Gateway to Scandinavia

Throughout this "Disney Under Construction" series, we've followed the building of some of the icons of Walt Disney World (primarily the mountains, since those happen to be the pictures I have). Well, I thought we were done, when I happened upon this little gem. It's a scan of a picture I took on a family trip back in the summer of 1987.

The steel structure may not be the most easily recognizable, but take a look at the construction fence, promising:

"Set sail on a thrilling voyage through time and experience the myths, majesty and modern wonders of Norway - Gateway to Scandinavia - Opening Summer 1988"

Norway was the 2nd (and as it turns out, last) major addition to the World Showcase at Epcot. During the early years of the park, billboards around the promenade touted such future pavilions as Israel, Spain and Equatorial Africa. Each of these failed to materialize for one reason or another, often a sponsorship issue since all the World Showcase pavilions are presented in whole or in part by an entity from the host country.

Over the years, though, World Showcase has managed to feature more than just the eleven nations represented by the major pavilions. During the Millennium Celebration in 2000, Millennium Village (now World Showplace) played host to a couple dozen smaller exhibits from countries as diverse as Sweden, Brazil, Scotland and Eritrea.

Each year during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, even more countries come to the park by way of kiosks placed around the promenade. Guests have the opportunity to sample cuisine from the host nations, as well as Australia, Greece, Thailand, Poland and more. The Food & Wine Festival each fall is one of my favorite times to visit Epcot, not just for the food, but for the truly international experience it offers.

You Are Not the First to Pass This Way

The spirit of Norway lives in this World Showcase pavilion, added to Epcot in 1988. Norway presents a charming, Scandinavian coastal village, at the forefront of which is an attraction often photographed but rarely visited - the Stave Church Gallery.

Once found throughout Norway, fewer than thirty Stave Churches remain to this day. The replica church here at Epcot houses a small exhibit space, currently showing "Vikings: Conquerors of the Seas."

Across the way is the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, home to daily princess dining experiences. The restaurant structure was directly inspired by Akershus Castle in Oslo. Built in the 1300s, Akershus Castle at various times served as a fortress. In times of battle, the windows of the castle would be bricked over, protecting those within its walls. Large stores of food would be held inside, such that one could easily outlast an enemy. As a result, Akershus Castle has never been taken by siege (unless you count the morning onslaught of little girls in fancy dresses). Take a close look at the outer walls of Akershus at Epcot, and you'll notice some of the windows are still covered in brick.

Toward the back of the village square is the pavilion's signature attraction, Maelstrom. Maelstrom gets its name from a strong tidal current which exists off the northern coast of Norway. The Maelstrom can be, at times, a violent whirlpool. Those who happen to get caught up in it can only beg that Odin show them mercy. The current of Maelstrom takes us into the past with a visit to a Norwegian fishing village, through a mystical forest for a close encounter with a three-headed troll, backward through a fjord, and finally splashing down a waterfall and into the North Sea at the base of a modern day, deep-sea oil platform.

Before setting off on this seafaring adventure, take some time to admire the massive mural which graces the back wall of the Maelstrom loading dock. There's incredible detail here... along with one of the most clever Hidden Mickey tributes anywhere. Look closely at that Viking longboat, and you'll discover that one of the ship's passengers is wearing Mouse Ears!