Epcot - Canada

I don't think anyone is suggesting a Timmies as part of the exhibit representing architecture/history/culture of Canada, at least I wasn't. But in the same way the gift store sells Canadian chocolate bars and hockey jerseys, a small coffee bar selling Tim's coffee would absolutely be very much an expected and proper thing to find in the Canadian pavillion.
 
I don't think anyone is suggesting a Timmies as part of the exhibit representing architecture/history/culture of Canada, at least I wasn't. But in the same way the gift store sells Canadian chocolate bars and hockey jerseys, a small coffee bar selling Tim's coffee would absolutely be very much an expected and proper thing to find in the Canadian pavillion.

While Tim Horton's has become a Canadian icon, it is not the only coffee shop in Canada and it's not even the best coffee. Places like the Second Cup offer a much better variety and even McDonald's coffee has performed better in taste tests.

AS for the OPs point, I think that you would get the same reaction from the citizens of most of the countries represented in the WS.
 
While Tim Horton's has become a Canadian icon, it is not the only coffee shop in Canada and it's not even the best coffee. Places like the Second Cup offer a much better variety and even McDonald's coffee has performed better in taste tests.

But isn't that the whole point of this discussion? Having, in your own words, a "Canadian icon" in a pavillion that shows tourist-minded stereotypes of Canada?

Taste aside, I staunchly stand by the statement that few, if any, reatilers are as much a part of the Canadian psyche as Tim Horton's. I'd be willing to wager quite a sum of money that if there was a survey of Canadians asked "What Canadian retail product would you expect to be sold in an international kiosk that is supposed to be representative of Canada?", Tim Horton's would outpace absolutely any other answer by a huge margin.
 
Amen to that. And frankly, I'd rather make my own coffee ;)

Personally, I just wish the band playing in Canada actually WAS Canadian :)

off kilter offically has atleast one canadian playing with them these days. he plays fiddle(shock!) and i believe is from barrie. he is a sub tho so not playing everyday.
 

But isn't that the whole point of this discussion? Having, in your own words, a "Canadian icon" in a pavillion that shows tourist-minded stereotypes of Canada?

Taste aside, I staunchly stand by the statement that few, if any, reatilers are as much a part of the Canadian psyche as Tim Horton's. I'd be willing to wager quite a sum of money that if there was a survey of Canadians asked "What Canadian retail product would you expect to be sold in an international kiosk that is supposed to be representative of Canada?", Tim Horton's would outpace absolutely any other answer by a huge margin.

I don't know about that. I think Molson would give them a run for their money.
 
This topic comes up about once a year and I write a similar reply every time. I really don't understand why so many people want our country to be represented by a coffee and donut shop, even if it is a sort of Canadian cult.

I think a lot of people may be missing the point of World Showcase. It's not to provide an accurate modern day representation of the countries around the lagoon, but rather to replicate the tourist picture postcard idea of the places and histrical architechure and landmarks. I guarantee you that natives from each country complain about their own pavillion and say that the costumes are nothing at all like what they wear at home, the movies are old and the architecture looks nothing like the house they live in. I worked in the Canadian pavillion a number of years ago and I heard this from all my fellow cast members from the other countries about their pavillions.

Think about going into the the Germany, Norway, or France pavillions. Are you upset that they aren't exactly like it would be if you got on a plane today and visited each of those places? Probably not. You probably like the Bavarian village (which is only representative of a particular region of Germany not the whole country), or the castle and wooden buildings (whch aren't what modern people live in in Norway), or the Parisian streets of the past.

What would be interesting or unique about building the pavilion to look like Toronto? Or tearing out the Mexican pyramid and replacing it with a modern day Mexico city in miniature? How about replacing the American Adventure with a Walmart since that's where many Americans really spend a lot of their time?

For me, I think the pavillion is the right version for Epcot. Epcot is a theme park and it tries to be both give people a flavour of the place while being entertaining at the same time. Buying Tim Horton's coffee and doughnuts under a mini-CN Tower would just not be interesting as a theme park experience or compell people to see more. Almost all areas of Canada are represented in the pavillion in some small way, except the prarie provinces. It's too bad they removed the Boutique store from the upper level since it removed any life from that particular area, but I still think the Canadian pavillion is one of Epcot's best. It's one of the few where you can get deep enough back into it to be totally surrounded by the environment.

Just my opinion, and I know I'll be in the minority.

Darren

P.S. If you think lumberjack shirts are bad, think about what the German male CM's wear or the Norwegian puffy shirts and vests. Lumberjack shirts with pants/shorts aren't really that bad by comparison.

I agree. Jeez people, stop taking it personally. It's Disneyworld! None of the countries are represented any differently.

Furthermore, Tim Horton's does NOT represent all Canadians. Many people, like myself, think it tastes like disgusting watered down tea.
 
