Canada
Canada is a pavilion located within World Showcase in Epcot. It is located between the United Kingdom and the World Showcase entrance.
| Canada | |
| |
| The Hotel Du Canada at twilight. | |
| Epcot | |
| Land | World Showcase |
|---|---|
| Opening date | October 1, 1982 |
| Number of Attractions | 1 |
| Number of Restaurants | 1 |
|
| |
Contents
History
While the Canada pavilion eventually opened as one of World Showcase’s opening day pavilions, the pavilion that finally opened was drastically different from the one that had originally been designed. Disney had initially approached the Canadian government about sponsoring a Canada pavilion for World Showcase, however when the government refused (due to fears that stereotypes such as lumberjacks would be used) Disney decided to create the pavilion without a sponsor [1]. This lack of sponsorship gave Imagineers the freedom to create the pavilion from an outsider’s perspective [2].
Original plans for the Canada pavilion called the pavilion to be divided into two halves, French Canada and English Canada [2]. The barrier between the two would have been the pavilions main street, where restaurants and shops would be located. When designing this version of Canada however, Imagineers faced a problem. Due to the similarities between the two cultures it became hard to differentiate the Canada pavilion from America. To solve this issue, Imagineers decided to base the pavilion on Canada’s wilderness, focusing specifically on the eastern seaboard.
When construction began on the Canada pavilion, Imagineers wanted to use artificial trees to further immerse guests into the Canadian wilderness [3]. When the trees were installed however, it became clear that they would disrupt the forced perspective used by the rest of the pavilion’s structures. Eventually, Dick Nunis (the pavilion’s project manager) called for the trees to be removed, and the idea was scrapped [3]. A treeless Canada pavilion opened with the rest of EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982.
Since opening day the Canada pavilion has seen a few changes. The first real change to come to the pavilion came in 1986 when La Boutique des Provinces opened on the second floor of the Hotel du Canada [4] the pavilion came in 1997 when the pavilion’s table service restaurant “Le Cellier” had its menu updated [5]. At this time, the establishment was renamed Le Cellier Steakhouse [5]. Subsequently, in 2005 La Boutique des Provinces, which was located above Le Cellier Steakhouse closed to guests [4]. Perhaps the most significant change to the Canada pavilion came in 2007, when the pavilion’s only attraction O' Canada closed for renovations. The renovations were done after numerous Canadians began to complain that the film was dated [4] During the closure, the attractions film was updated and given a new narration by comedian Martin Short. O’ Canada’s theme song "Canada (You're a Lifetime Journey)" was also rerecorded by Eva Avila at this time. The updated version of O’ Canada opened to guests on August 31, 2007 [6].
Layout [7]
When the Canada pavilion originally opened, it featured Northwest Mercantile, Le Cellier and the CircleVision 360 film O' Canada. The focal point of the Canada pavilion is the Hotel du Canada, which was based on the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. On the main floor of the Hotel du Canada, guests can dine at Le Cellier Steakhouse.
The Canada pavilion is also home to Victoria Gardens. This lush terrace was based off of the Butchat Gardens in British Columbia. Here guests can take a leisurely stroll while observing some of Canada’s native flowers. In the pavilion, guests can also brave a Canadian canyon and head to the observation deck. Here, the pavilion’s waterfall can be found. Nearby, guests can enter the Maple Leaf Mine and watch the pavilion’s attraction O' Canada. The CircleVision 360 film gives guests a tour of Canada, showing many of its unique landscapes and modern cities.
Attractions
O' Canada- This CircleVision 360 film takes guests on a tour of Canada. The film was updated in 2007, and the attraction is now hosted by comedian Martin Short.
Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure- On this interactive adventure, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.
Dining
Le Cellier Steakhouse- The table service restaurant is themed to look like a wine cellar. Located inside the pavilion's Hotel du Canada, Le Cellier Steakhouse offers a traditional steak meal.
Popcorn Cart- This stand located on the pavilion's promenade, sells popcorn, sodas and beer.
Shopping
Northwest Mercantile- This large store sells all kinds of authentic Canadian merchandise. Among the items available here are Christmas ornaments, maple syrup, NHL hockey jerseys, and even Canadian wines. The shop is themed as a frontier trading post which was often used by trappers.
The Trading Post- This store sells authentic Canadian merchandise as well as Disney souvenirs. This store is themed to look like a Native Canadian longhouse, and three totem poles can be found directly across from it. The Trading Post is connected to Northwest Mercantile.
The Wood Cart- This stand sells wine accessories, plush merchandise, and other authentic Canadian souvenirs.
Live Entertainment
Alberta Bound-This five piece band play traditional Canadian music of varying genres. The band made their debut on May 5, 2016 [8].
Former Live Entertainment
Off Kilter- This Celtic rock band can be found throughout the week at Canada's Mill Stage. The band was formed in 1997, replacing the previous Canada band, the Caledonian Bagpipe Band. In 2014 it was announced that Off Kilter would end their performances in the pavilion on
The Canadian Lumberjack Show- This show showcased skilled lumberjacks who competed in a series of events. Each show lasted between approximately 10-13 minutes.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The mine that guests enter to see O'Canada was originally named Moosehead Mine. This name was quickly changed however when Canada pavilion sponsor Lebatt Brewing Co. told Imagineers that Moosehead Beer was their chief competitor. The mine's name was changed to Maple Leaf Mine [4].
- Original ideas for the Canada pavilion included a larger canyon with projected views of Salmon Island, Quebec, Victoria Gardens, and the Northwest Coast [2].
- Canada and Mexico were placed in their respective places because they border America. Thus, no matter which way you enter World Showcase, you go through one of America’s neighbors [9].
- The traditional homes found the pavilion were originally going to house the Canadian Tourism Information Center, but this never came to fruition [9].
- If guests look closely at the picket fence along the pavilions promenade; they will notice that every other post has a Maple leave carved into it [9].
- The totem poles that are located in the pavilion were originally made of fiberglass. In 1998, artist David Baxley carved a real totem pole which replaced the pole located across from the shops [10].
- Although the Hotel du Canada looks 7 stories tall, it's actually only 3 [10].
References
- ↑ http://www.wdwfacts.com/2014/09/01/the-canadian-pavilion-at-world-showcase/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://www.martinsvids.net/?s=Canada
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://progresscityusa.com/2011/02/01/the-lost-forests-of-epcot-center/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 The EPCOT explorer's encyclopedia: R. Pedersen - Epcyclopedia Press - 2011
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.intercot.com/edc/wsfoodshop.html
- ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/04/canada_pavilion_part_two_1.html
- ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/theme_parks/epcot/canada/
- ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/alberta-bound/news/06may2016-video---alberta-bound-debuts-at-epcots-canada-pavilion.htm
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/04/canada_pavilion_part_one.html
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/theme_parks/epcot/canada/
