America
   

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 reddish colored bricks used on the building were all hand-made from Georgian clay and were actually tinted and aged to add to the authenticity. The floors inside are made from marble and copper. Inside the lobby and Halls of this grand structure, you'll find quotations from great Americans like Walt Disney, Althea Gibson, Charles A. Lindbergh, Ayn Rand, Thomas Wolfe, Wendell Wilkie and Jane Addams. Amidst the motivational sayings, you'll find artwork depicting the development of the United States. The rose gardens around the pavilion are unique in that they are all varieties named for U.S. Presidents. In this building you can hear the melodious sounds of the Voices of Liberty, an a capella singing group who give a 15 minute program of traditional American folk songs. These heart-stirring renditions are not to be missed. This very popular show is interpreted by Sign Language Interpreters on Early Entry days at designated times.

Before entering the theatre, you will see a collection of flags hanging overhead. These flags have all represented the United States of America in one way or another during its history. The American Adventure 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 and a stirring soundtrack performed by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, as it tells the history of the spirit of the American people. There are 6 statues on each side of the theatre and they represent Individualism, Innovation, Tomorrow, Independence, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage, Pioneering, Knowledge, Self-Reliance and Adventure. There are 35 Audio-animatronic figures used in scenes such as the Pilgrims' arrival at Plymouth Rock, the Boston Tea Party, Washington and the hardships at Valley Forge, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War and slavery and the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell. Disney's meticulous attention to detail is evident in that the speeches given by Chief Joseph and Susan B. Anthony were actually words given in speeches by the originals.

Even the gardens lend to the patriotic flavor as they are done in hues of red, white and blue. While there is no sit-down restaurant here, the counter service restaurant Liberty Inn serves American favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, salads, fruit plates and of course apple pie and ice cream. At the "Heritage Manor Gifts" shop, glassware, hand-made wooden and cloth items, hand painted porcelain, toys, needlepoint samplers, books on American history and historically costumed dolls are offered. All areas of the American Adventure are wheelchair accessible.

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.