Canada (Epcot)
| Canada Pavilion | |
|---|---|
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| Epcot | |
| Area | World Showcase |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | October 1, 1982 |
| General statistics | |
| Attraction type | Themed Pavilion |
| Theme | Canadian countryside |
The Canada Pavilion is a Canadian-themed pavilion that is part of World Showcase within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, United States. Its location is next to the British pavilion.
The Canada Pavilion is designed to remind guests of Canada's outdoors. It includes a canyon, a waterfall, gardens, a pool with fountains, and totem poles. The main attraction is O Canada!, a Circle-Vision 360° movie of Canada's cities, scenery and people. The pavilion also includes Le Cellier Steakhouse and the semi-permanent home of the Celtic rock band Off Kilter. Characters from the animated films Brother Bear (Koda, Rutt and Tuke) and Pocahontas (Meeko and Flit) can sometimes be seen.
Prior to the construction of the pavilion, the Walt Disney Company 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, 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 a trio called the "Caledonian Pipe Band", consisting of two pipers and one drummer. The performers were Robert (Bob) Proctor (lead, drummer), Kenneth Mauchin (piper) and Robert Mauchin (piper). They 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 British pavilion at various times.
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