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The American Adventure

Explore the walkways and gardens surrounding the classic Georgian-style pavilion and experience America as it was like during the colonial years!
Location:Epcot
World Showcase
Type of Attraction:Indoor theater show
Height Restrictions:None
Typical Wait Time:5-20 minutes
Is It Scary?Nothing scary here!

Quick Links:

Magical Moments
Hidden Mickeys & Other Secrets
Did You Know…?
Touring Tips
Photo Gallery

Inside the pavilion you’ll find the American Adventure, a theater presentation that explores the rich history of the United States. Your (Animatronic) hosts are Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. Along the way you’ll also see and hear from George Washington, Frederick Douglass, Franklin Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Will Rogers, and Alexander Graham Bell (among others).

The presentation combines stunning visual effects, film, and detailed sets to create a stirring and patriotic presentation.

Other entertainment includes the Voices of Liberty, an a cappella group singing patriotic songs. Voices of Liberty performs in the rotunda of the pavilion, usually about 15 minutes prior to the next showing of the American Adventure.

Magical Moments

  • The American Adventure is one of the most spectacular multi-media shows in all of Walt Disney World. Particularly stunning is the life-size Statue of Liberty torch that rises from the stage.
  • Walking through the American Adventure pavilion is a stirring experience. Everything about the building is on a grand scale; you’ll feel as if you’re walking through some of the most historic buildings in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia (and if you haven’t been to either city this gives you a great idea of what they’re like!).
  • During the holiday season the Candlelight Processional is held in the American Theater Gardens. This is one Christmas show that’s not to be missed. The beautiful voices of the choral group are enhanced by the hundreds of candles and decorations to create a holiday spectacular that’s filled with Christmas spirit.
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Hidden Mickeys & Other Secrets

  • At the beginning of the American Adventure show, look behind the kneeling female pilgrim to find a Hidden Mickey in the rocks on the shore.
  • Look very closely and see if you can spot the “smoke” coming from the candle and from Mark Twain’s cigar! You can also see the same effect during the scene with Thomas Jefferson and the final act atop the torch of the Statue of Liberty.
  • At the end of the show, look closely at the fireworks on the right! Hmmm….
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Did You Know...?

  • In the original design for EPCOT, the United States pavilion was actually a two-level structure on stilts. It was to be situated between World Showcase and Futureworld. An attraction would be on the second level, and guests would walk underneath the pavilion to enter World Showcase. However, it was eventually decided to abandon that plan, and instead make the American Adventure the central pavilion in World Showcase since the U.S. was the host country.
  • The American Adventure was originally going to be housed in a contemporary-style building, similar to the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. This pavilion design was later modified to the more traditional American facade that exists today.
  • At one point in the presentation, Benjamin Franklin appears to walk up a flight of stairs. This effect was achieved by attaching wheels to the Benjamin Franklin’s feet, which gave the appearance that he could glide up the steps. The steps are cleverly hidden from view, making the effect seem more impressive.
  • The show makes use of 35 Audio-Animatronic figures and ten different sets. Everything is stored beneath the theater, and a massive device (unofficially dubbed The War Wagon, measuring 65-by-35-by-14 feet and weighing 175 tons), rotates the sets in and out and keeps everything in sync.
  • The 12 statues inside the theater represent the “Spirits of America.” On the left side of the theater you’ll find Individualism, Innovation, Tomorrow, Independence, Compassion, and Discovery. On the right side look for Freedom, Heritage, Pioneering, Knowledge, Self-Reliance, and Adventure.
  • As you make your way to the theater you’ll pass through the Hall of Flags. Here you’ll find a collection of 44 historic flags that have flown over the United States at one time or another. Included are flags from the Revolutionary War, Colonial flags, and flags of foreign countries that once claimed various territories that later became the United States.
  • The Statue of Liberty torch seen during the show finale still has its “patchwork” appearance, despite the fact that the actual torch was upgraded to a gold leaf finish in 1986.
  • During the finale, you might notice that when Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain reach over to shake hands, there is actually a good 2-3 inches of space between them—they don’t actually touch!
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Touring Tips

  • You should be able to visit the American Adventure presentation any time of day, crowds are rarely large and the theater holds a large number of people.
  • Feel free to sit anywhere you like, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
  • While you’re waiting for the next to show to start, you may be entertained by the Voices of Liberty, an a cappella group that performs on the floor of the rotunda.
  • The American Theater Gardens is located on the lagoon side of the pavilion and features a variety of entertainers from around the world performing throughout the year. Be sure to check out your park schedule to see if there are any shows during your visit.Look for the KIDCOT pavilion, where children can color in a special World Showcase mask and have their passports or autograph books signed and stamped (passports can be obtained at most World Showcase gift shops, our Guide to the Magic for Kids book also contains special World Showcase sections with lots of extras).
  • Take a moment to look at all of the statues lining the walls of the theater.
  • For a quick bite, try the Fife & Drum Tavern to the left of the pavilion. Here you’ll find a great assortment of all-American delights including cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken strips and french fries. You can dine inside or out.
  • If you’re in the mood for a classic American treat, be sure to visit the Funnel Cake kiosk to the right of the American Adventure pavilion
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Photo Gallery

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