New scaffolding, construction walls, and scrim has gone up in Canada Pavilion within World Showcase at EPCOT.
Construction Begins in Canada Pavilion
A construction wall has been erected just next to the Trading Post within Canada Pavilion in World Showcase at EPCOT. This wall blocks access to the higher tiers of the pavilion space.
Scaffolding, metal platforms, and scrim tower several floors up the side of Hotel du Canada, preparing a safe space for construction crew to refresh the building’s exterior.
The gardens in Canada are still accessible, as is the entrance to the Le Cellier Steakhouse.
Disney describes Hotel du Canada as follows:
Your journey “north” to the Canada pavilion includes a spectacular tribute to the nation’s natural wonders, such as the majestic Rocky Mountains, a 30-foot waterfall, and beautifully landscaped grounds that are inspired by Victoria’s Butchart Gardens. But you simply can’t miss one of the more striking man-made landmarks in the pavilion: the Hotel du Canada, inspired by the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. The hotel was commissioned by railroad magnate Charles Melville Hays, who was extending his Grand Trunk Pacific Railway west, and envisioned several deluxe hotels along the route. The hotel was impeccably furnished within and boasted a façade that featured Italian marble, Indiana limestone, and a copper roof. One hundred and five years after its grand opening, the Chateau Laurier is still welcoming guests to this day.
The entrance of Le Cellier is a different color scheme as the rest of the structure. Since this has not historically been the case, it is possible the building will be repainted. This has not been officially announced or confirmed, though.
We did not see any crew actively working at the site just yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as there’s any development.
Other Construction Projects in EPCOT
In addition to the refurbishment work being done in Canada Pavilion, several other construction projects are in progress or nearly wrapping up.
World Celebration is currently under construction and when finished, it will serve as primary hub for the entire park. It will feature new nighttime lights, exhibition spaces, music venues and room for food kiosks intended to expand festival opportunities at EPCOT and promote an ethos of community. This will all be split between CommuniCore Hall, a flexible indoor space, and CommuniCore Plaza — an outdoor event space. A new Mickey & Friends character meet-and-greet is also set to debut.
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana is also due to complete later this year.
According to Disney, the new space in World Celebration will also feature gardens and a restful seating area:
World Celebration will offer a beautiful hub divided into several different gardens, with a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo. Filled with ample seating and shade, you’ll be invited to connect with one another and the nature around you in this lush new area. Each of these gardens will have their own identities, and they’ll change along with the festivals throughout the year.
A new statue will also be installed in an area known as Dreamers Point, with Walt Disney resting upon some steps and gazing upon the final idea he conceived and began developing before his passing.
What are your theories on the new construction work being done here? We’d love to see your opinions in the comments below.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.