American Experience?

[cherokeemamma]

Could you please tell me anout the American Experience? or is it American Adventure?
I was wondering about this show. Do you recommend it? How long is it? Will children like it? Where exactly is it located?

I have read very little about this. We have only been to WDW once and we're going again in Sept. I am trying to plan to do the things we missed last time...so tell me what you think.

Thanks

 

[hezreck]

Since you haven't done it before I would say to try it once. It has come really good animatronics and a good history lesson. We took DD when she was 6, but I think if we would have taken her any younger she would have been bored. The only reason she liked it at 6 it there was an animatronic horse in it and she LOVES horses. I think it's only about 20-25 minutes, but to me it seemed longer.

 

[eeyoregirl]

The American Experience is a very patriotic, moving lesson starting with the earliest Americans to present day, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of each generation. It is NOT to be missed. Mark Twain and Ben Franklin are the hosts.

 

[Bev J]

Very moving and very patriotic...Also fantastic AC in a comfortable seat. The preshow is also very good.
I think your kids will like it, if not they will get a break, maybe even a short nap....

Bev

 

[rie'smom]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rie'smom
I used to think it was patrotic. Last time I saw it 2 years ago,all it did was point out all we did wrong as a nation.Slavery,ill-treatment of Native Americans,etc. While I abhor both of those, I left feeling more embarassed to be an American than proud. It used to be very patriotic-would bring tears to my eyes and a soaring feeling in my heart. Apparently,the PC police have gotten hold of this attraction.
Hopefully,it's changed.

American Adventure opened in October of 1982. In 1993, it was updated by upgrading some of the audioanimatronic figures and the film near the end was updated also. They also re-wrote the parts after the film (the wrap up/summary).
The segments that talked about slavery, the Civil War, Native Americans were not changed in the update and have been essentially the same since the attraction opened.
__________________
SueM in MN

I have seen this show a number of times since Epcot opened. In fact,we were there when it was opened to VIPs sometime in summer 1982 and believe me it was different. This topic came up at work about a month ago and co-workers stated how much it had changed. We are basing our opinions on the actual experience of having seen it. We are not relying on reading someone else's commentary.
In any event, last time I checked we are entitled to our own opinions unless we are all expected to drink the Kool-Aid. All I did was respond to the OP's request for an opinion.

 

[TikiGoddess]

We really enjoyed it. My four year old sat through it really well. While it wasn't his favorite attraction of all time he said he liked it. I thought it was very well executed and the animatronics were amazing. Try to get there early enough to hear the singers in the lobby. They had incredible voices. I think they're called Voices of Liberty.

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

The show itself is 28 minutes long and very patriotic. While it does address the past shortcomings of this nation, it also addresses how great men like Abraham Lincoln worked to right those wrongs. And it is inside and air conditioned, so it certainly provides an enjoyable and cool rest for tired bodies from the Florida heat.

 

[karrit2000]

I love this show. I don't get to do it on every trip but I always enjoy it when I see it. It is one of those brings tears to your eyes and puts a lump in your throat kind of shows. It is a wonderful history lesson.

 

[PolyPal]

Go see it! One of the absolute best presentations at Disney World. Super patriotic, the show describes how American ideals and freedoms helped overcome the obstacles our country has faced and offers hope for the country's future. You will be proud to be an American!

America spread your golden dreams sail on freedom's wings across the sky!

 

[ilovemcbride]

I've never seen it. I've always wanted to, but never seem to have the time. Now that I've heard how good it is I guess I'll have to make time!

 

[jeankeri]

Very much enjoyed it when we went last November. Didn't recall any feeling of embarrassment by any of the subjects touched upon. In fact, I was surprised by how moved I was by the entire presentation.

 

[bluedoggy]

I am playing my Happiest Celebration on Earth CD and they just played "Golden Dream" from American Adventure- this attraction is NOT TO BE MISSED- From the "Voices of Liberty" Singers that perform numerous times each day in the Pre-show- to the displays in the lobby - and the show itself- it truly will give you chills, as you take a trip through the history of the USA. I even know some people from South Africa who were overwhelmed to tears when they saw it. This is at the top of our list every trip we take, only 6 months until we get to "go home" again Enjoy!

 

[disneyfan6301]

This is a must do for us on every trip. We all three love it. It is an excellent history lesson "brought to life" out of the book. I am moved to tears each time I see it. I keep waiting for them to update the movie at the end and add more recent events. Whether they do or not, it is a great attraction.

 

[Jakesmom1]

This is one of my absolute favorites. If you enjoy the Hall of Presidents at MK you will enjoy this.

I am probably in the minority though, my DH thinks it's time for a nap when ever we go, but my DS 12 seems to enjoy it.

Be sure to see it at least once, I find it very moving.

 

[SueM in MN]

I used to think it was patrotic. Last time I saw it 2 years ago,all it did was point out all we did wrong as a nation.Slavery,ill-treatment of Native Americans,etc. While I abhor both of those, I left feeling more embarassed to be an American than proud. It used to be very patriotic-would bring tears to my eyes and a soaring feeling in my heart. Apparently,the PC police have gotten hold of this attraction.
Hopefully,it's changed.

American Adventure opened in October of 1982. In 1993, it was updated by upgrading some of the audioanimatronic figures and the film near the end was updated also. They also re-wrote the parts after the film (the wrap up/summary).
The segments that talked about slavery, the Civil War, Native Americans were not changed in the update and have been essentially the same since the attraction opened.

 

[Piglet4Ever]

Dh and I love this attraction too and it is always one of our must do's when we are at Epcot, we never miss it!!

 

[madalex]

Saw this show once because it was recommended so highly. It was boring and it will be a long time before I do it again. We saw it in the late afternoon with two kids that we 10 and 4 at the time. Everyone but me fell asleep during the show!

 

[tink1978]

Your child will probably not like The American Adventure. However, it gives everyone a chance to rest. My son always gets in a short nap. It is nice and adults enjoy it.

 

[loveswdw]

The last time we watched AA I was pregnant with my DS. We think he must've really liked the music because he just kept moving and kicking the heck out of me through the whole thing!

My DH and I both like this show but beware...you get in a comfortable seat and get in the A/C in the middle of the day and before you know it... zzzzzz. We are both notorious for zonking out here. Of course, its not just here. The Hall of Presidents, Spaceship Earth, Circle of Life film, anything dark and cool. Puts us both out like a light!

 

[cherokeemamma]

Thanks so much for the tips and info. I look forward to seeing this on our upcoming trip.