Posts Tagged ‘Canada’

One of Walt Disney World’s most exquisite gardens is but a short walk to your right as you enter the World Showcase at EPCOT from Future World.  Inspired by the famous Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, the Victoria Gardens at the Canada Pavilion offer a serene and beautiful landscape enhanced by towering rocks, splashing waterfalls, and peaceful ponds.

The gardens are just one of the treasures to be discovered In “Canada” where a rich cultural heritage and the glories of the great outdoors are celebrated.

Home to the CircleVision 360° movie, O Canada, which offers visitors a spectacular look at the diversity of Canadian terrain, wildlife, city and country, peoples and pastimes, it is also the location of one of the most popular restaurants in EPCOT, Le Cellier.  Observant guests will discover numerous details that reflect the many faces of our neighbor to the north.

The architecture is decidedly French; the “Hotel du Canada” based upon Ottawa’s turreted Chateau du Laurier.

Massive totem poles and artifacts represent the quiet yet powerful presence of dozens of Native tribes who have lived across the breadth of this country, from the Northwest Territories to Newfoundland.

And of course, the wonderful Off-Kilter reminds us of the deep Scottish roots of the Maritimes.

When you’re ready to shop, Northwest Mercantile really pulls out all the Canadian stops with lots of maple syrup and maple leaves, plaid, hockey, moccasins, and soapstone carvings!

Interesting news today regarding Le Cellier, one of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World:  beginning in March of 2011, those on the Disney Dining Plan will have to “fork” over two table service credits to enjoy dinner here as the evening meal becomes a Signature dining experience.  Lunch is currently slated to remain a one-point option.

It’s a picturesque stroll past flowing streams and bright flowers to the entrance of Le Cellier, located at the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase.  Home of the famous Canadian cheddar cheese soup, pretzel bread, Canadian chocolate “moose,” and the ever-popular-but-soon-to-disappear one-credit steak dinner, Le Cellier has long been one of toughest reservations to obtain.

Review: I’m probably going to get bashed for this one, but I have never understood the popularity of this restaurant.  Yes, the food is decent and I do love it when the server steps up and says, “Hi, my name’s John and I’ll be your Canadian tonight.”  But the reasons for the effusive praises from thousands of guests elude me.  Of course, I don’t really “get” Dole Whips either (gasp) so I’m obviously not in step with the majority.

 

Le Cellier means cellar, or more kindly, wine cellar, and the interior evokes all the charm this word implies – dark, dreary, and windowless.  The tables are very crowded, often making it difficult to get in and out of chairs.  The servers, while pleasant and helpful, seem rushed and overwhelmed at times, which can translate to a less than relaxing meal for the diners.

 

Yes, the cheese soup and pretzel bread are both yummy, and the chocolate moose is one of the cutest things you’ll ever see on a plate.  Steaks, while perhaps not of the same quality as those found in high-end steakhouses, have been a bargain at only one table-service point.  For two points, look to Yachtsman at Disney’s Yacht Club for the best steak at a Disney restaurant, and save Le Cellier for lunch.

Menus

 

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

 

Le Cellier

EPCOT, Canada Pavilion

Dinner 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors.  Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is!  Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding.  There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.

Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back.  While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.

It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas.   A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship.  Boats travel between these parks,  stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.

Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings.  If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman.  His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!

Photo by Joe Penniston