In 2003, I served as an attraction manager for the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot (I wasn’t the first to pass that way, nor was I the last). I learned much from the International cast members working in the pavilion; they made me want to visit the country. As a photographer, I’m sure I would be amazed at the beauty of Norway. I often visit the pavilion as my son loves the Maelstrom attraction, while I enjoy the school bread from the bakery. There is one scent from the pavilion that reminds me of when I worked at Epcot – the perfume “Laila, the Essence of Norway.” I had a chance meeting with Geir Ness, the creator of “Laila,” one afternoon at Disney Theme Park Merchandise. He told me why he created the perfume which I thought was a perfect story for Mother’s Day.
“When I was a little boy, my mom always took me with her to the Norwegian fjords and mountains,” explained Geir. “I wanted something very special that reminded me of my childhood, loving mother and the fresh clean scent of nature in Norway.”
Disney Theme Park Merchandise introduced the perfume to the Norway Pavilion around 1998. But as Geir explained, the first bottle of “Laila” was actually created for his mother.
“Laila is my mother’s name,” continued Geir. “Without her knowledge, I silk-screened her signature on a bottle and gave it to her on Mother’s Day as a surprise gift. I dedicate [Laila] to all the very special mothers around the world.”
If you would like to meet Geir, he will be making an in-store appearance in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot from May 7-10.
Creating ‘Laila, the Essence of Norway’ from World Showcase at Epcot by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
