Everything You Need to Know About The American Adventure

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on The American Adventure at EPCOT!

What is The American Adventure?

The American Adventure is an elaborate presentation of major moments in American History through the use of film, audio-animatronics, massive sets, and stirring music.

Where is The American Adventure?

The American Adventure is located inside the massive colonial-style building at the center of the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase.

What is the History of The American Adventure?

The American Adventure show is an engineering marvel and took Imagineers 5 years to create! The show opened with the park on October 1, 1982; and apart from an upgrade in 1993 and several changes to the final montage film, the show has changed very little since EPCOT’s opening day.

What You Need to Know About the Queue

The American Adventure show building is the centerpiece of the pavilion and inspired by Independence Hall, Monticello, and the Old State House in Boston. Guests entering the massive building with its dome-shaped ceiling will find famous quotes and American artwork on the wall, as well as the American Heritage Gallery. This is also where the Voices of Liberty, an incredible a capella group dressed in period attire, perform throughout the day.

When it’s approaching showtime, a Cast Member will usher guests up escalators or stairs through the impressive Hall of Flags. This hall showcases 44 flags that have been flown throughout the country’s history.

What You Need to Know About the Experience

The American Adventure is a 29-minute show hosted by audio-animatronic figures of Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin. Impressive sets and 35 incredible audio-animatronic characters representing important eras in American History rise from the stage floor and range from The Civil War to the Great Depression. The show concludes with a video montage of other historical moments and individuals set to the show’s incredible theme music: “Golden Dream.”

What You Need to Know About the Theater

The American Adventure theater is massive and can hold 1,024 guests! Also, in true Disney fashion, every individual seat is padded and offers a great view of the stage and screen. On either side of the theater are six statues representing the spirit of American values. For instance, the spirit of tomorrow is a mother and child while the spirit of self-reliance is a farmer.

Behind a stage almost half the size of a football field is a 28-by-155–foot rear-projection screen— the largest ever used—on which motion picture images are interwoven with onstage action.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility

Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV for this show. Ears to the World, Disney’s Show Translator, is capable of translating this experience into French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, or Spanish. The service is complimentary and devices can be picked up at the Guest Relations service counter.

What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories

There are no health or safety advisories for The American Adventure!

What are the Height Requirements?

There are no height requirements for this show!

Does The American Adventure Offer FastPass+?

No, The American Adventure show doesn’t offer FastPass+. However, due to theater’s large capacity, the only wait you’ll experience for this show is waiting for the next show.

Does Weather Affect The American Adventure?

No. Since The American Adventure show and its queue are both indoors, inclement weather will not impact guests or the show’s operation.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience The American Adventure?

The largest crowds usually appear from around 1:30 to 3:30 p.m; but again, due to the theater’s capacity, it’s unusual not to experience the next performance due to crowds.

Did I answer all of your questions about The American Adventure? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.