"The American Adventure" @Epcot - Disney getting rid of CM's historic costumes

[DCTooTall]

I'm sorry, but most of the Canadians I talk to cannot believe what Epcot chose to represent our country. The movie is good, but the Château Laurier? C'mon. And Inuksuk would be more accurate than totem poles.

Fair enough....Although admittedly Canada has many of the same issues an "modern" American pavilion would have. The country is pretty much as young as we are, and has the same issues with shear size and regional diversity within it's borders. There is no way you could portray the entire country and all it's diversity within such a small space while maintaining anywhere near the level of "postcard"-esque visuals.

 

[siskaren]

Because it is the only pavilion in the entire World Showcase that is themed to a specific time period.

The France pavilion gets its look from La Belle Epoque (Beautiful Age), which was the period from 1850-1900. And the female cast members at Impressions de France wear costumes taken from a Manet painting.

Why don't they just wear a red, white and blue polo shirt and a pair of navy shorts?

Then they'd look like they work at Six Flags or something.

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

Because it is the only pavilion in the entire World Showcase that is themed to a specific time period. The other pavilions are designed around famous landmarks or areas in the country currently. The American Pavilion is designed and built to represent a specific time period in our past.

Because of the architecture of the area, there is no way you can just throw in a couple props and dress it up to a more modern time period.

Even if they completely razed the existing American pavilion in order to design something more contemporary and represent the country similar to the other countries, Because of the massive size of the US and the many different styles of each region of the country, I don't believe they could cohesively catch the spirit of this country in the space they would have available. Remember, Most of the European countries represented are no larger than some of the states within this country. The only 2 countries in the World Showcase who even come close to our geographical size are Canada and China, yet both can and are represented very well by their pavilions due to landmarks+geographical features and cohesive culture/architecture. The USA does not have either that people around the world would associate with the country as a whole (well... beyond what you can already see/find in every other part of WDW).

First of all, China and Canada don't "come close" to the geographic size of the United States, they are far larger than the United States. They also have cultures and architectural styles that are as widely varied, if not more varied, than the United States. Very little of Canada looks like the Canadian pavilion, and very little of China looks like the Chinese pavilion, but the whole world "gets it" when they see those respective pavilions.

Furthermore, the American Pavilion is designed to look like Independence Hall, which is a landmark that still exists today and does not, in and of itself require period dress to be relevant or representative of the USA. The only reason you associate the American Pavilion with a specific time period is because of the dress; if the CMs in France dressed like peasants during the French Revolution, you'd associate that pavilion with that time period (although admittedly the Eiffel tower would be out of place, since it wasn't built until 1889). If the Norwegians dressed like Vikings, the same thing would apply.

The United States has many other unique landmarks that are also recognizable around the world, beyond the the aforementioned Independence Hall, including the Statue of Liberty, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Gateway Arch, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, Chrysler Building, etc. Heck, if we wanted something the world associates with the USA, we could build something to evoke the Wild, Wild West. It is as representative of the USA as the Eiffel Tower is of France or a Mayan pyramid is of Mexico or a totem is of Canada.

Personally, I find the period costumes to be a bit contrived and silly, so I have no problem with a change, if in fact one is on the way.

 

[Cais]

Are we forgetting that the American Adventure costume is just the Hall of Presidents costume? Personally I feel that the less recycling of costumes the better.

 

[FilmProf]

Well, actually, I would not find it funny at all. We think it is a very good presentation of our country's beginning and growth. I don't see too many people "leaving". Which other country would you rather live in? I appreciate our country - yes, with it's many faults. I would have reported that remark had I been in the audience. It's a place to reflect and be thankful, not to try to be funny

I can't believe a CM actually said that. It is an affront to what the whole presentation is all about. I'm actually not that patriotic at all and while I think the AA presentation gives a Diseny-fied interpretation of US History, I still like it and the animatronics are some of the most sophisticated on property. For a CM to make a flippant remark like that, I would've reported it.

 

[North of Mouse]

First of all, China and Canada don't "come close" to the geographic size of the United States, they are far larger than the United States. They also have cultures and architectural styles that are as widely varied, if not more varied, than the United States. Very little of Canada looks like the Canadian pavilion, and very little of China looks like the Chinese pavilion, but the whole world "gets it" when they see those respective pavilions.

Furthermore, the American Pavilion is designed to look like Independence Hall, which is a landmark that still exists today and does not, in and of itself require period dress to be relevant or representative of the USA. The only reason you associate the American Pavilion with a specific time period is because of the dress; if the CMs in France dressed like peasants during the French Revolution, you'd associate that pavilion with that time period (although admittedly the Eiffel tower would be out of place, since it wasn't built until 1889). If the Norwegians dressed like Vikings, the same thing would apply.

