Yep, Ben Franklin and Mark Twain host this animatronic and filmed review of United States history. If the Hall of Presidents tells the story of America from the perspective of the Oval Office, the American Adventure offers a broader narrative on how the nation got to where it is today. (Or, where it was - more or less - around 1980, when Epcot opened.)
The show hits the highlights of any basic U.S. history course - the Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the westward expansion - but it doesn't ignore the bitter moments in the nation's history, either, including slavery and the Native American genocide.
Personally, I love the show for its choice of hosts. There seems to be a movement today to paint the nation's founding fathers as pious men, motivated by religious calling. In Franklin and Twain, you couldn't find two more sarcastic, God(okay, Christian)-mocking examples to blow up that mistaken assumption about our nation's past. (True, you don't see anywhere near the full range of Franklin's and Twain's sharper attitudes written into in this show, but still, having them up there helps cut the cloying, rah-rah jingoism that threatens to bog down shows like this.)
Here's a clip from the middle of the show, which demonstrates that Disney was using the "Ken Burns effect" to animate still images long before Burns took over PBS pledge drive weeks. (Disney tech geeks should also note that this show offered the first example of an Audio Animatronic walking, too!)
What's your take on The American Adventure? We'd love to hear your thoughts, in the comments.
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Still, this attraction is fantastic and I like how they do not shy away from some of America's imperfections.
I could say much about this great attraction, but I can''t leave withhout talking about the music, especially Two Brothers during the Civil War. Chilling music!
If anybody ever has the cash and time, please make sure you take a tour of backstage EPCOT. You visit the American Adventure and the technology that goes behind putting on this show is pure Disney magic!
If for no other reason, this attraction should be experienced for it's technical execution alone. The various set peices rising from the stage, featuring beautifully detailed and articulated animatronics are some of Disney's best ever. Ben Franklin walking is a nice change of pace as opposed to other AA figures whose feet are often bolted into one spot and move from the waist up.
Really, with only a handfull of other attractions to experience at World Showcase, American Adventure easily ranks as the top, "Disney style" attraction to see. Maelstrom and Grand Fiesta Tour being the only other two really. I don't count those dreadful, archaic and lazy 360degree theater travelogues they try to pass of as something to do at WS.
Mostly this section of the park is reserved for shopping, drinking, dining and shotgun globe trotting, but if you're in the mood to take in an attraction at The World Showcase, do not let this gem slip by.
I am no historian, but is that God-mocking? Plus Franklin was well-known to have thanked God everyday for beer and wine! =)
Oh well, the American Adventure is still a really good attraction regardless of your reasoning. One that WDI should be very proud to have imagined.
I think the point is that its not a flag waving patriotism exercise that many American things have become, but rather a show about the good, bad, and complexities that make this nation great: Different backgrounds, different ideas, but the ability to work together to make America better.
Interestingly enough, Anthony, one of the reasons I like the American Adventure is that while it is [mostly] honest and fair, it still manages to offer an ample dose of "flag waving patriotism" as you so eloquently put it. I for one find it difficult to walk out of that theater without feeling uplifted by the portrayal of good, old-fashioned, American ideals, like self-reliance, honesty, integrity, equality, compassion, and liberty. Moreover, the American Adventure seems to be boldly stating that while America has not yet reached the summit of its greatness, it has all the elements in place to achieve it.
I like that sentiment -- a lot.
And back to your comment, I don’t think there is enough "flag waving patriotism" going on these days....
word to america!!!!
Even more so, I love Luis' signature on every one of these threads. "Word to the yeti" killed me.
It's a solid attraction, ranking somewhere around an 8-Commendable, but France's film gives it a solid run for its money.
Word to Luis!
What a fantastic experience and a testament to WED's skills in the late seventies and early eighties. Guys like Randy Bright are every bit as much "Disney Legends" as the greats that preceeded them a generation before.
word!
Not enough? I guess you are right, but you can't beat the closing montage. Makes me proud to be an American, especially after the changes.
But Rao, I always like your views. Now only if I could change your mind on a certain Cruise that goes through a jungle.
Anyhoo, ideas and opinions are supposed to excite and even incite people. So, props to Mr. Niles, his opinion started the comments flowing, and that's really what this web site is all about!
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As a non-American I approached it warily (the HOP only just stays on the correct side of OTT patriotism for my taste) but the AA is a great potted history of the States, told in a way that only a Disney attraction can.
The exhibits and the Voices Of Liberty vocal group located in the lobby are also well worth checking out.
The exhibition items help flesh out a lot of information the show provided and I won't be skipping it again!