Podcast Episode: 72 – Maelstrom

The high seas Viking adventure was billed as a stormy boat ride with tons of excitement, danger, and thrills. Many articles were written to describe how amazing this ride was going to be and the hype machine was up and running at full speed. This really was the first thrill ride at EPCOT Center, so they played that angle as much as possible. How guides us through so many neat aspects about how this ride came…Read More...

What if the Maelstrom soundtrack was “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure?

Tonight, I again took a good look at the Norway grand opening celebration hosted by Willard Scott from 1988. The guy clearly had about 8 jars of Smuckers before they shot this; he’s on a sugar high that rubs off into the other actors like a bad cologne. What surprised me comes at the 5:51 mark where the adventure of Maelstrom begins. Do we hear “You are not the first to pass this way…” followed by...Read More...

Willard Scott Previews Maelstrom – 1988

In 1988 there was much buzz about Norway opening... little did we know that would the last country added to World Showcase until, oh wait.. no other country has been added yet... Willard Scott, King of Smuckers jams and jellies and spokesperson for all people over the age of 100, co-hosted the 1988 WDW 4th of July Spectacular. I've never been fond of the word spectacular, especially when it is used as a noun... But I…Read More...