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Epcot World Showcase - The American Adventure
Epcot World Showcase - The American Adventure
The American Adventure is, as would be expected, one of the larger pavilions in Epcot' s World Showcase and is the southern most point of Epcot. The US display is the official host of World Showcase and features dining, entertainment and shopping set in Georgian style classic buildings. The architecture was inspired by various examples taken from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Boston' s Old State House and the personal home of Thomas Jefferson in Minicello, which he designed and built himself. Styles from the colonial city of Williamsburg are also evident throughout the display.
Entertainment:
' An American Adventure' is a theatrical audio-animatronic show located inside the main pavilion hall. The show uses moving sets, filmed images and lighting effects to showcase notable events throughout American history.
With narration by historic figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, the show depicts scenes from various historical periods and shows an insight into the lives of American citizens. Benjamin Franklin was chosen to represent the 18th century and Mark Twain was the representative for the 19th century.
The lifelike ' cast' were designed and built by the Walt Disney Imagineering team and the production itself took over five years to develop. It is hailed as one of the most technically challenging staging techniques in operation today and uses over 20 computers to control and direct the show. The computers are assisted by a 65 foot by 35 foot, 175 ton scene changer that uses hydraulics to lift the scenes into place. Known as ' The War Wagon' , the scene changer uses ten different sets that move backward and forward as and when required.
The America Gardens Theatre is an outdoor amphitheater located right opposite the pavilion overlooking Showcase Lagoon and is host to a variety of shows and performances which change regularly. Take a seat and enjoy one of the live acts or musical concerts performed on an open-air stage. Check the time guide at Epcot to see what is scheduled during your stay.
The theatre is home to two extremely popular annual shows - the ' Eat to the Beat Concerts' which are held during the Fall Food and Wine Festival and ' Flower Power Concerts' which are held during the Flower and Garden Festival.
The Voices of Liberty is an 8 strong capella group that perform a variety of patriotic songs inside the Pavilion dressed in their traditional finery. The 15 minute musical tribute to America is a pre-show to ' The American Adventure' and the group perform favorites such as ' America the Beautiful' ' Star Spangled Banner' and ' Amazing Grace' . Billed as the ' US vocal ambassadors of the world' , The Voices of Liberty have so far performed for five US Presidents.
They perform in the pavilion rotunda several times a day, so be sure to check the Epcot Times Guide.
The Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps regales outdoor spectators in front of the American pavilion with their patriotic performance and splendid military formations. The colonial-era troup use 18th century reproductions to play a rousing tribute to America' s fight for freedom with renditions of God Bless America, Yankee Doodle Dandy and other traditional tunes from America' s musical heritage.
Inside the Pavilion, you can find several exhibits including the Hall of Flags, the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection and the American Heritage Gallery.
Dining:
The Liberty Inn is a counter service restaurant serving traditional American favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and fries.
Funnel Cake Kiosk - this American fairground favourite is just delicious and can be topped with ice cream and fruit.
Shopping:
The Heritage Manor Gift store offers a selection of souvenirs along with cd' s for Voices of Liberty shows. You can also purchase ' Gemini Specs' which can be used for the evening IllumiNations show. By using the glasses, the word USA sparkles around the feature you are viewing.
There is also a pin cart and a Kodak Kiosk.
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