New Movie for Norway?

[Spike-in-Berlin]

True there are 2 pads there on the left of Germany, and then another between Germany and Italy, and so on.

There were already several discussions about that topic, including analyzing maps. If I remember correctly there are at least 8 pads that could be used immediately for new pavilions.
At least 3 additional to the 2 completed ones (Morocco and Norway) were already announced and I definitely remember seeing the signs at the locations in 1984, Israel, Equatorial Africa and Spain.
It's quite funny that it was the last addition that brought the best though minor attraction to WS with Maelstrom.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Dropping the Rhine River Cruise is World Showcase's biggest tragedy. That pavilion was tailor-made for it. Now we have to stare up at that big empty ride building.

I believe a German ride could still work out, however not as a tame ride like Gran Fiesta or the planned River Rhine Cruise but more like maelstrom or even a downsized German Splash Mountain. Mountains and fairy tales/legends have a high value in German culture and folklore. Why not combine them in an adventurous and wild river ride? It could include several minor and one bigger plunge (although not as big as Splash Mountain) First it takes you down a minor plunge into a German mystic wood where you see AAs in scenes from German fairy tales (Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel etc.) and the struggle of Siegfried and the dragon, this could be a first highlight with an AA firebreathing dragon. Then through and up a mountain (Blocksberg), watching the dwarves working in their mines, pass a sleeping Emperor Barbarossa and out again, onto the summit of the mountain and pass by a witch sabbath on Walpurgisnacht and see valkyries in the sky to the valkyries ride of Wagner (just like you hear Griegs Peer Gynt in Maelstrom). Then follows a big plunge down the mountain into the Rhine. You pass several castles standing high above on the surrounding mountains (and seem to see even some ghosts in the castles?) and see Siegfried on his Rheinfahrt again with the famous music from Wagners opera and pass the Lorelei. At the end it goes again down a plunge (Rheinfälle). Finally the ride becomes more tame and you pass through a collage of modern Germany, including famous German buildings like Cologne Cathedral, the Alps with Neuschwanstein Castle, you see an ICE-train passing on high speed (more than 200 miles per hour) and finally you are on the Spree River and passing the Reichstag in Berlin before the ride comes to an end.
Just my idea.

 

[WorldKey]

It certainly is outdated, but would an update make any difference? People will maybe watch it once, at least those who knew it was updated, then they will be onto skipping over it again. The real problem is the movie was intended to be the pre-show and not the post-show - putting guests into a movie after a ride just doesn't work.

Maybe putting it as a preshow might have been better but then that would force people to watch it, where as now if they want they can pass through without choosing to watch it.

(for the 10th time in these forums) I and many others love this movie and will watch it every time. I welcome an updated version that I will likely also watch repeatedly - I love Norway.

People need to understand that their dislike of a certain thing does not mean others don't love it. undoubtedly something that some one else doesn't care for may be something you love! (not directly solely at you Steve).

 

[MansionGoer13z]

I believe a German ride could still work out, however not as a tame ride like Gran Fiesta or the planned River Rhine Cruise but more like maelstrom or even a downsized German Splash Mountain. Mountains and fairy tales/legends have a high value in German culture and folklore. Why not combine them in an adventurous and wild river ride? It could include several minor and one bigger plunge (although not as big as Splash Mountain) First it takes you down a minor plunge into a German mystic wood where you see AAs in scenes from German fairy tales (Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel etc.) and the struggle of Siegfried and the dragon, this could be a first highlight with an AA firebreathing dragon. Then through and up a mountain (Blocksberg), watching the dwarves working in their mines, pass a sleeping Emperor Barbarossa and out again, onto the summit of the mountain and pass by a witch sabbath on Walpurgisnacht and see valkyries in the sky to the valkyries ride of Wagner (just like you hear Griegs Peer Gynt in Maelstrom). Then follows a big plunge down the mountain into the Rhine. You pass several castles standing high above on the surrounding mountains (and seem to see even some ghosts in the castles?) and see Siegfried on his Rheinfahrt again with the famous music from Wagners opera and pass the Lorelei. At the end it goes again down a plunge (Rheinfälle). Finally the ride becomes more tame and you pass through a collage of modern Germany, including famous German buildings like Cologne Cathedral, the Alps with Neuschwanstein Castle, you see an ICE-train passing on high speed (more than 200 miles per hour) and finally you are on the Spree River and passing the Reichstag in Berlin before the ride comes to an end.
Just my idea.

And what a GREAT idea IMO.

 

[Prototype82]

I believe a German ride could still work out, however not as a tame ride like Gran Fiesta or the planned River Rhine Cruise but more like maelstrom or even a downsized German Splash Mountain. Mountains and fairy tales/legends have a high value in German culture and folklore. Why not combine them in an adventurous and wild river ride? It could include several minor and one bigger plunge (although not as big as Splash Mountain) First it takes you down a minor plunge into a German mystic wood where you see AAs in scenes from German fairy tales (Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel etc.) and the struggle of Siegfried and the dragon, this could be a first highlight with an AA firebreathing dragon. Then through and up a mountain (Blocksberg), watching the dwarves working in their mines, pass a sleeping Emperor Barbarossa and out again, onto the summit of the mountain and pass by a witch sabbath on Walpurgisnacht and see valkyries in the sky to the valkyries ride of Wagner (just like you hear Griegs Peer Gynt in Maelstrom). Then follows a big plunge down the mountain into the Rhine. You pass several castles standing high above on the surrounding mountains (and seem to see even some ghosts in the castles?) and see Siegfried on his Rheinfahrt again with the famous music from Wagners opera and pass the Lorelei. At the end it goes again down a plunge (Rheinfälle). Finally the ride becomes more tame and you pass through a collage of modern Germany, including famous German buildings like Cologne Cathedral, the Alps with Neuschwanstein Castle, you see an ICE-train passing on high speed (more than 200 miles per hour) and finally you are on the Spree River and passing the Reichstag in Berlin before the ride comes to an end.
Just my idea.

Hell yes. I'd be happy with that. I want to see the Cologne Cathedral in it more than anything.

 

[Figments Friend]

As an EPCOT Center fan, I'd expect you to like the "old school" vibe, but EPCOT Center was about showcasing the nations of today. I think that's why the neglect to update it bothers me so much. Also, I like your idea there.

Thanks Prototype82...and i know what you mean regarding what EPCOTs' mission should be. Yeah, it can sometimes be a fine line to tread being a RetroCot fan, and also being aware of what the Park is supposed to represent. It is indeed important to keep the Park contemporary and beyond. The film definately needs a updating.

You would think keeping all the different films in EPCOT up to date, or at the very least looking good ( not faded, worn, dust ridden..etc) would be one of the easier tasks to budget when compared to updating a ride or entire Pavillion. Sometimes i wonder why such films are left to just ...well...sit there with little attention. Perhaps it is just because too many Guests ignore them, or pass by the film-related attractions since it is not a 'ride'? Maybe because of the low attendence numbers, Disney feels there is not much point in keeping the flicks clean or updated?

A friend of mine recently suggested the next time we are in town we should do a 'film tour' of EPCOT. Take a couple of hours and just go around and see all the various film-focused attractions. I have to admit, it has been a couple of years since i did this...last being when the new Canada film debuted.

The Norway film i did see yet again last year....and still marveled that it was still there!

 

[ScorpionX]

Did I see some number in there that 20 million is what they are pricing a new film out to be?

Disney / Norway should just have some sort of contest with independant filmmakers in Norway. Give them specific requirements like:

• type of film (digital)
• Length requirements
• subject matter (attract tourism in Norway in a wholesome, clean manner)
• things to be omitted for legal reasons (product placement, etc)

and let other people do the work. Word the contract so that it that if no acceptable entries are received, they do not "have" to choose a winner. Make the contract give Disney rights to the film for a specific set of time 5-7 years, and then run the contest again.

I would have to think that some filmmakers would like to give it a go, have their work be seen by massive numbers of people, and try and give their country some exposure.

That's a great idea, sshindel!

 

[CaptainWinter]

Updating that film should be on their priorities list. Epcot shouldn't have to be in a sad state like that, regardless of lack of sponsorship.

With respect, I disagree. If they made a new Norway film before attending to other much more pressing problems (like whole chunks of Future World, not to mention issues in other parks) I would consider their priorities badly misplaced.

At least Norway has a fine attraction as it is. Look at Germany (see above) and, worse, Japan, which has an *enormous* empty show building sitting there advertising its never-fulfilled promise. (Well, not empty maybe, but stuffed with offstage props, I believe -- just as bad.)

As others have said, having a post-show movie is just not a good idea. I personally think the current film is no-harm-no-foul, because if nothing else it reminds me of my own childhood visits to the park. But if it's really that bothersome to guests, I wouldn't mind its being replaced by a nicely themed out-queue.

 

[CaptainWinter]

I believe a German ride could still work out, however not as a tame ride like Gran Fiesta or the planned River Rhine Cruise but more like maelstrom or even a downsized German Splash Mountain. Mountains and fairy tales/legends have a high value in German culture and folklore. Why not combine them in an adventurous and wild river ride? It could include several minor and one bigger plunge (although not as big as Splash Mountain) First it takes you down a minor plunge into a German mystic wood where you see AAs in scenes from German fairy tales (Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel etc.) and the struggle of Siegfried and the dragon, this could be a first highlight with an AA firebreathing dragon. Then through and up a mountain (Blocksberg), watching the dwarves working in their mines, pass a sleeping Emperor Barbarossa and out again, onto the summit of the mountain and pass by a witch sabbath on Walpurgisnacht and see valkyries in the sky to the valkyries ride of Wagner (just like you hear Griegs Peer Gynt in Maelstrom). Then follows a big plunge down the mountain into the Rhine. You pass several castles standing high above on the surrounding mountains (and seem to see even some ghosts in the castles?) and see Siegfried on his Rheinfahrt again with the famous music from Wagners opera and pass the Lorelei. At the end it goes again down a plunge (Rheinfälle). Finally the ride becomes more tame and you pass through a collage of modern Germany, including famous German buildings like Cologne Cathedral, the Alps with Neuschwanstein Castle, you see an ICE-train passing on high speed (more than 200 miles per hour) and finally you are on the Spree River and passing the Reichstag in Berlin before the ride comes to an end.
Just my idea.

Sounds fun, but isn't there a prohibition on thrill rides in WS, since people drink so much there? I remember hearing that somewhere.

 

[AEfx]

People need to understand that their dislike of a certain thing does not mean others don't love it. undoubtedly something that some one else doesn't care for may be something you love! (not directly solely at you Steve).

Of course that's true...BUT...I've only met a small handful of people who have similar sentiments. The vast majority of people on the Internet Disney forums, and since Disney lets people just walk out now, it seems most guests, just don't agree.

As Steve has pointed out, part of the problem is it's backwards - going on a fun ride, then sitting and watching a video, isn't usually the first thing on people's minds.

I think all of the "filmed attractions" are kinda "meh" to be honest. In a day where we didn't have 500 channels on TV it may have been more interesting, but one can see quality, HD travel specials with current footage from the comfort of their own home these days. It's not very exotic anymore.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Thanks Prototype82...and i know what you mean regarding what EPCOTs' mission should be. Yeah, it can sometimes be a fine line to tread being a RetroCot fan, and also being aware of what the Park is supposed to represent. It is indeed important to keep the Park contemporary and beyond. The film definately needs a updating.

You would think keeping all the different films in EPCOT up to date, or at the very least looking good ( not faded, worn, dust ridden..etc) would be one of the easier tasks to budget when compared to updating a ride or entire Pavillion. Sometimes i wonder why such films are left to just ...well...sit there with little attention. Perhaps it is just because too many Guests ignore them, or pass by the film-related attractions since it is not a 'ride'? Maybe because of the low attendence numbers, Disney feels there is not much point in keeping the flicks clean or updated?

A friend of mine recently suggested the next time we are in town we should do a 'film tour' of EPCOT. Take a couple of hours and just go around and see all the various film-focused attractions. I have to admit, it has been a couple of years since i did this...last being when the new Canada film debuted.

The Norway film i did see yet again last year....and still marveled that it was still there!

"I think all of the "filmed attractions" are kinda "meh" to be honest. In a day where we didn't have 500 channels on TV it may have been more interesting, but one can see quality, HD travel specials with current footage from the comfort of their own home these days. It's not very exotic anymore."


Yes. I have to be honest, simple films, without any effects, a ride connected or something special (e.g. Circlevision in China and Canada) are no real attractions in my opinion unless the movie is really exceptional.
Does anyone remember "Planet Ocean", a oceanographic museum in Miami, located on the opposite side of Miami Seaquarium?
They had several small attractions and one of them was a movie called "The Greatest Storm on Earth" about hurricanes, narrated by Orson Welles.
THAT movie was exceptional and although it was a conventional movie without any effects I would consider it an attraction and would have always wanted to see it again. I was very sad when I found out that Planet Ocean closed years ago.
But the movies shown in Norway and France are neither exceptional nor something you can watch repeatedly.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Sounds fun, but isn't there a prohibition on thrill rides in WS, since people drink so much there? I remember hearing that somewhere.

I didn't hear about that, but it would explain why they didn't build the Switzerland pavilion (with the WDW-Matterhorn) and neither the Mt. Fuji rollercoaster (I know about the problems with Kodak) nor the Bullet Train Ridein Japan.
But I don't think a ride like the one I presented would be considered a thrill ride. The plunges would be more like Maelstrom and PotC and far less than Splash Mountain.

 

[JEANYLASER]

update this movie in Norway!

 

[SirNim]

Just a comment, an outdated country-promo film reflects far more poorly on TDO than on the host nation. The general public does not view WS as a AAA Travel Show, they view it as an entertainment offering from the world's largest entertainment company.

 

[Condorman]

I don't understand. Update the Norway movie to what? Has their flag changed in 30 years? Has their history with the Vikings been altered? Has their involvement with oil rigs, skiing and fishing fallen by the wayside, and now they're masters of the circus and the donut?

Update it to what? It depicts Norway as it was and as it is. I've been there multiple times. It's a beautiful country, and the film is a delightful snapshot of the land most of the people posting on this thread have never actually seen. The grain of the film may be getting up there, but the content of what is shown has not changed.

