Our next trip to Epcot: World Showcase takes us to the wonderful world of Norway. Norway is located on a 58,000 square foot layout with four styles of architecture that is indicative of Norway. Designed to look like a village, the Norway Pavilion is actually quite fun to see.
Here also is where you will meet Princess Ana and Queen Elsa from the Frozen films. While the line can at times be a little long, it can be a great adventure with a little girl who can’t wait to see them up close and get their pictures taken with them, Covid distancing now withstanding.
The best part or the line is that you are taken through Arendelle. Throughout the line you are treated to an experience from the movie as you wind your way to meet the two Disney princesses.
Outside, you will be able to take in an authentic sit-down dinner at the Restaraunt Akershus. I have yet to dine in the restaurant but have heard great things from those exiting. In the main courtyard towards the back you will find one of the only actual rides in World Showcase. The Frozen Ever After.
Despite the Disneyfication of the Epcot World Showcase Norway pavilion, Norway is a lot of fun to stroll through. The shops come complete with a troll you can take your picture with and there is plenty of Frozen and Norway merchandise.
One of the nicer areas sits outside of the wait line to visit the princesses. During the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, topiaries of the two iconic Frozen princesses can be found in a nice sitting area under the canopy of some trees that provide shade as well as under the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Food is easy to find in Norway. Aside from the restaurant, enjoy pastries at Kringla Bakeri of Kafe’ or a salmon open-faced sandwich.
The architecture is a really nice part of the pavilion. A replica of Stave Church is well designed and replicated. There are also Viking statuettes and wooden trolls throughout the stores.
Historically, Norway was the last pavilion to open at Epcot and that was way back in 1988. Needless to say, it’s time to get a couple of new ones. The dedication ceremony to open the pavilion was made by the former Crown Prince, Harald V. It was live cast in Norway.
Norway won’t keep you occupied for an hour unless you are standing in a line. The line for the Frozen Ever After ride can be long and anywhere from an hour to two hours of wait. If you are intending to ride, you should get there at rope drop to minimize the wait time.
The ride itself is actually fun. The cast members are from Norway which is cool when you get a chance to speak with them and the ride takes you on a small boat that whisks you through the world of Frozen complete with all of the little Olaf off-sprouts. And of course, Olaf.
For our family, Norway is one of the kids’ favorites on our trip around the world.
World Showcase ranking: 10 of 11