The Resorts Gal Guide to the American Adventure at Epcot

The American Adventure is one of the most interesting productions at Epcot and Walt Disney World. The attraction features over 35 audio-animatronics and digital rear-projection images displayed on a 72-foot screen.

Below, we’ll visit the attraction, which is in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot. 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.

Signage for The American Adventure attraction, an Epic Theatrical Event — The American Adventure Showtimes

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

The American Adventure	Epcot Attraction
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., wheelchair, 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?

entrance to The American Adventure attraction in Epcot

Showtimes for the next performance of The American Adventure are posted outside the entrance to the mansion. They are also listed in the My Disney Experience app. If you have some time before the next performance, you might want to tour 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.

The American Adventure attraction signage that says 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, 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.

guests riding the escalator up to the second floor of the American Adventure attraction

This area is known as the Hall of Flags. It contains various flags that have been hung in the United States over the course of the country’s existence.

flags hanging from the ceiling representing the United States

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.

the open lobby upstairs before you enter the theater

You can look down to the rotunda where you were previously waiting.

looking down to the lower level of the American Adventure

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?

guests filling in the rows of the theater with red carpet, blue and red chairs, and red curtains

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.

the stage is covered with red royal curtains with gold tassel trim

Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain soon appear. They are discussing the history and future of the United States of America.

Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain animatronics

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.

screen with the pilgrims ship arriving in America

the movie acknowledges the tough times of those who first came to America

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.

an animatronic of John Hancock penning the declaration of Independence

the screen shows 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.

a family having their portrait taken in the Two Brothers scene

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.

Innovation of the United States and women's movement representation in the American Adventure

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.

animatronics representing the Great Depression on the porch of a Post Office and General Store

Unfortunately, the World Wars were not far behind.

animatronics volunteering for efforts in the World War

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.

shows United States gymnastics team receiving gold medals

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.

Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin animatronics on the final scene of the American Adventure

The Resorts Gal Spin on The American Adventure

We give 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 taken the time to see this performance, maybe it’s time. It’s an inspiring history with many bumps along the way.

Resorts Gal Traffic Signals

Green Light

We give an attraction the green light if we consider it a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also give the green light for attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime. For example, some attractions have high capacities. Therefore, the lines continuously move and you shouldn’t have a long wait unless the attraction experiences downtime.

Red Light

We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later. We also red light some attractions that we feel might not be suitable based on our experience.

For more attractions, you might enjoy our Epcot Planning Guide. Or the following individual reviews:

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.

In the Comments

Have you seen the American Adventure at Epcot? What do you think of this show? Leave us a comment below.