Epcot’s Norway Pavilion (Attractions, Dining, and Shopping)

As we make our way around Epcot’s World Showcase, we stumble upon the Norway Pavilion. Norway sits between the Mexico and China Pavilions. It is home to dining, attractions, and a popular character meet-and-greet. These days, most guests associate the pavilion with Frozen since it’s home Frozen Ever After and the Royal Sommerhus.

Thankfully, we can still see remnants of the Norwegian countryside and historical architectural elements amongst all the Frozen. Don’t get me wrong, I love Frozen, and it has to fit somewhere. But if given the opportunity to visit, we might love Norway a little more. Ultimately, the World Showcase and its countries were designed to inspire tourism by providing a little taste of the world in one small spot.

So below, we’ll discuss Epcot’s Norway Pavilion in detail. We’ll also throw all the Frozen things in the mix. Who knows? By the time we’re done, you might long to set sail on a river cruise, or you might be inspired to see if you, too, can learn to grow flowers on your rooftop.

Signage describes how Norway’s stave churches were constructed with the same techniques used to build Norwegian ships. Many of the methods were intended to help the churches stay preserved during the harsh winters. This resulted in a beautifully preserved church like the replica.

Details include intricate wood carvings. An example of the carvings can be found around the replica’s door framing. This type of carving dates back to the 12th century. Four types of classic Norwegian architecture are represented throughout the pavilion: Setesdal, Bergen, Oslo, and Alesund.

If you step inside the church gallery, you’ll find the Gods of the Vikings exhibit that debuted in 2018. (Door are available on each side of the Stave Church. They are often overlooked.)

Inside, you’ll find a mythological history of the Viking gods. Thor and Loki, modern-day Marvel heroes, are included in the exhibit. Additionally, the exhibit pays tribute to Odin and Freya.

The collection features artifacts dating back to the time of the Vikings. While the space is small, this location provides an unexpected wealth of information.

Related: Stave Church Gallery at Epcot

Frozen Ever After

Norway is one of a few countries in the World Showcase that has a ride. Originally, the pavilion was home to a Viking-inspired boat ride called Maelstrom. It was replaced by Frozen Ever After.

Frozen Ever After opened in June of 2016 to accommodate the growing fandom of the Frozen franchise. To this day, the attraction holds long lines with an average of an hour or greater wait times. This slow-moving boat ride has no height restrictions. After boarding the boat, you’ll embark on an adventure to Elsa’s ice palace. You’ll pass favorite Frozen characters like Olaf, Anna, Kristoff, and Sven along the way. When you finally top the mountain, you’re in for a rendition of “Let It Go” as Elsa casts you out of the castle.

It happens so quickly you won’t even have time to recognize the direction your vessel has taken. However, the ride is the least bit scary. Adults and kids alike enjoy this attraction.

Related: Frozen Ever After Ride Review

The Royal Sommerhus (Anna and Elsa)

Epcot’s Norway Pavilion is also home to one of the most popular character meet-and-greets at Disney World. You guessed it, Anna and Elsa meet at their Royal Sommerhus. This darling summer cottage is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. However, you’ll want to check the My Disney Experience app for the exact times of the meet on the day of your visit. (Times can change based on the season and other circumstances.) Here’s a photo of the Royal Sommerhus.

Inside, Anna and Elsa meet side-by-side in the same room. First, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with Elsa. She wears her white dress from Frozen 2 at this meet-and-greet.

Then, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Queen Anna. She wears her royal robes.

Anna and Elsa both sign autographs at this location. So make sure to have your autograph book out and ready. See the article listed below for more details about this location.

Related: Meet Anna and Elsa at Disney World

Dining at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

The Norway Pavilion offers a couple of popular dining options, including character dining and a bakery.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

First, we have Kringla Bakeri og Kafe, a Norwegian Bakery. This is where you can pick up the often-talked-about school bread.

School bread is a sweet bread filled with custard, then garnished with icing and coconut.

If school bread doesn’t suit your fancy–don’t worry. There are plenty of other tasty treats in the bakery’s pastry case.

You’ll find items like monster-size cookies, sweet pretzels, chocolate Kringla, and giant Mickey-shaped cinnamon rolls!

If you’re looking to find a tasty treat (that’s not school bread) allow me to recommend the Epelkake. It’s an apple cake topped with warm caramel sauce–a true guilty treasure. Most of the items at the bakery are also snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan. You can also pick up a variety of bottled beverages like soda, water, and juice. They have Voss Artesian bottled water if you’re looking for something fancy.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Epcot’s Norway is also home to a popular character dining restaurant, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. This restaurant is modeled after the real Akershus’ Castle that still stands today in Oslo’s Harbor. This meal is referred to as Princess Storybook Dining. You can typically meet at least five princesses during the meal. The rotation includes: Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Snow White, Tiana, and Mulan.

Snack and Beer Carts

Lastly, a beer and snack cart sits on the outskirts of Norway’s Pavilion, between the Stave Church Gallery and the Royal Sommerhus. They sell Mickey’s Premium ice cream treats, Scandinavian Draft beer options, wine, bottled soda, and water.

Shopping in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

Norway is home to several shops that blend to make one large store. However, each store carries unique merchandise.

The Fjording

First, we have The Fjording. This store doubles as the exit of Frozen Ever After. So if you experience the attraction, this is where you’ll end up.

As you can imagine, this store is home to Frozen merchandise, including costumes and apparel.

The Puffins Roost

Connected to the Fjording, we find ourselves in The Puffins Roost, home to the giant troll statue. No touching! There’s always a cast member nearby warning guests not to touch the troll.

The Puffins Roost is where you’ll find specialty items and brands from Norway.

Regarding quality, the Norway Pavilion carries higher-end brands like Dale of Norway and Helly Hansen. You’ll also find a pressed penny machine with souvenir coins inside the shop.

As we continue, the shop turns into a boutique, where you’ll find perfume, cologne, and sometimes jewelry.

It’s also where you can pick up a bottle of fragrance by designer Geir Ness. Laila is the original Geir Ness scent.

The Wandering Reindeer

Last but not least, on the other side of Norway’s Pavilion is The Wandering Reindeer. This former shop serves as the exit of the Royal Sommerhus. On our last visit, it was being used as a special PhotoPass opportunity.

Norway’s Kidcot Fun Stop

Lastly, the Norway Pavilion’s Kidcot Fun Stop is located inside The Puffins Roost. Kidcot stops are available in each country of the World Showcase. They provide children with a free activity to participate in while touring.

Here are a few more photos from inside the pavilion.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Norway Pavilion is gorgeous, despite some overcrowding from Frozen Ever After. Remember, if you take the time to look closely, you’ll notice some of the finer details. For more countries in the World Showcase, you might enjoy the following:

• Mexico Pavilion
• China Pavilion
• Germany Pavilion
• Italy Pavilion
• American Adventure Pavilion
• Japan Pavilion
• Morocco Pavilion
• France Pavilion
• United Kingdom Pavilion
• Canada Pavilion

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on the Norway Pavilion at Epcot? Do you enjoy exploring the pavilions? Let us know in the comments section below.