The United States has many other unique landmarks that are also recognizable around the world, beyond the the aforementioned Independence Hall, including the Statue of Liberty, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Gateway Arch, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, Chrysler Building, etc. Heck, if we wanted something the world associates with the USA, we could build something to evoke the Wild, Wild West. It is as representative of the USA as the Eiffel Tower is of France or a Mayan pyramid is of Mexico or a totem is of Canada.

Personally, I find the period costumes to be a bit contrived and silly, so I have no problem with a change, if in fact one is on the way.

Everyone has their own opinions, so I'll respectfully disagree with yours It's true we have much in this country that could be represented, but it can't all be done, so I think they chose an excellent way to present what we were, and now are - costumes and all

 

[North of Mouse]

I can't believe a CM actually said that. It is an affront to what the whole presentation is all about. I'm actually not that patriotic at all and while I think the AA presentation gives a Diseny-fied interpretation of US History, I still like it and the animatronics are some of the most sophisticated on property. For a CM to make a flippant remark like that, I would've reported it.

As I posted earlier, I also would have reported it. I am a very patriotic American, and I respectfully love the American Adventure. Our country may be a little broken, but it's "Home, Sweet Home to Me".

 

[MoonFaerie]

As I posted earlier, I also would have reported it. I am a very patriotic American, and I respectfully love the American Adventure. Our country may be a little broken, but it's "Home, Sweet Home to Me".

I don't take it as an un-American comment. I would have thought it was just a joke about how people nap in the dark, air-conditioned shows at Disney. I mean, how many times do we read on here about what shows people like to nap in, and then add in that it's summer and hot. I don't think it has anything to do with anti-patriotism.

 

[KBoopaloo]

I actually read somewhere else (though I can't remember where now, it may have been the article linked above) that they are changing the costumes in the American Adventure and Mexico first and then changes are coming to the other pavilions as well.

Count me in the camp against the costume changes. One of the things I love about the World Showcase are the costumed cast members. And anytime Disney goes for a "more modern" look, we end up with oversized shoulder pads, ill fitting shorts and unfortunate colors. Unless they plan on continuously changing the costumes to keep them looking "modern," they will become dated pretty quickly. I say, if you are going to be dated, at least be REALLY dated and keep them in the colonial costumes.

Also, I thought the CM making the nap comment was kind of funny. I love the American Adventure and in fact, work in a history museum for a living, but even I have dozed off in that theater on a very hot day. On a long, hot, WDW day, I tend to doze off in ANY of the air conditioned theaters.

 

[Ameraucanas]

First of all, China and Canada don't "come close" to the geographic size of the United States, they are far larger than the United States. They also have cultures and architectural styles that are as widely varied, if not more varied, than the United States. Very little of Canada looks like the Canadian pavilion, and very little of China looks like the Chinese pavilion, but the whole world "gets it" when they see those respective pavilions.

Furthermore, the American Pavilion is designed to look like Independence Hall, which is a landmark that still exists today and does not, in and of itself require period dress to be relevant or representative of the USA. The only reason you associate the American Pavilion with a specific time period is because of the dress; if the CMs in France dressed like peasants during the French Revolution, you'd associate that pavilion with that time period (although admittedly the Eiffel tower would be out of place, since it wasn't built until 1889). If the Norwegians dressed like Vikings, the same thing would apply.

The United States has many other unique landmarks that are also recognizable around the world, beyond the the aforementioned Independence Hall, including the Statue of Liberty, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Gateway Arch, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, Chrysler Building, etc. Heck, if we wanted something the world associates with the USA, we could build something to evoke the Wild, Wild West. It is as representative of the USA as the Eiffel Tower is of France or a Mayan pyramid is of Mexico or a totem is of Canada.

Personally, I find the period costumes to be a bit contrived and silly, so I have no problem with a change, if in fact one is on the way.

Just a note. China as a country is not massively larger than the US and depending on how you measure the area of the country control the US can be larger than China if you include bodies of water that is entirely under control of the one sovereign nation. So for practical purposes it is best to view them as equal.

I know this has nothing to do with the thread, but some people might get the wrong idea of how large China really is.

 

[asianway]

Think about the cost that must be involved in making those period costumes for the ladies. They must be tailored to each person as well.
Why don't they just wear a red, white and blue polo shirt and a pair of navy shorts? I think that this option is much more affordable (however this Disney, and we are paying $$$$ to get in the gates!) and probably much more comfortable.
I am sure I'd rather wear casual wear if it were me, but I liked the old costumes.

Because that's what six flags would do. No need to apologize for TDO, they have a highly paid team to do that for them.

By the way, a six flags vacation is much more affordable, you may want to look into them for your future vacation needs.

 

[North of Mouse]

Because that's what six flags would do. No need to apologize for TDO, they have a highly paid team to do that for them.

By the way, a six flags vacation is much more affordable, you may want to look into them for your future vacation needs.

