Five Things to Know About the Norway Pavilion

If you want to build a snowman, there’s just one place to go in EPCOT’s World Showcase: the Norway Pavilion. It’s the place to meet Anna and Elsa, sure. But Norway blends a bit of factual history with some fun fanciful fluff – and tasty treats you can’t get anywhere else. it’s no wonder that Norway is one of favorite destination of visitors and the first place rope-droppers run for.

1. The Norway Pavilion showcases architecture and honors history.

The Gol Stave Church is the wienie in this pavilion; the prominent feature that you can see from afar. It’s based on the Gol Stave Church in Norway and built to 4/5 scale. Located in the middle, it splits the pavilion into two parts: one section holds Frozen Ever After, Kringla bakery, and Akershus Restaurant, along with entrances to the shops. The other side of the pavilion has the Royal Sommerhaus, the Wandering Reindeer, and restrooms next to an outdoor seating area.

The pavilion showcases four traditional Norwegian architectural styles from four regions including the Setesdal-style (Kringla bakery), the Bergen-style (Fjording), Oslo-style (Akershus) and Ålesund-style (white stucco building next to the Frozen entrance). And yes, that’s real grass growing on the roofs you see! It’s meant to resemble the sod roofs on some Norwegian buildings. The imposing carved statue in front of the church is Olaf II Haraldsson who unified Norway, became king, and is now the Patron Saint of Norway.

2. Norway is the most recent pavilion added to the World Showcase.

Located between Mexico and China pavilions, Norway was the last pavilion to open, welcoming its first guests in 1988. The Imagineers had originally pictured a Denmark pavilion with a Lego tie-in. This idea soon gave way to a combination of several Scandinavian countries.

In the end, it was Norway that put up the funding necessary to build the pavilion (in combination with Disney’s money). On June 3, 1988, the opening ceremony was broadcast live to Norway, when King Harald V opened the pavilion. In order to promote tourism to the country, until 2002 the Norwegian government contributed $200,000 annually for the upkeep of the pavilion.

3. The headliner attraction is Frozen Ever After, but there’s so much more.

Frozen Ever After replaced the popular Maelstrom ride in 2016. It’s a quick, fun ride through the fictional Arendelle. As one of the most popular attractions, if it’s on your must-do list, it’s probably a good choice for a tier one Lightning Lane Multi-Pass ride. Otherwise, you’ll stand in line (not for the first time in) forever.

After riding, though, take time to explore all the other attractions Norway has to offer. Stop in the Royal Sommerhus to greet Anna and Elsa (times are listed in the MDE app). As you exit, wander through the Wandering Reindeer photo spot and get a picture under Wandering Oaken’s Pop-up Portraits banner. Little details and references to the animated feature abound, so keep your eyes open!

 

There’s also the KIDCOT fun stop in the Puffin’s Roost shop. Littles can get a Ziploc “suitcase” for collecting cards at each country with information. There are art supplies at the station for coloring the back of the cards. And don’t miss out on the Gods of the Vikings exhibit inside the Gol Stave Church where you can learn more about Thor, Odin, Freya and Loki.

4. You can enjoy Norwegian flavors and delicacies.

While there aren’t a lot of dining choices in the Norway Pavilion, the ones there are worth your while. The Quick Service Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe is a Norwegian bakery with open air seating and amazing pastries to tempt your tastebuds. (Kringla is Old Norse for ring or circle, and “og” means “and” not Original Gangsta. The other two words you can figure out yourself.) Most notable among these is School Bread, a sweet roll filled with custard, dipped in coconut, and topped with a dollop of pudding.

Sadly, there are no gluten free options to be had. But the Frozen Viking Coffee can make up for that. It’s a concoction of Frozen Joffrey’s cold brew, Baileys Irish Cream, Kamora coffee liqueur, Chocolate syrup, and a crunchy coffee-chocolate garnish. (You can get a non-alcoholic version.) I’ve never had one, but I’m told you’ll feel like a Viking when you’ve finished it! The Kafe is open for early entry, so if you’re hungry, you can grab a snack before lining up for Frozen. And yes, the kids can grab a Mickey cinnamon roll to go.

The Table Service option in Norway is the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, featuring princesses you can meet and greet while you dine. The exterior of Akershus resembles its namesake fortress in Oslo. (The name means “the fortified house of the district Aker.”) Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, reservations are recommended; meals are served family-style. Breakfast is pretty much standard stuff, but lunch and dinner feature regional delicacies including traditional kjØttkake (Norwegian meatballs). The menu here has allergy-friendly and plant-based items.

Lastly, the Norway Beer Stand offers Scandinavian beers, wines, non-alcoholic beverages and yes, Mickey ice cream bars.

5. You can shop like a Viking.

The place to shop in Norway is the Fjording (that’s the name for a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes). And it’s a pretty great shop. Four connecting areas feature different merchandise.

The first is mostly Frozen-themed merch with some Norwegian-themed tee shirts and the like. The second area features cold weather apparel, more from the outerwear brand Helly Hansen, and beautiful sweaters by Dale of Norway. This area is also home to the “Forgetful Troll,” a must-do photo spot.

The third area houses the Kidcot stop and kid-friendly Viking helmets, shields, and swords. (Also a good photo-op, if your kids are ruly enough to be trusted holding the merch.)

The last area greets you the moment you enter with the scent of Laila, the “essence of Norway,” from Geir Ness. You’ll find other fragrances including those for men, as well. And every once in a while, Geir Ness himself visits the shop! The shop is open for Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park hours.

The Bottom Line.

I have to be honest: the Norway pavilion is one of my favorite places in the World Showcase. So, I think folks who only visit Frozen Ever After are really missing out. There’s a lot here to learn about Norway, its culture, its history. The architectural details are intentional, accurate, and quite beautiful. And while you can count me among those who loved Maelstrom, watching my grandkids ride Frozen Ever After, I understand the importance of keeping the pavilions updated. All of which is to say that a stop in the Norway pavilion is magical, delicious, and a lot of fun.

What do you love about the Norway Pavilion? What’s your favorite treat? Let us know in the comments.