The American pavilion is a colonial-style mansion whose
roots are found in the architecture of Independence Hall,
Boston's Old State House, Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg.
The 110,000 bricks used on the building
are all hand-made from Georgia clay and were
tinted and aged to add authenticity. The interior floors
are made from marble and copper.
 The lobby and halls
are lined with quotations from notable
Americans such as Walt Disney, Althea Gibson, Charles A. Lindbergh,
Ayn Rand, Thomas Wolfe, Wendell Wilkie and Jane Addams. The artwork depicts
the development of the United States.
Across
the World Showcase promenade on the lagoon is the outdoor
stage and amphitheater known as the America Gardens Theatre. Live shows such as the Candlelight Processional, Eat to the Beat and Flower Power concerts are held here.
The America Pavilion is all about patriotism, with the gardens planted in hues of red, white and blue. The roses all varieties named for U.S. Presidents.
The a cappella singing group, Voices of Liberty, perform American folk songs in the lobby. (Check the daily schedule for performance times.)
While there is no sit-down
restaurant here, the counter service restaurant Liberty
Inn (menu) serves American fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs,
chicken tenders, salads, fruit plates and of course apple
pie and ice cream.
Before entering the American Adventure theatre, you will see a collection of
the flags which have represented the United States during the course of its history. The show is a patriotic look
at the concepts America was founded on. Hosted by Benjamin
Franklin and Mark Twain, the 29-minute show blends Audio-animatronics
with images shown on a 72' rear projection screen.
There are 6 statues on each side of the
theatre which represent Individualism, Innovation, Tomorrow,
Independence, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage,
Pioneering, Knowledge, Self-Reliance and Adventure.
There
are 35 Audio-animatronic figures used in scenes depicting
the Pilgrims' arrival at Plymouth Rock, the Boston Tea Party,
George Washington at Valley Forge, the writing
of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, slavery
and the invention of the telephone.
Disney's attention to detail is evident in the speeches and broadcasts used. They are often the original text and, where available, the actual recordings.
For hearing impaired guests, assistive listening devices
are available at Guest Services. Deaf guests may use the
reflective captioning stands, ask a Cast Member at the entrance
for assistance. The theatre is wheelchair accessible. All areas of the American Adventure are wheelchair accessible.
The "Heritage Manor Gifts" shop is disappointingly small. You'll find a very limited selection of shirts, bags, and basic souvenirs (ironically, most of which is made in China.)
FUN FACTS: Although the American Adventure building is
actually five stories high, “forced perspective” makes it
look only two stories high, so that it accurately reflects
colonial architecture (in which buildings were never more
than two stories).
HIDDEN MICKEYS: In the foyer of the American Adventure,
check out the three holes on the girder. During the show
when the Statue of Liberty is shown and the torch set rises,
behind the torch the cloud of smoke forms a Mickey.
|
