idolIf you have ever wanted to visit the expansive and diverse nations of China and Canada, be sure to check out the Circle-Vision 360° films in World Showcase at Epcot. O Canada! and Reflections of China are hidden gems tucked away within their respective pavilions – a Guest could easily miss them! Both family-friendly films run continuously from when World Showcase opens at 11am to closing. Unless you arrive right after the films begin, you should have only a short wait.
Circle-Vision 360° films have been featured in attractions at Disney Parks since the 1950s. Guests gain a unique perspective of the sights and sounds in China and Canada thanks to the panoramic images projected on the nine movie screens that encircle the audience.
O Canada!
To access the covered outdoor waiting area, Guests wind their way past the vibrant Victoria Gardens, inspired by the famous Butchart Gardens of British Columbia. Next Guests walk through a series of caves and over bridges. Just before the theater doors open, a Canadian Cast Member shares a few tidbits on his or her home Province or Territory.
DIStracted Tip: While the films are a great place to cool off, there are no seats available. Instead, Guests take a load off by leaning on a series of railings within the theaters. Strollers are not allowed, however Guests can stay in wheelchairs or ECVs.
O Canada! was updated in 2007 and features Comedian Martin Short as the witty narrator. The entertaining and educational 18-minute film sets out to debunk the myths about our neighbor to the north, focusing on aspects of Canadian culture, natural wonders and favorite pastimes. Guests enjoy the splendor of Horseshoe Falls, ice skate on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal and get up close and personal with a curling game. Of course, as Martin Short would surely agree, one of Canada’s greatest resources is its talented celebrities. One such celebrity, 2006 Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila, sings a rousing tune, “Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey)” at the conclusion of the film.
DIStracted Tip: The theater is stationary, however, Guests may experience a floating sensation during portions of the film. Use the provided rails to counteract this sensation.
Reflections of China
This Circle-Vision 360° film is housed in a recreation of the historic Temple of Heaven. A Cast Member, this time clad in a traditional silk robe, will share a bit of information on his or her home Province. Guests who pay attention to the spiel will even learn a few words in Chinese.
DIStracted Tip: If you have a few minutes to spare before the next showing of Reflections of China, step over to the adjacent House of the Whispering Willows and view the one-third-scale reproduction of the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang.
Tang Dynasty Poet Li Bai is the narrator for this 13 minute film. Reflections of China juxtaposes China’s most ancient traditions, such as Tai Chi, with the modern bustling city of Shanghai and treats Guests to impressive vistas of Chinese icons including the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Along the way, Guests also visit other spectacular locales including the expansive Gobi Dessert and the water locked city of Suzhou – which Marco Polo nicknamed the “Venice of the East.”
The next time you visit World Showcase, be sure to catch one or both of these films and take a trip to Canada and China – all while keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground!
Nicole says
Just wanted to note a correction. For the O Canada, it is Canadian Idol winner, Eva Avila, not American Idol winner! 🙂
Renee Virata says
Thank you Nicole, we have made the correction.