An American Adventure in Epcot with a Toddler

[Susan Storm]

I would really like to see the American Adventure in Epcot, however I'll be traveling with my just-turned two-year-old when I go. Do you think a toddler can sit through this? He's used to sitting during church services and things, but he can get kind of noisy sometimes and I don't want to disrupt things for other people there. Do you think this would be an appropriate or inappropriate thing for me to take him to? I've got no other way of seeing it and doubt we'll be back to visit anytime soon.

 

[Karin1984]

I'm sorry, because I love American Adventure, but I don't think I would go see it with a young child. It's only 30 minutes, but still.
It's just you and your son; No one with you who can babysit for 30 minutes?

I do not know much about children, but maybe it's a good place for a nap for him, during the middle of the day? ;-)
Or maybe if you sit in the back at the aisle all the way at the end? That way if he gets noisy you can pick him up and leave through the door.

 

[wilkeliza]

If you sit at the top and go all the way down the row you can make a quick exit if he can't sit through it. Since it is a stationary building and not a moving attraction like Carousal of Progress I believe you are able to exit you just are not allowed to re-enter.

 

[Robo]

Walk into the theater with everyone else and then walk ALL THE WAY ACROSS the seating... in one of the very top rows.

Take a seat by the exit doors (behind the audience's left) and enjoy the show.
If your child starts getting fussy, you can exit out those doors very quickly.

 

[Susan Storm]

I'm sorry, because I love American Adventure, but I don't think I would go see it with a young child. It's only 30 minutes, but still.
It's just you and your son; No one with you who can babysit for 30 minutes?

I do not know much about children, but maybe it's a good place for a nap for him, during the middle of the day? ;-)
Or maybe if you sit in the back at the aisle all the way at the end? That way if he gets noisy you can pick him up and leave through the door.

Thank you for your help! I think I will try to sit near an exit so if he does start to get noisy I can just get out - at least I will have tried!

 

[KLK622]

I had to carry my 4 year old out of there on Wednesday because he was having a major meltdown...I thought I was sitting on the right side for a quick exit if needed but I wasn't...it was so embarrassing having to carry my crying kid over other people trying to enjoy the show!! So ditto what other people said on sitting near the exit, which is the opposite side of where you enter!

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I agree with the others. Sit near the exit if you have to leave. There is music so maybe he will just sit back and watch. You never know with little one. Maybe he will even catch a nice cool nap.

 

[ajwolfe]

We've never taken time to catch this...What's the movie about?

 

[mrsR123]

I'll bet you'll have a good idea after a couple of other theater shows how he'll do, and the choosing a seat near the exit is a good strategy in case. The dialogue will surely be more than he'll be able to follow, but there is lots of multi-media to watch. Good luck; it's such a great show.

 

[Travis B]

We've never taken time to catch this...What's the movie about?

It's a stage show about American History featuring animatronic figures. It's actually quite cool.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

yes, but most likely he will fall asleep.
I'm sorry, but some of the posts in this thread are a bit absurd. You will find many toddlers at EVERY Disney show.

There are basically only two, maybe three things you can't do with a toddler at WDW: 1. eat at Victoria and Albert's (most toddlers would not want to eat there) and 2. ignore the height restrictions of the thrill-type rides. 3. Leave them unattended.

There is also short list of ill-advised activities. Just basic common sense, like keeping a close eye on them (esp. near pools, roads, and rides).

WDW stimulates the senses all day. You won't know until you go what kind of impact that will have. It could be anything from calm, to tired, to hyper or more even outspoken than normal.

The last time we went to the American show, my whole family just about fell asleep in the darkness. We also didn't like the long pre-show wait.

 

[ArielSRL]

I would really like to see the American Adventure in Epcot, however I'll be traveling with my just-turned two-year-old when I go. Do you think a toddler can sit through this? He's used to sitting during church services and things, but he can get kind of noisy sometimes and I don't want to disrupt things for other people there. Do you think this would be an appropriate or inappropriate thing for me to take him to? I've got no other way of seeing it and doubt we'll be back to visit anytime soon.

I had to take my 9.5 month old out on our last trip but I don't think there is anything wrong with trying to attempt it. We will try it this year with my 2 yr old and 4.5 yr old. and again, I'll just take one or both out if I have to.

 

[ajwolfe]

It's a stage show about American History featuring animatronic figures. It's actually quite cool.

Nice. We will have to check it out..We've done the videos in France and Canada and it wasn't really our thing so I guess we always just lumped this one in with them.

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

It's Disney. There's lots of kids. Sometimes kids are noisy. If you need to take him out, a CM will make sure you can get out. It's not the end of the world and other people will get over it.

 

[BrianL]

Nice. We will have to check it out..We've done the videos in France and Canada and it wasn't really our thing so I guess we always just lumped this one in with them.

Oh, it's WAY better than those films. There are movie portions, but also a lot of animatronics and sets that change as you progress through American history. Also, the entry vestibule is beautiful and if you arrive early you can hear the Voices of Liberty sing and there is a small museum off to the side too.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We've never taken time to catch this...What's the movie about?

It is a glossy retelling of American history with a thick coating of saccharine, perhaps a tad male centric, perhaps favoring the contributions of our British-Americans a little more than some would prefer.

 

[BarrerasFamily]

Hi my daughter who was 18 months (now 14 years-old) at the time made it though just fine. We did sit near the top exit doors just in case, but she thoroughly enjoy the show. As a matter of fact it is now one of her favorite shows right along with the Hall of Presidents and the Carousel of Progress.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Nice. We will have to check it out..We've done the videos in France and Canada and it wasn't really our thing so I guess we always just lumped this one in with them.

Of the three, Canada is probably my favorite. I like the sense of humor, which seems refreshing and true to the spirit of Canada.

The footage of the China film is beautiful.

The France film is pretty, but woefully outdated and so very sleepy. Put me in a dark room with soft classical music and cushiony seats.... Last time we saw it I felt a tad bit bad for nearly nodding off. When the show was over, I looked around. Hot August afternoon. Most folks were stretching and yawning. The rest were using their phones.

 

[pa. dad]

Adults can sometimes fall asleep at the American Adventure.
Not that I'm pointing any fingers at OTHER adults- it hits me that way sometimes too. As for patriotic shows, I'd much prefer the Hall of the Presidents at the MK.
When we go to Epcot, we start in Future World usually around 9 am and we rarely make it to the American building before 4 pm so after a lot of walking by then, a nap sometimes hits before you know it.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I also like HoP better, but maybe because it holds a special nostalgia. Sadly, we also don't see that one all that often, for the same reason - the long wait before the show.

I'm not a big fan of carrying around extra stuff, but if you plan on AA with a toddler, in this case it is wise to be prepared with at least one small toy.

I also find many WDW shows are VERY loud. Maybe it is to prevent nappers?!?! (IMO, one of the worst is Philarmagic. If I plug my ears, I can still hear everything!) To be fair, I don't remember whether AA is loud.