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.
Comments
I bought this perfume when we were in Norway at Epcot last January. I wear it all the time and think of our trip! It makes me so happy. Its such a fresh, clean scent. I loved reading the back-story of how it was created. What a sweet story for Mother’s Day! I wish I could be their to meet Mr. Geir.
I buy this perfume every single trip, I wear it almost daily!! Its also very reasonable priced!!
I love it! It’s my favorite scent. In addition to wearing it, sometimes I just spray it into the air or on a pillow before going to bed, to bring a little bit of Norway/EPCOT home! And in exciting news, I’ll be visiting Norway this summer.
Can’t wait!
My mom loves Laila and I like the Geir Ness cologne for men. If you run out before going back you can try a couple of things to get another bottle: 1) call WDW Merchandising and buy the perfume or cologne and have it shipped to you; 2) see if a local highend retail store carries it; 3) buy from the Geir Ness web site; and 4) buy through Amazon. Over the years we have purchased a bottle or two these ways between visits to WDW. The price pretty much seems to be the same whichever way you go.
Sweet story. The maelstrom ride is the bomb! When I went, some of my family members went on it twice! I stayed and held down our spot for IllumiNations.:)
I bought my first bottle of Geir: Power of Norway cologne at the Norway Pavilion while I was on vacation at Epcot back in 2001. I still wear and buy Geir today, although sadly, since I live in California, I’ve had to buy my last couple of bottles at the mall instead of Epcot.
I purchased this perfume on my recent trip in March and love it! It is now my favorite scent. Hopefully I can make it last long enough til my next visit.
I love this perfume!!! I was lucky enough to meet Geir Ness in February when I was at WDW. I just happened to walk into the gift shop in Norway and as I was smelling the perfume, this man says to me “do you like it?” And I told him it was my favorite smell in all of Epcot (true!) and he handed me a sample and thanked me. It was then that I realized I was talking to the perfume’s creator! A great Disney moment for certain.
My mom bought this for me last year when we were in WDW. I love using it! It smells so pretty. And it reminds me of EPCOT every time. 🙂
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