Stave Church in Norway-Picture by Lisa McBride

I’ve previously written of  buried treasures that can be found in the China Pavilion and I also shared my experience of finding hidden gems in the oysters in Japan. In October, I told you about another jewel hidden within the walls of the Morocco Pavilion. Today, I’ll lead you to discover another prize in Epcot’s World Showcase, one that is not hidden but goes unnoticed and unexplored by many.

Chart your course to an exhibit showcasing how the culture and beauty of Norway inspired the filmmakers of Frozen.  (Excerpt from Walt Disney World Resort website)

I have to admit that for many years, my “course” through the Norway Pavilion didn’t include a stop in the Stave Church nor did it include a stop at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. With Maelstrom being closed and currently being reimagined into Frozen Ever After, many think that there is not much to see or do in Norway at this time. After having tried Kringla Bakeri og Kafe and visiting the Stave Church Gallery, I beg to differ.

Before entering the Stave Church, you’ll want to be sure to take a good look at the church itself. Stave Churches are an important part of Norway’s architectural heritage and the Disney Imagineers worked hard to bring the history and feel of the country to life. In my humble opinion, they did a fantastic job! From the raised roof to the heavily scrolled door, every single detail is excellently done.

Step inside the Stave Church Gallery to take in all the sights and sounds of “Creating the World of Frozen,” the Norwegian exhibit that includes clothing, instruments and genuine folk art.

Stave Church in Norway-Picture by Lisa McBride

Inside, Guests can explore a range of artifacts and items, many of which served as motivation for Disney’s latest animated feature. Take a moment to look at pieces of Norway’s past, and then compare them with stills on display to see how moviemakers went about fusing the country’s iconic designs into scenes from the film, Frozen.

Various signs and placards are placed strategically in the small church and give details at what is on exhibit. This particular sign thanks individuals and institutions for their support of the exhibit. It also mentions  how filmmakers spent a lot of time in Norway, learning about the landscape and culture.

Stave Church in Norway-Picture by Lisa McBride

This display features a woman wearing a bunad, which, as you can see by the picture nearby, is similar to the dress worn by the character, Anna, in the record breaking film, Frozen.

Stave Church in Norway-Picture by Lisa McBride

Norway is a country of rich music traditions and, as such, the exhibit includes various musical instruments and stills from the movie.

We all know that Disney is in tune with its Guests, both young and old, so they made sure to incorporate enough stills and displays to keep Frozen lovers interested. This window features Kristoff and Sven from the movie but also gives the history behind Kristoff’s clothing and tools.

Stave Church in Norway-Picture by Lisa McBride

For those wanting to see what a stave church would look like perched atop a mountain top in Norway, this case holds a model of a stave church, 1/87 in scale.

Stave Church in Norway-Picture by Lisa McBride

When I titled this article “Stave Church Gallery – An Exhibit Worth Melting For!” I was going for something cute and made a reference to the movie, Frozen. But, I wasn’t simply being funny. Even if you aren’t a fan of the movie, a visit to the Stave Church – “Creating the World of Frozen” is definitely worth a stop! You’ll learn about the history and culture of the Norwegian people and their cultures.

Next time that you are planning your day at Epcot, be sure that your set course includes a visit to the Stave Church Gallery!