Around the “Disney” World: Epcot Norway Pavilion

Norwegian architects and historians worked closely with Walt Disney Imagineers to intertwine the natural environment into the design of Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. Aged stone, stucco and wood surfaces enhance the rustic, earthy facades and create an authentic Guest experience. The plaza’s cobbled walkways and grass-covered roofs, like those of Alesund, Bergen, Oslo and the Setesdal Valley, center around a Stave church—or Stavkirke—a pagan building of worship once found in almost every Norwegian town and village. The twenty-eight still standing today are some of the oldest wooden structures in the world. Epcot’s version is a faithful reproduction of Hallingdal’s Gol Stave Church, right down to the use of dovetail joints and lack of iron nails that would rust in maritime air.

And of course, there’s the regal Akershus, modeled after the medieval castle by the same name located in Oslo. Built in 1299, the original castle was renovated in the mid-17^th century, acquiring its present appearance. Epcot’s Akershus houses a Character dining experience, serving fine Norwegian fare to the Park’s young Princes and Princesses and their parents.

The nation’s seafaring heritage resonates throughout the Norway Pavilion. Guarding the north entry stands wreckage of a dragon-headed Norse ship (formerly a children’s play area) tucked into foliage. The vessel itself mimics the ones Guests board to ride the Maelstrom, one of only two rides on World Showcase. (Mexico hosts the other.) The Maelstrom boat ride through Norway’s folklore and culture is almost as exciting as the name suggests, boasting a backward drop over a waterfall, which was a unique feature at its debut, and a three-headed troll who protects the forest.

Trolls, very common in Scandinavian myths and tales, are hidden throughout the Pavilion. Do you like to find hidden Mickeys? Well, try finding the hidden trolls in Norway! According to Norwegian tradition, trolls vary in size and form. Some can have up to 9 heads! They are generally unpleasing to the eye, often big, hairy and slow. Any courageous and quick-witted human, they say, could easily outwit a troll. Trolls often live in mountains, under bridges or at the bottom of lakes. At one time, the Norway Pavilion was said to be inhabited by more than 20 trolls who hid well and often changed locales. Not to worry, though! All of Epcot’s trolls are friendly, and those that might be feisty turn to stone when exposed to sunlight.

Kids can take the magic home and create a troll pencil topper like this one using sculpting clay, beads and feathers. Simply insert a pencil eraser into a ball of softened sculpting clay and shape troll to your liking. Make him as cute or as ugly as you want by adding beads, feathers or other decorations. Remove from the pencil and set out to dry completely (follow directions on sculpting clay package). When the clay is set, replace on pencil to keep classmates from peeking at your homework!

*Author’s note: Our thoughts are with the people of Norway after the tragedies that have occurred there this week.*

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