Sorry, but no, thanks, "been there, done that" before Disney. There is no way to compare anything to WDW so spend what $$'s we have for theme parks there. Also, yes, six flags may be cheaper (don't know, haven't been in years), but it's not a destination on it's own to me, more of a one day shot. If we happened to live close to one (we don't), maybe we'd go a day once in awhile.

 

[FilmProf]

I don't take it as an un-American comment. I would have thought it was just a joke about how people nap in the dark, air-conditioned shows at Disney. I mean, how many times do we read on here about what shows people like to nap in, and then add in that it's summer and hot. I don't think it has anything to do with anti-patriotism.

Plain and simple, the comment ruined the Magic that CM's strive to preserve. Regardless of whether we all know that people fall asleep, the CM shouldn't have said it.

Here's another example: Last week, I was in line at Publix. The young lady in front of me looked about 20 and it was obvious she'd just gotten off work as a face character at WDW. The cashier checking her out (an older gentleman) said to her "I bet you're one of the face princesses at Disney, and my daughter would love to know which one!" The girl looked surprised but didn't say a word; she smiled politely and left. I informed the man that even if she worked there, she wouldn't have said it, because it ruins the Magic. I know she's a college student. The cashier knew she's a college student and she knows she's a college student. But it doesn't matter. Some things are just not acknowledged. Like I said, I'm not patriotic, I'm a devout atheist and I'm not at all a touchy-feely guy, but dagnamit, I believe in the Magic of WDW and applaud the CM's out there who do their best to maintain it.

 

[North of Mouse]

I don't take it as an un-American comment. I would have thought it was just a joke about how people nap in the dark, air-conditioned shows at Disney. I mean, how many times do we read on here about what shows people like to nap in, and then add in that it's summer and hot. I don't think it has anything to do with anti-patriotism.

Actually, I understand what he is saying. What I would take offense to is a CM saying it when he is representing our country there, and is "on the job". I doubt Disney would take too kindly to that either.

 

[FilmProf]

Actually, I understand what he is saying. What I would take offense to is a CM saying it when he is representing our country there, and is "on the job". I doubt Disney would take too kindly to that either.

Very nicely said. What is that saying to our foreign friends when the CM says that? "Hello, I'm from Luxembourg visiting WDW and this bloke representing the American pavilion thinks that the presentation on his own country's history is too boring to sit through without falling asleep. Or at least is making a flippant joke about it."

 

[mebbradley]

Think about the cost that must be involved in making those period costumes for the ladies. They must be tailored to each person as well.

Just so you know, this is false. They are not tailored to each person.

The singers, why yes. The merchandise and food/beverage cast members do not get tailored costumes.

And as a side note, I'll be flat out honest...Those costumes for the outdoors merch/food and beverage are no hotter than options that have shorts and short sleeves. I've worn both and I'd rather wear the skirt/dress option.

 

[asianway]

Just so you know, this is false. They are not tailored to each person.

The singers, why yes. The merchandise and food/beverage cast members do not get tailored costumes.

And as a side note, I'll be flat out honest...Those costumes for the outdoors merch/food and beverage are no hotter than options that have shorts and short sleeves. I've worn both and I'd rather wear the skirt/dress option.

People love to post misinformation like this, if you don't know ask. Don't make stuff up. You sign out costumes, yesterday someone else was wearing it.

In addition, there are hot weather contingencies for most of the heavier costumes, HM butler for example.

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

Just a note. China as a country is not massively larger than the US and depending on how you measure the area of the country control the US can be larger than China if you include bodies of water that is entirely under control of the one sovereign nation. So for practical purposes it is best to view them as equal.

I know this has nothing to do with the thread, but some people might get the wrong idea of how large China really is.

Huh, what do you know about that! You are 100% correct! I somehow came to believe that China was much larger as a child and apparently never actually compared the square mileage side by side. It is much closer than I realized. (I also never realized how little water China has; I knew it was arid, but the fact that only 0.28% is water, compared with 6.76% for the United States, is surprising.)

Anyhow, thanks for teaching me something today!

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

Everyone has their own opinions, so I'll respectfully disagree with yours It's true we have much in this country that could be represented, but it can't all be done, so I think they chose an excellent way to present what we were, and now are - costumes and all

Thanks for your civility! And to be clear, I like Independence Hall as a representation of the USA, even though it is likely far less recognizable (both to Americans and to the rest of the world) than some of our other landmarks. I just don't personally think the period costumes are necessary. I don't object to them, I just don't care about them one way or the other...

 

[boyob13]

While I guess I am a little disappointed, I don't frequent the American Adventure all that much. If I'm not mistaken, they have the same (or extremely similar) costumes at the HoP, and I don't see those going away anytime soon.

Personally, I want to see the proposed changes first, and they do intrigue me. I can COMPLETELY see where everyone else is coming from, though.