The New Vikings At Epcot Are Real Huggers

Here's a grin for you Dizgeeks:

As we were passing the Norway pavilion in Epcot yesterday, I spotted two shiny metal helmets bobbing through the crowd. I went to investigate, and found two Vikings bowing to a little Anna:

 Then they offered her her brother's baby bottle. :D

(Sorry for blocking her face; I figure better safe than sorry. She was laughing, though!)

 I've never even heard of Vikings walking around in Epcot, so when they were done, I sent John in for a picture.

Through various grunts and mime, the Vikings indicated they approved of John's beard, but were gravely concerned about our friend Piet, who was clean-shaven and wearing a floppy hat.

  You can see the blonde one has just spotted Piet here. Ha!

When Piet took off the hat to show his bald head, the Vikings were horrified, and this one went over to give him a sad, sympathetic hug:

There, there.

See the little boy asleep on his dad's shoulder behind them? Remember that for later.

Next they insisted Piet join the photo. So Piet decided to borrow some hair:

 (Can we also stop to appreciate John's new Ninja cat shirt? Our friends give the best birthday presents. [Thanks again, Sharyn!])

At this point I think the Vikings wanted to adopt Piet, because now Blonde Viking approached and began an elaborate mime-and-nonsense-language request:

He pointed at the sleeping child-on-shoulder behind them, indicating he wanted to recreate the scene, I think?

NAILED IT.

 Then he held that hug...

... and held it...

... and held it, while Pam (Piet's wife) and I cackled and took photos. Bahaha!

So apparently if you want lots of attention and/or hugs from the Vikings in Norway, shave your head. Or bring a bald friend. (Thanks, Piet!)