The American Adventure show is the best show in all of the World Showcase. (Yes, technically it’s the only show in the World Showcase.) This theater houses a very long (for Disney) show on American history.
For every red blooded American (green blooded Americans won’t like this), this show is an inspiration and will have you singing the song …
America, spread your golden wings … (Dad sings good)
The American Adventure
Picture by Jeff_B
When to visit
You can visit this attraction just about any time. You will only have to wait the length of one show. If you show up and it’s 30 minutes until the next show, run over to Liberty Inn or one of the concession carts and grab a snack, but don’t miss …
The Preshow
The Voices of Liberty perform before almost every show. This a cappella group sings inspiring songs. This is one of the best preshow’s in all of Disney World.
Dad’s Voices of Liberty page
The Voices of Liberty
Photo by Samantha Decker
The Attraction
After the Voices of Liberty finish, you will be directed up a set of escalators through the flags of nations into the theater which holds more than 1000 people. Mark Twain and Ben Franklin lead guests through time. You see several famous scenes –
- The Pilgrims and the Mayflower
- The Boston Tea Party
- The writing of the Declaration of Independence
- Valley Forge and the Revolutionary War
- Slavery and the Civil War
- The suffering of Native Americans
- The Philadelphia Centennial Exposition
- The founding of Yosemite National Park
- World Wars I and II
- A series of images depicting the people and events of recent history
“Performers” in the scenes include Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Alexander Graham Bell, Teddy Roosevelt, Charles Lindbergh, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. They have movements that are very lifelike. The Imagineers have designed scenes where the figures seem to make eye contact and even to respond to things like the wind.
Brother can you spare a dime
Photo by Express Monorail
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting tidbits –
- The stage is actually a massive turntable with several scenes that rotate. It’s a technological marvel.
- The auditorium is surrounded by 12 statues. There are 6 on each side. These represent the “Spirits of America”.
- The film is the longest of all of the Disney attractions. It’s over 3,300 feet long.
- Mark Twain is seen actually smoking a cigar. He’s the first audio-animatronic to be seen smoking.
- There are 35 audio-animatronic figures in the scenes.
The Statues
Photo by Express Monorail
History
This attraction first opened with EPCOT in October of 1982.
- The attraction was given a facelift in 1993 and again in 2007.
- September 11 footage was added in 2007 along with more of the “I have a dream” speech.
Dad’s Ride Information Table
The American Adventure |
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Description: A quick trip through the history of America | ||||||||||||
Height Requirement – none | Fastpass:no | Length of Ride: 30 minutes | ||||||||||
Type of ride: Sit down show in a nice cool air-conditioned room | ||||||||||||
Dad’s Ratings
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Other Information: A nice place for the kids to take a quick, cool nap. |
Dad’s the American Adventure Pavilion page
The Fine Print
Here’s some small print information
- Assisting Listening Receivers may be used at this attraction, they are available at Guest Relations
- Guest may stay in the wheelchair, motorized scooter or ECV to enjoy this attraction.
Dad’s Bottom Line
The show tells the story of America. History can be boring to some, but the scenes and the movie are really inspiring.