I agree with PP. Canada is so diverse it would be hard to represent each region. The thing I love best about Epcot is that is gives some historical representation of the countries...for me its like walking through a story/novel. I am not a coffee drinker but I do love me some French Vanilla cap, so the idea of a TH is definitely appealing too!
 
To the OP:
You say that you are from "Prince Edward Island". I have never heard of such a land, it sounds so regal. Is this where your monarch is from? ;)
 
This topic comes up about once a year and I write a similar reply every time. I really don't understand why so many people want our country to be represented by a coffee and donut shop, even if it is a sort of Canadian cult.

I think a lot of people may be missing the point of World Showcase. It's not to provide an accurate modern day representation of the countries around the lagoon, but rather to replicate the tourist picture postcard idea of the places and histrical architechure and landmarks. I guarantee you that natives from each country complain about their own pavillion and say that the costumes are nothing at all like what they wear at home, the movies are old and the architecture looks nothing like the house they live in. I worked in the Canadian pavillion a number of years ago and I heard this from all my fellow cast members from the other countries about their pavillions.

Think about going into the the Germany, Norway, or France pavillions. Are you upset that they aren't exactly like it would be if you got on a plane today and visited each of those places? Probably not. You probably like the Bavarian village (which is only representative of a particular region of Germany not the whole country), or the castle and wooden buildings (whch aren't what modern people live in in Norway), or the Parisian streets of the past.

What would be interesting or unique about building the pavilion to look like Toronto? Or tearing out the Mexican pyramid and replacing it with a modern day Mexico city in miniature? How about replacing the American Adventure with a Walmart since that's where many Americans really spend a lot of their time?

For me, I think the pavillion is the right version for Epcot. Epcot is a theme park and it tries to be both give people a flavour of the place while being entertaining at the same time. Buying Tim Horton's coffee and doughnuts under a mini-CN Tower would just not be interesting as a theme park experience or compell people to see more. Almost all areas of Canada are represented in the pavillion in some small way, except the prarie provinces. It's too bad they removed the Boutique store from the upper level since it removed any life from that particular area, but I still think the Canadian pavillion is one of Epcot's best. It's one of the few where you can get deep enough back into it to be totally surrounded by the environment.

Just my opinion, and I know I'll be in the minority.

Darren

P.S. If you think lumberjack shirts are bad, think about what the German male CM's wear or the Norwegian puffy shirts and vests. Lumberjack shirts with pants/shorts aren't really that bad by comparison.


:thumbsup2 I've been to all the countries in WS (except for Morocco) and I would not in any stretch of the imagination to say that any of them are reflective of the "whole" country and do not expect them to be. I would hope that anyone who walks around worldcase does not expect that Disney's interpretation is what they would say landing on the ground in Tokyo or Rome. And, yes I don't think that the general visitor will now expect that all Canadians wear lumberjack shirts and say "eh and hoser" in Toronto anymore than all Germans wear liederhosen (sp?) and funny hats with feathers in downtown Munich.

I think the updated movie is great and made me very proud to be a Canadian, and rather smug about what everyone else is missing.

I do think the cart food offerings should be updated to include poutine and yes, maybe a timmies if they make sure to explain the story behind it, otherwise it's just a bit of nostalgia for visiting Canadians.

Okay, stepping off my soapbox :grouphug:
 
I agree with the other posters who said it's just a representation like all the other countries around WS. Just a snapshot of the countries. So, no it doesn't offend me at all. I feel the CMs to be friendly. I love eating at Le Cellier, strolling around the grounds, etc.
 
I like the gardens. I have found both times we have been in the pavillion the cm's were grumpy and I can make better coffee in my Tassimo than what I get at Timmies.:thumbsup2:rotfl2:
 
I was hoping someone could help me out with this....On the day that we will be at EPCOT we want to head over to Kat Koras new restaurant on the Boardwalk. My question is how long to allow to walk over and how long to ride the boat over? Thanks
 
I was hoping someone could help me out with this....On the day that we will be at EPCOT we want to head over to Kat Koras new restaurant on the Boardwalk. My question is how long to allow to walk over and how long to ride the boat over? Thanks

From the International gateway, the walk to BW would be about 10 minutes. I've never taken the boat from Epcot to the BW but would imagine it would be about the same.
 
I was more concerned that they served Moosehead beer over my beloved Alexander Keiths .... :worship:
 
DH thought it super cool to order a "Canadian" and walk around with it and not leaving "canada" until it was consumed :laughing: I mean really?? Maybe it's a "boy thing" keith's, moosehead in Florida - does it taste different? :stir:
 
In Nova Scotia we are raised on Keith's .... but would drink Moosehead if it was free!!! :rotfl:
 












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