The Canadian Pavilion

[prfctlyximprfct]

thanks for this post! it gave me goosebumps!

 

[dinoskeye]

I've always found the Canadian pavilion to be disappointing. Lack of shops + stand-up movie = me walking right on by.

Maybe you can help clarify for me, but I become really confused when people decline to see a stand-up movie or go to a stand-up attraction.

I'm confused because those same people usually spend 4x as long standing in line to go on Soarin' and then stand all day long in a theme park walking. It is theme park nature to stand and walk all day and sit when your tired (to which the movie wait room provides seats, as do restaurants and the benches on the walkways).

I feel sad when people walk in each movie theatre, ask "is this a ride" or "is this standing", and when they get the reply they walk out. They miss out on so much.

 

[Remmy]

Thank you very much for posting all those great, beautiful photos. I can't wait to go back and try to capture some of the same photos for our family.

Sadly, this is one pavilion we quickly go by for several reasons, but this will now change. We go in the winter, so the garden is not as colorful or vibrant. On our last vacation, this was the first time we went to see the waterfall. I think this was one pavilion we took for granted since we are lucky enough to see it everyday. I didn't realize how many great gems they packed into that one space.

I too hope they open up the cute little shops they have there. It seems strange to have those storefronts that look inviting but nothing in them.

Thank you for sharing your appreciation for the Canada Pavilion.

Remmy

 

[declansdad]

I've always found the Canadian pavilion to be disappointing. Lack of shops + stand-up movie = me walking right on by.

Lack of shops is a plus for me. The other pavilions all seem to be one big shop. I think they could use the upper areas for other things though.

You need to stand up for the movie in order to get the full effect of the 360 degree projection.

 

[2manydaves]

Agreed -- Canada pavilion is gorgeous. Always a great photo op. The movie makes me miss seeing Martin Short on SNL!

 

[HarborBlvd]

We live in Southeast Alaska, where totems are abundant and part of everyday life. We're also just a few miles from the Canadian border and travel into Canada frequently to shop and get out of town. Admittedly, we spent very little time in the Canada pavillion for these very reasons and it was most definately our loss. I look forward to visiting this pavillion in more depth on our next visit. Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos and commentary.

 

[TheGoofster]

I live in the US now but I am Canadian. Did you know it was Canada Day today when you posted this? Happy Canada Day!

Actually I didn't. I was pleasantly surprised to find out later that it was Canada Day. Gotta love those cool coincidences.

 

[si-am]

Maybe you can help clarify for me, but I become really confused when people decline to see a stand-up movie or go to a stand-up attraction.

I'm confused because those same people usually spend 4x as long standing in line to go on Soarin' and then stand all day long in a theme park walking. It is theme park nature to stand and walk all day and sit when your tired (to which the movie wait room provides seats, as do restaurants and the benches on the walkways).

I feel sad when people walk in each movie theatre, ask "is this a ride" or "is this standing", and when they get the reply they walk out. They miss out on so much.

It is BECAUSE I spend all day walking that I don't want to stand to see a movie I've already seen. I did it once, it was okay. I don't need to see it again. Now, Impressions de France I'll watch over and over because it's a nice little break. (Plus I just really like it anyway).

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

As a Canadian I always like to see the Canadian Pavilion. In fact sometime in the future on the video they show I wish they can add on Sidney Crosby's overtime Gold Medal winning goal from the 2010 Winter Olympics, since they were held in Vancouver. You can't get more Canadian then a moment like that.

 

[Shir Kahn]

Thanks for the review TheGoofster! One of my favorite pavilions too and I know I'm probably biased, but I think it really deserves it. And hey, if you think the pavilion is beautiful, you should come see the real thing someday!

 

[disprincess2002]

I was one in the minority who posted Canada as my fav country! Love this thread! You captured the beauty of the Canada pavilion very well!

 

[TheGoofster]

the pavilion is beautiful + that's where off kilter lives = canada is a great example of what epcot is doing right.

now if they'd just spend a little to update norway and maybe add another country...

I can't believe that I forgot to mention Off Kilter. They are a really cool group. Thanks for mentioning them!

 

[turftoega]

I miss the BeaverTails cart.

On our last visit (with my Canadian in-laws) we went all the way to the top of the attraction. Would have been nice to find a small shop or the rumored hockey-themed bar up there. But it did offer a great view of the WS and a quiet place to sit.

 

[J3nn78]

THe gardens in the Canada pavilion is my favorite spot in all of WDW. But, I too miss the beavertails

 

[shalom]

no other pavilion offers as much variety or beauty as does Canada.
I have spent close to an hour just standing there soaking in this incredible atmosphere.

It is such an amazing experience, that it is my absolute favorite spot in all of WDW.

That shot/that spot always makes me think of Witches Gulch, in Wisconsin Dells, one of my favoritest places in the whole world :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathaporn/1037087096/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.lucaspaynephotography.com/keyword/gulch#350034629_t3UQN

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluegreen-vacations/5239121968/in/set-72157625418297983/lightbox/

Maybe you can help clarify for me, but I become really confused when people decline to see a stand-up movie or go to a stand-up attraction.

I don't go to stand-up movies because the 360 degrees thing makes me dizzy.

 

[crazycatlady]

Canada is my favorite Epcot country also! My family loves to drive to Wyoming and Montana for the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and has visited Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park (which is "connected" to the US's Glacier National Park) many times. I look forward to seeing more of Canada in the future. The 360* movie is a favorite of ours (in fact, we saw it twice on our last trip ) both because of the gorgeous views and music, but also because Martin Short is a hoot. The grounds of the pavilion are so beautiful and soothing and a great place to get away from the crowds. We love browsing in the shops and seeing the unique items. Le Cellier is awesome, too.

 

[twokids0204]

I miss the BeaverTails cart.

I too miss the beavertails

I had one last weekend, and am going to have another Tuesday...

Mmmm.....

Just one more reason to visit Canada.

 

[Dan1]

I really do like the more realistic movie with Martin Short in the pavillion theatre.

The question I have is about the restaurant.

What is it like for someone in a wheelchair?

My daughter and I had reservations there last year on the DDP. Yet, after having to wait over 1/2 and hour past our reservation time in the very, very cramped area at the entrance to the restaurant we decided it just wasn't worth it.

We are going back again next spring so we might try it if it is convenient for someone in a wheelchair.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[pigletto]

What a lovely thread! I too love the Canadian pavillion. I don't think it's just because I am Canadian.. I just love the layout, the deisgn, the gardens etc.
I also love the Chinese pavillion for the same reason. Just a great deal of attention to the outside spaces as well as the buildings.
Great thread and pictures !

Dan1 I have eaten at Le Cellier, and I wish I could answer your questions better. My thought is that the tables are very close together so it would be a tight squeeze with a wheelchair as it is. But I imagine that they simply must be up to code and accessible so I would wait for someone with more experience than myself to answer. Have you tried asking this on the disabilities board? They are wonderful helpful folks who will have answers for you I am sure.
Welcome to the Dis!

 

[henderkm]

Thanks for posting the pics. They are great! I've been to Canada a couple of times and wandering through the Canada grounds at Epcot is a small reminder of my time there.

I think some people just pass by Canada. thinking that Victoria Gardens is all there is.