norway today." While the "today" part is arguable, according to both of these Disney sources, both Maelstrom and The Spirit of Norway are really all just part of the same attraction.
In the end, what matters is that Disney is doing a disservice to its own attraction by letting guests meander noisily through the "finale" (their word). I know you don't think it's a big deal, but I'm sorry, to some of us it is. It seems like further proof that they just don't care as much about their own product as they should. If the movie really doesn't matter to them anymore, then just kill it outright. Don't treat it like the proverbial unwanted stepchild, allowing guests to stomp on through and ignore it. Or let those of us who actually WANT to see it do so in peace...like you would at any other movie theater.

 

[Mansion Butler]

So anyone familiar with Maelstrom at Epcot knows that typically, after the ride, you sometimes have to wait in the little Norweigan village for 5 minutes for the previous movie to let out. Well, that's changed. Now, they leave the doors open on both sides (entrance to theater and exit) at all times. So, you could walk in to the theater right in the middle of the movie. Or, you could luck out and get in before the next show starts. But what sucks is, you've got both doors open, noise from both ends, people walking right through in front of the screen, etc.

I know a lot of people skip this movie, but for those that enjoy it, this is a massive FAIL on Disney's part.

Sounds awesome to me. I've always wanted this. I hate being stuck in that room waiting for the show that just started to end so I can have freedom.

 

[BenS]

Hmm. I'm torn on this. Personally, I always skip the movie. I've only stayed for it once, and didn't really care for it. This just means less waiting for me, which always seemed anti-climactic after a fun ride.

On the other hand, this is really bad show for people who like the film. I can understand people may have different tastes than me, and many people like it. For those people this is completely bad form. Hopefully it's just a temporary solution until they can build a separate exit hallway.

If this is still happening next time I go, I'll try go through the back row if no one's sitting back there, to avoid getting in anyone's way.

 

[rkelly42]

I also have seen the movie many times, but lately have been skipping through it as well for it really needs to be changed. On that note, it is really ashame that people can walk right through the movie while others are trying to view it, there must be a better way around this out of respect to those who wish to watch it.

 

[BenS]

I also have seen the movie many times, but lately have been skipping through it as well for it really needs to be changed. On that note, it is really ashame that people can walk right through the movie while others are trying to view it, there must be a better way around this out of respect to those who wish to watch it.

I don't see how they could implement a better solution without doing construction to build a new hallway. (which may or may not even be feasible given the building's layout, I don't know)

Here's hoping for a major refurb to end of the ride, including a new film (the current one looks a bit dated, very 80's) and a solution to this problem. Sadly, I wouldn't be shocked if the "solution" was to simply remove the film.

 

[rkelly42]

I would be all for either making a new film or keeping things the way they were, or even both, but to have people walking across the front of the screen as others are trying to enjoy it, maybe for the first time, is just poor taste.

 

[captainkidd]

I would be all for either making a new film or keeping things the way they were, or even both, but to have people walking across the front of the screen as others are trying to enjoy it, maybe for the first time, is just poor taste.

Exactly.

I don't care who likes or dislikes the film. It is absolutely no different than if they were doing this during any other film or attraction at Disney.

 

[Epcotian]

I guess I'm just surprised that people who are so adamant against waiting the 5 minutes between the boat ride and the opening of the doors are even there in the first place. The boat ride is extremely short and one of the more underwhelming rides at WDW IMO. The new treatment of the film just adds to the overall impression the attraction sends that it was done on a shoestring and is basically a mgmt afterthought today.

Whenever I ride it, it always serves to remind me that Disney either gutted or decided against building some of their grander plans for World Showcase.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Would a solution be as simple as walling off the back row or 2 of the theater to create a continually open passage?

 

[WorldKey]

I for one love this film even after having seen it at least 20 times and I will be very disappointed if noisy people are walking through the theater while it is playing. All of us who disagree with this new procedure should voice our complaints -now I just have to figure out who to voice our complaints too. :shrug:

 

[WorldKey]

Would a solution be as simple as walling off the back row or 2 of the theater to create a continually open passage?

Very good idea - hope they do something like that!

 

[imagineer boy]

I think probably the most annoying thing is that when you get in line for it, you can hear the big booms and sounds from the movie coming from the open doors of the theater. I can only imagine how much that annoys the CMs.

 

[Timekeeper]

Theater = most uncomfortable seats ever made.