The American Adventure at Epcot

The American Adventure is one of Epcot’s most interesting productions. The attraction takes place in a theater and features over 35 audio-animatronics with digital rear-projection images displayed on a 72-foot screen. Below, we’ll visit the attraction in the American Adventure Pavilion. We’ll discuss whether you should take the time to see this performance, the best time to see it, and what to expect. Let’s take a closer look.

Here’s a quick reference chart with a few specifics.

The American Adventure	Epcot
Location:	America Pavilion
Height Requirement:	No
Early Theme Park Entry:	No
Extended Evening Hours:	No
Our Traffic Signal:	Green Light
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.

Additional Info: Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs while experiencing this attraction. Assistive listening, audio description, and handheld captioning are available. Details for those with mobility issues (e.g., wheelchairs, ECVs) are available on Disney.com.

The American Adventure Review

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 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?

Showtimes for the next performance of The American Adventure are posted outside the mansion entrance. They are also listed in the My Disney Experience app. If you have time before the next performance, consider touring the nearby American Heritage Gallery.

A sign near the attraction’s entrance lists the narrators and significant American legends. Ben Franklin and Mark Twain hosted the American Adventure.

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, 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 using wheelchairs, ECVs, or who have other accessibility needs.

This area is known as the Hall of Flags. It contains various flags that have been flown in the United States throughout the country’s history.

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 at 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. The story naturally 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 who served in the Civil War. One was a Yankee, the other a Confederate.

As they have their family portrait taken, the brothers mention 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 the treatment of 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 among our country’s strengths.

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 made 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 winning gold 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. Hopefully, we’ll remember our history’s mistakes and not repeat them.

The Resorts Gal Spin on The American Adventure

We’re giving The American Adventure the green light. You can see it anytime. Yes, seeing The American Adventure is a huge time commitment. However, for most, it’s likely warranted. If you’ve visited Epcot more times than you can count and haven’t seen this performance, maybe it’s time. It’s an inspiring history with many bumps along the way.

In the Comments

Have you ever seen the American Adventure at Epcot? Let us know in the comments below.