Pavilion Setting:
The Norway Pavilion is currently themed like a Viking-era village, though changes are coming in late spring 2016 when the Frozen Ever After attraction opens, replacing Maelstrom in the same space.
Frozen’s Anna and Elsa are also moving in for a meet and greet in a new building called the Royal Sommerhus, expected to open at the same time. At the moment, Norway features a replica of the 14th century Akershus Fortress, which the Norwegians originally built to protect Oslo from attack.
There is also a richly detailed Stave church, which now houses an exhibit focusing on how Norway and other Scandinavian countries influenced one of Disney’s most popular animated films.
It is estimated that at one time there were more than 1,000 of these medieval wooden churches scattered throughout Norway. The rest of the buildings are themed in a variety of styles, including Setesdal, Bergen, Oslo, and Ålesund.
Dining Options:
Akershus Banquet Hall is one of the better princess character meals in Disney World, featuring a traditional plated main course along with a cold food buffet.
A picture with Belle starts the meal and it continues with four more princesses meeting and greeting table side.
Food is better than average, but at nearly $58 per adult, it’s a very expensive proposition.
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe offers some of the best tasting treats in World Showcase, including the incredibly popular School Bread.
Kringla also serves a variety of heartier sandwiches along with salads and other items, including the popular smoked salmon and egg sandwich.
Drink Around the World: Kringla Bakeri og Kafe serves Carlsberg beer and alcoholic coffee drinks.
Outside on the promenade, you can order a Linnie Aquavit shot, Carlsberg or Einstok White Ale draft, or wine from a kiosk. The Einstok is the best value and Linnie sort of tastes like alcoholic licorice.
Character Sightings: Although five princesses are present inside Akershus for the buffet, no characters ordinarily appear outside in the Pavilion until Anna and Elsa arrive in late spring 2016.
Shopping Opportunities:
Norways’s “The Puffin’s Roost” is one of the larger shops in the World Showcase.
It offers a great variety of items, including hand-knit clothing, porcelain, troll dolls, Christmas ornaments, toys, perfume, food items, Viking helmets, and more.
Make sure to get a picture with the giant troll that watches over the store.
Overall Ratings:
Setting: 5/10
Attractions: ?/10
Dining: 8/10
Drinking: 4/10
Shopping: 7/10
I believe that the characters Anna and Elsa from the movie “Frozen” now appear outside across from the Akershuus Banquet Hall in part of the Puffin’s Roost Store.
Krista is correct and every time I walked by there were very long lines to see them. This (or something) led to longer Maelstrom lines than I’ve seen in a long time. The Stave Church also has some Frozen theming to its displays.