Norway will forever be linked to the relentless Vikings that permeated their culture long ago. In fact, when I first think of Norway, I think of Vikings. Nonetheless, it’s only fitting that Disney decided to erect this attraction that effective captures Norway’s culture. However, in all honestly, this is a pretty mediocre attraction despite its popularity.
And speaking of its popularity, generally this garners 25-30 minute waits, but it does offer Fastpasses to avoid that wait, which is what I’d recommend. Moving past that, the ride’s façade looks great and really captures the Norwegian spirit, and the ominous view by the waterfall of the rotating platform definitely builds anticipation prior to ride’s, but ultimately, is the ride as good as its appearance?
Ultimately the Maelstrom just isn’t very good. While the boats look great and are very comfortable, the ride that ensues just felt random in my opinion. Some of the scenes effectively captured Norway’s culture such as the impressive polar bear animatronic and foliage included, but honestly I thought that the ride’s plot was lacking. The whole idea of being placed in danger by angry trolls just seemed weak and uninspired in my opinion. Also, while the backwards portion was cool, the ride just seemed on the short side and it just ended abruptly following the weak drop, essentially without a satisfying ending in my opinion.
Overall, the Maelstrom just isn’t as enjoyable for me as it is for others. Just I find the whole attraction’s story and plot to be random and uninspired in my opinion. But there are some redeeming qualities about the attraction such as how it succeeded in capturing Norway’s culture and the cool backwards portion. Still, the Maelstrom just isn’t Epcot’s best attraction in my opinion, but it is worth experiencing if you have time.
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