Canada (Epcot)
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| Canada Pavilion | |
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| Canada exhibit in the World Showcase at Epcot. | |
| Epcot | |
| Land | World Showcase |
| Attraction type | Themed Pavilion |
| Theme | Canadian Countryside |
| Opening date | October 1, 1982 |
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The Canada Pavilion is part of the World Showcase within Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort.
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[edit] Layout
The Canada pavilion is designed to remind the guest of the Canadian outdoors. The pavilion is decorated with a canyon, a waterfall, gardens, a pool with fountains, and totem poles. The main attraction at the Canada Pavilion is "O Canada!", a Circle-Vision 360° movie of Canada's cities and scenery. This pavilion also includes Le Cellier Steakhouse and the semi-permanent home of the Celtic rock band Off Kilter.
[edit] Attraction history
Prior to the construction of the Canadian pavilion, the Walt Disney corporation sought financial support for the attraction from the Canadian government. The company wanted the Federal government to fund the cost of building the attraction, in return the government would have input into the design and layout. The Canadian government was concerned about the stereotype of Canada that Disney wanted (i.e., lumberjacks). Funding was refused, and Disney threatened to pull the exhibit, but ultimately did not.
At one time during the planning stage, the pavilion was to have been divided by a main street of shops and restaurants, with one side representing French Canada and the other English Canada.
At the opening in 1982, the original musical talent for the Canadian pavilion was performed by a trio called the "Caledonian Pipe Band". They consisted of 2 pipers, 1 drummer. The performers were Robert (Bob) Proctor (lead, drummer), Kenneth Mauchin (piper) and Robert Mauchin (piper). These performers were recruited by Ron Rodriguez (talent co-ordinator for Walt Disney World) from the Rosie O' Grady's Pipe Band of Orlando. Because all three had ties to Scotland, they also performed in the UK pavilion) at various times.
In 2007 Disney updated the film "O Canada!" which was filmed in 1979. For several years, the Canadian Tourism Commission has been lobbying to have the movie updated, partly to remove outdated stereotypes of Canadian life. On August 31, 2007, the updated edition opened with a new host, Canadian actor Martin Short, and Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila reprising the film's theme song, "Canada (You're a Lifetime Journey)".[1]
[edit] Current Attractions and Services
- O Canada!, a Circle-Vision 360° movie of Canada's cities and scenery.
[edit] Gardens
The Victoria Gardens which are adjacent to the Hotel du Canada are inspired by the Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia. The gardens are the largest (and most labour intensive) of all the national pavilions.
[edit] Dining
- Le Cellier Steakhouse provides sit down restaurant service. The interior is to give the impression of a wine cellar as its name suggests. Food offerings include seafood and steaks, along with popular Canadian wines and beer. It's located in the main building of the pavilion, Hotel du Canada modeled after the Château Laurier hotel in Ottawa. The building is presented (with the aid of forced perspective) to look as if it is six stories in height, but is really only three. The restaurant was originally a cafeteria-style dinning hall. It actually is a cellar, located underneath the chateau; it has been designed to appear as a wine cellar, with simulated stone arches and dark ambient lighting.
[edit] Shopping
- Northwest Mercantile currently sells wilderness themed Christmas ornaments, NHL Jerseys and accessories (for Canada's six teams), a variety of animal plush, Maple Syrup, and a selection of Canadian Wines and Ice Wines. It is located in the trading post building, which is designed to look like a traditional West coast native longhouse.
- The Wood Cart (located on the promenade) currently sells a variety of wine-themed merchandise, animal plush, flags and other assorted goods. The Cart also features an engraving stand, where guests can have their names engraved onto genuine leather bracelets, cuffs, cell phone strap charms, and Disney character Keychains.
[edit] Totem Poles
The pavilion has 3 native totem poles, up to 30' in height. Two of the three are made out of fiberglass, and one is carved out of wood. The wooden totem pole depicts three stories of the "Raven" tricking the "Sky Chief" into the release of sun, moon and stars from a chest. It was carved by the British Columbia artist David Boxley, and was officially put on display in April 1998.
[edit] Hidden Mickeys
The Canada pavilion contains three Hidden Mickeys:
1. Just outside Northwest Mercantile, there is the largest totem pole in the Canada pavilion. You can find this Mickey just underneath the elbow of a set of arms near the top of the pole.
2. Inside the Northwest Mercantile shop, you will find a roughly foot-long fish hanging from a crate. The Mickey will be painted on the fish itself.
3. Just inside Le Cellier steakhouse there is the counter where you would check in for your meal. Behind that counter is a small wine storage room. In the very top center of the rack you will find three bottles of wine, one large one with two small ones on top of it forming a familiar shape.
[edit] Off Kilter
Off Kilter is a Celtic Rock band which debuted in the Canada pavilion July 1st 1997.[citation needed] They currently play in the Canada pavilion throughout the week.
[edit] Former attractions and services
[edit] Dining
- Beaver Tails kiosk cart, which sold Beaver tail (pastry) goods. (Former, closed in 2005 and cart was finally removed in late 2006).
- Le Cellier Cafeteria (became Le Cellier Steakhouse in 1997)
- La Boutique des Provinces (located in Hotel du Canada) sold Anne of Green Gables gifts, Blue Mountain pottery, along with various handcrafted souvenirs. (Which is currently closed for refurbishment)
- Popcorn Cart sells popcorn, pop, Moosehead Lager and Moosehead Light On Draft and Labatt's Blue and Blue Light From The Bottle
[edit] Films
- Circle-Vision 360°:
- "Portraits of Canada / Images du Canada" - played for a short period after its debut at the Telecom Canada pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver.
- Canada 67
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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- Canada (Epcot) is at coordinates Coordinates:
