The announcement that Adventures By Disney is going to add Norway as a destination got me really excited. There are very few places other than a Disney Park that I actually dream of going to one day; Norway is one of those places. Consequently, the Norway Pavilion at Epcot is near and dear to my heart. I consider it one of the best of the World Showcase Pavilions for a number of reasons. To start, it has what I consider the best location for Princess Character Dining at Akershus.
While it doesn’t quite have the clout of dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus wins on food selection and cost (especially for those using the Disney Dining Plan, using only 1 table service credit as opposed to Cinderella’s Royal Table’s 2 credits), and it is a whole lot easier to secure a reservation at Akershus. Plus, the interior has plenty of royal majesty going on, since it is modeled after the actual Akershus Castle in Oslo, Norway.
The Norway Pavilion also contains one of the World Showcase’s only rides, The Maelstrom. This boat ride has always been popular, and it’s one of my must-do attractions when I am at Epcot. I will admit that I skip the movie at the end more often than I watch it. It is still the original movie that was present when the pavilion opened in 1988. Although the movie is interesting and informative, it is very outdated and I tend to cringe at how it gives the impression that Norway is stuck in the 80’s.
The Puffin’s Roost is the series of interconnected shops where you can find some great Norwegian souvenirs, Norwegian-themed Disney merchandise, and one of my favorite photo opportunities in all of Epcot!
And no visit to Norway would be complete without stopping by Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. While there are some decent (and unique) sandwiches available, it is the bakery items that are the draw for me. Depending upon the mood I’m in, I like to get either the sweet pretzel with almonds or, if they have it, one of the desserts made with cloudberries. (No, this is not like the made-up snozzberry from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Cloudberries are real and delicious!) Of course, many people believe that the pinnacle of Norwegian desserts is the school bread…
Finally, I would like to point out that you can actually go into the stave church! There is a neat little Viking museum inside. (It took me a few years to realize that.)
I’ll leave you with a great 2-minute video that highlights the beauty of the Norway Pavilion.
I am taking my daughters to Akershus for breakfast with the princesses in December on your recommendation! Thanks for the preview!!
What a great overview of Norway, love your pictures!
I have very fond memories of Akershus… my daughter had just turned 4 on our 1st Disney trip, and we couldn’t get in to the castle for dining. Akershus was a wonderful 2nd choice, I agree! We had a great time – and how you have me wanting to return to eat there. 🙂
I ate at Akershus and toured Norway on the first night of my first trip to WDW back in September. It set the most amazing tone for the rest of our trip! When I dream of Epcot, my mind is full of Norway 🙂