The American Adventure

Audio-Animatronics, film and music bring America’s past to life during this 30-minute show at the American Adventure Pavilion.

“Parliament’s Colonial policy is both arbitrary and unjust!”

On the far side of World Showcase lagoon stands the host pavilion of EPCOT – The American Adventure. The deceivingly large structure is a prime example of Disney using forced perspective to make a five-story building look three stories shorter. The Colonial building rises majestically over its surrounding in an effort to make it as visible as possible from all points around the lagoon; however, it’s what’s inside that truly counts and is sure to please even a garden-variety patriot and stir their love for a country that has survived uncomfortable missteps and continues to chisel its way into the future in hopes of achieving and maintaining a Democratic Republic in an age where differing views may make it feel impossible to some.

Merely stepping into the pavilion’s rotunda is enough to take one’s breath away surrounded by paintings from throughout the years that are decoratively placed around the room which pulls guests in all directions to catch a momentary glimpse of artists’ renderings of how we came to be and who led us along the path. 

Guests are then taken upstairs via an escalator (or elevator for ECVs and wheelchairs), traveling through the Hall of Flags which displays several hundred years of various state flags that have evolved over time, some to remain, others to be removed at the behest of history’s evolution. The enormous theater that awaits is adorned with statues representing American values and intentions. While some of these statues may be in honor of specific people, they are not presented as such, and the decision is left to guests on their meanings.

Once the curtain rises, guests are introduced to the hosts: American icons Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain who start the story of America with the hardships that befell the Pilgrims upon landing on a new terra. This story continues through the introduction of voting rights for women, the Great Depression and its effect on Americans, and various wars–including an appearance by the symbolic Rosie the Riveter who hopes the conflict will be over before Christmas. All of this is wrapped up by a tear-jerking, if not slightly mawkish, film montage that shows American events in a truncated manner, but including historical moments such as the 9/11 attacks, Arthur Ashe breaking the color barrier in tennis, and various other notable Americans.

Following the presentation, there’s usually a pep in the step of audience members as they exit the theater with the sounds of “Golden Dream” echoing through their heads. Theme Park Patriotism Level unlocked.

Behind the Schemes:

The massive theater is constructed in such a way that it is impossible for audiences to get a good glimpse of the mind-blowing assortment of Audio-Animatronics that are featured in the attraction. These are hidden on levels beneath the stage and a gigantic rotating platform, all of which make up and area known among Imagineers as the “War Wagon.” The ability to turn a giant wheel and bring up a whole new scene in a short period of time ensures that the attraction keeps moving seamlessly and no one is the wiser as to how much space is being used to arrange the entertainment.

One of the toughest challenges Imagineers faced while creating The American Adventure was figuring out how to get American humorist Will Rogers to successfully spin a lasso as he spoke. Nonetheless, the solution was achieved, and the character still wields his rope to this day.

Reality Check:

Disney veteran Dallas McKennon provided the voice for Benjamin Franklin and has a long history of voiceover work for Disney, including voices in Pinocchio, Lady and the Tramp, and 101 Dalmatians. He also voiced at least five animated characters in Mary Poppins alone, and Zeke in The Country Bears Jamboree attraction at the Magic Kingdom. Mark Twain was voiced by John Anderson, who might be familiar to Alfred Hitchcock fans as the used car salesman in the 1960 classic, Psycho.

The song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime” came from the 1932 musical revue, Americana. It is considered one of the most famous songs from the Great Depression era and has been covered by such singers as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, and Tom Waits.

“Golden Dream” is performed by Richard Page, who found success in the 1980s with his band Mr. Mister, as well as singer Siedah Garrett who has performed backing vocals for such artists/groups as Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, and Jennifer Hudson who helped Garrett win a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Love You I Do,” which was featured in the hit film Dreamgirls.

Guests should take a little extra time and go into the rotunda during the waiting period for the next show. This increases the possibility of getting to see the Voices of Liberty perform and they are outstanding. Their short program consists of several patriotic choral songs and the sound inside can be eerily stimulating when standing in various spots.