Air Force Veteran Leads EPCOT Norway Pavilion Refresh

A 24-year Air Force veteran named Rosa is leading a sweeping refresh of EPCOT's Norway Pavilion, coordinating artisan teams that used more than 200 colors and stains to preserve the pavilion's authentic Norwegian character. The project also introduces a new stabbur-inspired beverage kiosk designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and upgraded Audio-Animatronics on Frozen Ever After. Rosa joined Disney through the "Heroes Work Here" veteran initiative and credits her military career for the project management skills she applies every day.

Rosa, an Associate Project Manager with Facility Asset Management (FAM) at Walt Disney World, is leading a meticulous refresh of the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT — bringing the detail-obsessed discipline of a 24-year United States Air Force career to one of World Showcase's most beloved destinations. The project encompasses more than 200 colors and stains applied by specialized artisans, a brand-new stabbur-inspired beverage kiosk, and enhanced Audio-Animatronics figures on Frozen Ever After.

The Art of Authentic Norway

Rosa's guiding philosophy for the Norway Pavilion refresh is simple: "Every detail matters." Her team deployed more than 200 colors and stains to build the layered, lived-in look that makes the pavilion feel steeped in history. Authentic rockwork around the waterfall, subtle rust drips, and aged paint finishes are among the treatments applied to keep the craftsmanship true to its source. Rosa identified each area requiring attention and coordinated the specialized artisans and partners who carried the work to completion.

A New Stabbur Kiosk and a Pavilion-Wide Journey

Among the visible additions for guests is a new beverage kiosk that evokes the Norwegian countryside. Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and modeled after traditional stabbur storage cabins, the structure was built to feel as authentic as the historical architecture that inspired it. The pavilion itself is designed as an architectural journey across Norway — from the urban feel of Oslo, through Bergen and Haakon's Hall, into Setesdal mountain hamlets near the Stave Church, and out to quiet countryside log buildings topped with sod roofs.

Guests who board Frozen Ever After will also notice the impact of this refresh, with Walt Disney Imagineering delivering enhanced Audio-Animatronics figures of fan-favorite characters throughout the attraction.

A Dream Sparked at Disneyland

Rosa's Disney journey began during a family trip to Disneyland, where watching her daughter experience the park for the very first time sparked a desire to create those same feelings of joy and wonder for other families. Today, her work helping keep the Norway Pavilion looking its best does exactly that for the millions of guests who visit EPCOT each year.

Military Precision Meets Disney Craftsmanship

Before joining Disney, Rosa dedicated 24 years to the United States Air Force. She transitioned to the company through Disney's "Heroes Work Here" veteran hiring initiative, discovering that the leadership and project management skills honed in uniform translated naturally into Facility Asset Management. "In the military, everything you do trains you to lead and care for your team," Rosa said. "FAM's core values of ownership, value, and trust echo the military's core values of service, excellence, and integrity. It was a perfect fit."

Rosa earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification during her military service and has continued to maintain it at Disney, applying those skills to complex projects, partner coordination, and bringing the magic to life behind the scenes.

What This Means for EPCOT Guests

Rosa's story reflects the depth of expertise and personal commitment that goes into maintaining Walt Disney World's most immersive environments. Nearly 350 cast members in Facility Asset Management work across the resort to keep attractions and pavilions looking their absolute best, and Rosa's background shows how Disney's veteran hiring programs contribute directly to that mission. For guests visiting the Norway Pavilion, the refreshed finishes, new stabbur kiosk, and upgraded Frozen Ever After figures are tangible reminders that the magic of EPCOT is always being tended to — one carefully chosen detail at a time.