Oh, and anyone who barrels through that theater after the Maelstrom without so much as sitting and watching even a bit of that film is a loser. They are no fan of Disney, Epcot, WDW, Norway or simply stopping to smell the roses in life. On second thought, keep on walking. I don't want you sitting next to me. :wave:

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

I don't understand. Update the Norway movie to what? Has their flag changed in 30 years? Has their history with the Vikings been altered? Has their involvement with oil rigs, skiing and fishing fallen by the wayside, and now they're masters of the circus and the donut?

Update it to what? It depicts Norway as it was and as it is. I've been there multiple times. It's a beautiful country, and the film is a delightful snapshot of the land most of the people posting on this thread have never actually seen. The grain of the film may be getting up there, but the content of what is shown has not changed.

Oh, and anyone who barrels through that theater after the Maelstrom without so much as sitting and watching even a bit of that film is a loser. They are no fan of Disney, Epcot, WDW, Norway or simply stopping to smell the roses in life. On second thought, keep on walking. I don't want you sitting next to me. :wave:

They are concerned about the different hairstyles, fashion and music. That pretty much sums the "outdated look" up as the mountains and fjords haven't changed that much in the last 20 years and will not in the next 10.000 years or so.
Wow, imagine WDW in 10.000 years! MK with 2000 attractions and 500 new parks in the resort that spans from Orlando to Tampa. 10 billion people visit WDW every year. Luckily the Norway movie was updated every 500 years.

 

[raven]

I think ideally that the space would function better as a seperate "attraction". Especially if the ride exit could be rerouted so there isn't a constant routing of guests through the area.

There is a small hallway directly behind the ride control area when unboard that is already in place for that but it's strictly for CM use only.

 

[Prototype82]

I don't understand. Update the Norway movie to what? Has their flag changed in 30 years? Has their history with the Vikings been altered? Has their involvement with oil rigs, skiing and fishing fallen by the wayside, and now they're masters of the circus and the donut?

Update it to what? It depicts Norway as it was and as it is. I've been there multiple times. It's a beautiful country, and the film is a delightful snapshot of the land most of the people posting on this thread have never actually seen. The grain of the film may be getting up there, but the content of what is shown has not changed.

Oh, and anyone who barrels through that theater after the Maelstrom without so much as sitting and watching even a bit of that film is a loser. They are no fan of Disney, Epcot, WDW, Norway or simply stopping to smell the roses in life. On second thought, keep on walking. I don't want you sitting next to me. :wave:

It shows a Norway with shoulder pad-clad women and commodore 64s...I like what you said about people barreling through the theater. It's their loss.

 

[Prototype82]

With respect, I disagree. If they made a new Norway film before attending to other much more pressing problems (like whole chunks of Future World, not to mention issues in other parks) I would consider their priorities badly misplaced.

At least Norway has a fine attraction as it is. Look at Germany (see above) and, worse, Japan, which has an *enormous* empty show building sitting there advertising its never-fulfilled promise. (Well, not empty maybe, but stuffed with offstage props, I believe -- just as bad.)

As others have said, having a post-show movie is just not a good idea. I personally think the current film is no-harm-no-foul, because if nothing else it reminds me of my own childhood visits to the park. But if it's really that bothersome to guests, I wouldn't mind its being replaced by a nicely themed out-queue.

Believe me, the lack of Germany's Rhine River Cruise and a Japanese attraction drive me nuts. Something needs to happen in those buildings. As for Future World, a relevant yet state-of-the-art attraction needs to come to fruition as well. Something new ought to occupy some of the vacant space there and put the "future" back into "Future World".

What really bothers me is riding an attraction like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and being bombarded by effects that Disney is just dabbling in. I give them credit for developing Mission: Space's ride system. Disney should be capable of conjuring up something innovative yet relevant to what Future World is about. As for Norway's post show, maybe an interactive exhibit would be fitting. It'd be interesting and enlightening and if guests don't want to take the time and enjoy it, they could just leave to the next pavilion to do tequila shots.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Believe me, the lack of Germany's Rhine River Cruise and a Japanese attraction drive me nuts. Something needs to happen in those buildings.

That's the problem, it drives US nuts but not the guys and gals at TDO that make the decisions. They really don't seem to care at all about the apparent lack of attractions in WS.
To me as a German it is particularly disappointing that, although it seems to be very popular among the Americans our pavilion has no attraction to offer just shops and the Biergarten (and some very pretty German female CMs*g*). Even the miniature railroad which is the only mini-wannabe-attraction is sub-par in detailing and landscaping if you take German standards of public model railroads which you find in nearly every German region and many major cities and which fill entire warehouses.
Of course Rhine River Cruise would only have been another Gran Fiesta Tour after all I heard of (does anyone know more?) but still far better than nothing.