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Circus Splendor & Luxury Digs at Walt Disney World

by Mira Friedlander

There’s a good reason to visit Orlando’s Walt Disney World these days.

Cirque du Soleil’s newest show, "La Nouba", has found a permanent home there and it’s sensational. This circus-with-a-difference (no animals, lots of traditional acts performed with new twists, a live orchestra and a theatrical framework), has designed this show as a surrealist, urban vision, with the circus characters in bright, neon colours and the "Urbanites" in dark, sombre tones.

It begins with a parade of characters -- a strutting acrobat naked to the waist and flexing his biceps, a dainty ballerina, clowns, tumblers and a punk Hercules called Tom -- all woven through the show both as circus acts and onstage personalities. Dancers continually frame the action creating abstract impressions that are wonderful to watch.

In one particularly stunning sequence, a man sits perched dead still on his bicycle on a starkly lit platform as it rises from the belly of the stage, then hops his two-wheeler down a set of stairs and rides into the audience, bouncing up the aisles on one wheel and riding across the theatre's mid-aisle.

In another, four trapeze artists miss one another by a hair as they perform in perfect synchronization 53 feet above the stage, while two Russian high wire performers execute 360-spins and somersaults.

In "Aerial Silks" a number of flowing red ribbons unwind from the rafters to support the athletes as they soar out into the audience, spinning and twirling with grace and agility. The effect is moving, demonstrating not only strength and flexibility, but also a stunning aesthetic beauty.

The same is true of two identical twin brothers, who perform acrobatic feats inside two spinning six-and-a-half feet wheels, perfect slow motion mirrors to one another.

These elements blend again at the end of the show, with a trampoline act to end all trampoline acts. One of the platforms rises up to become the hollowed-out frame of a three-story house, its windows lit from within and casting shadows into the world beyond. Below, a group of acrobats begin rhythmically jumping on two trampolines set up against the side of the house, while on the floor below them, another group tumbles in a huge cross-like design.

As Benoit Jutras' pounding musical score intensifies, they begin to walk sideways up the wall of the house, occasionally landing on the roof, at other times flipping in through the windows. The precision is astounding, the effect thrilling - a perfect example of choreographer Debra Brown at her best.

Although the acts are international, the creative team behind "La Nouba" is Canadian and it is this Quebecois sensibility combined with a Las Vegas production standard, that is enabling Cirque du Soleil to perform seven shows on three continents this year alone.

The white concrete, tent-like structure in Downtown Disney's West Side dominates the landscape and it’s accessible on foot from the hotel where I choose to spend part of my time. The new Wyndham Palace Resort (it was the Buena Vista until January, when the chain took it over) is not a Disney hotel, but is on Disney property, so there’s the perk of free bus service to all the various parks.

Architecturally, the views at the Wyndham are spectacular. Each room in the tower section offers a panorama, and at Arthur's, the fine dining restaurant, art work comes in second to sprawling views. All the tables are positioned so that everyone can look out. Aside from the excellent cuisine offered here, it is the romantic setting that really appeals.

But the Wyndham's biggest draw for both foot-weary tourists and mind-weary executives, may well be the wonderful spa. Lots of hotels in the area are well appointed and some offer spa services, but none as comprehensive. It surrounds a bucolic courtyard where you can lounge between treatments, taking in the soothing atmosphere through one-way windows.

The outdoor whirlpool has its own wee nook surrounded by hedges and there is a spa chef who prepares a nutritionally-balanced menu that can also be delivered to the room.

A great deal of thought has been given to personal privacy and the women's locker rooms feature a couple of separate change areas, while the showers can be turned into individual steam rooms with the push of a button.

Another unique touch is a mini-market on the property where you can buy basic food items and alcohol. It helps avoid hefty mini-bar and room service charges.

Three pools (four if you count the spa lap pool) and a spacious outdoor recreational area reached by footbridge over a winding river, as well as large, airy rooms, all add up to a hotel that delivers what it promises - sophistication without stuffiness.

If you're going to be busy exploring theme parks and want a break from the Disney culture in your off-time, the Wyndham combination of access with independence, is a good choice.

-Updated 3-29-99-

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