The American Adventure Attraction at Epcot
In this article, we visit the American Adventure attraction in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot. We’ll discuss whether or not you should take the time to see this performance, the best time to see it, and what to expect.
Epcot’s American Adventure attraction is one of the most interesting productions at Walt Disney World. It features over 35 audio-animatronics and digital rear-projection images displayed on a 72-foot screen.
As of early 2023, the American Adventure attraction is open after undergoing a refurbishment that included a few updates to the theater. We recently visited the pavilion to see the performance and found it as charming as ever.
Let’s take a closer look.
Here’s a quick reference chart with a few specifics.
| The American Adventure | Epcot Attractions |
Location: | America Pavilion |
Height Requirement | N/A |
Type: | Audio-Animatronic Performance about United States History |
Seats Per Vehicle: | Theater |
Duration: | Approximately 30 minutes |
Good For: | Everyone |
Scare Factor: | None |
Must-Do List: | Medium Priority |
Perfect For: | Patriotic Guests and History Buffs |
Special Mention: | Well worth the visit. |
The American Adventure
Picture it. You’re touring the World Showcase at Epcot in the middle of the day. It’s hot, and you don’t care what you do as long as you find a place to cool off and rest.
You reach the American Pavilion and remember that there’s a show inside. You’ve visited before but have never taken the time to see it.
Between the heat and the crowds, thirty minutes in an air-conditioned theater doesn’t sound too bad. So you go inside and discover that the next show starts in less than 10 minutes. Why not?
If you’re in the pavilion, showtimes for the next performance of The American Adventure are posted outside the entrance to the mansion.
If you have some time before the next performance, you might take a few moments to tour the American Heritage Gallery. Currently, it’s home to a Native American exhibit called Creating Traditions.
Near the attraction’s entrance, there’s a sign posted that lists the narrators and significant American legends. For example, the American Adventure is hosted by Ben Franklin and Mark Twain.
Legends include Susan B. Anthony, Alexander Graham Bell, Andrew Carnegie, Frederick Douglass, George Washington, Chief Joseph, Lady Liberty, John Muir, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Will Rogers, and Rosie the Riveter.
If you’ve never visited the American Adventure, you’ll likely be surprised at what’s behind the attraction’s roped-off entrance.
When it’s time to make your way to the theater, a cast member will lead you up the stairs or escalators to the second floor. Elevators are available for those with a wheelchair, ECV, or other accessibility issues.
This area is known as the Hall of Flags and contains various flags that have been hung in the United States over the course of the country’s existence.
When you get upstairs, you begin to realize the area is massive. It’s almost as though someone is giving you a private tour of their mansion.
You can look down to the rotunda where you were previously waiting.
Then you enter the theater. It’s one of those moments when you feel you’re blown away. Wow, all of this was up here?
Each side of the theater is lined with statues representing the American people’s various spirits. For instance, the lady with the book and a bell represents the spirit of knowledge.
Guests can choose any row and walk down the aisle to find a seat.
Before long, the theater will darken, and the performance will begin.
Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain soon appear. They are discussing the history and future of the United States of America.
Ten unique sets are stored underneath the stage. They move up and down during the performance.
Naturally, the story begins with the pilgrims and the Mayflower.
It quickly discusses events like the Boston Tea Party and George Washington at Valley Forge. Then John Hancock is shown penning the Declaration of Independence.
Unfortunately, the storyline moves on to the Civil War.
However, this is one of the most impactful moments in the performance. Audio-animatronic figures depict two brothers that served in the Civil War. One was a Yankee, the other a Confederate.
As they are having their family portrait made, the brothers mention how they might not be together again for a long time. Their mother dismisses the “nonsense” and insists they focus on having their picture taken.
One of the show’s most patriotic songs begins to play in the background. It’s called Two Brothers.
Sadly, slavery and our treatment of the Native Americans are two harsh realities of our nation’s history.
With the bad comes the good. We find that discovery, innovation, and self-reliance are a few of our country’s strong points.
Teddy Roosevelt discusses pioneering into the future and ensuring our country remains strong for future generations.
A brief moment pays homage to Charles Lindbergh.
We make it through the Great Depression.
Unfortunately, the World Wars were not far behind.
At this point, a montage speeds us ahead to the present day. It includes John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Walt Disney, Astronauts-including those on the Challenger, and other significant contributors to America’s history.
Below, we see the women’s gymnastics team with their gold medal win at the 2012 London Olympics.
Lastly, there’s a nod to Lady Liberty as our narrators rejoin the stage.
They discuss how our country is still new compared to the rest of the world. However, they conclude that we have much to look forward to as we move forward. Hopefully, we’ll remember the mistakes of our history and not reproduce them.
Ultimately, seeing The American Adventure is a huge time commitment. However, for most, it’s likely warranted.
And if you’re that person who’s visited Epcot more times than you can count and haven’t taken the time to see this performance–maybe it’s time.
For more countries in the World Showcase, try these other articles:
Related: Epcot Rides List
Resorts Gal specializes in providing reviews of Disney World Hotels. So if you plan on spending a good bit of time at Epcot and Hollywood Studios on your next vacation, you might consider a stay at one of the Disney Skyliner Resorts.
They include:
- Disney’s Riviera Resort Review
- Pop Century Resort Review
- Disney’s Art of Animation Review
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Review
In the Comments
Have you seen the American Adventure at Epcot? What do you think of this show?
