Changes

|custom_label_2= FastPass Disney Genie +

While the American Adventure an attraction inside the America pavilion had always been a part of the plans for [[EPCOT Center]], its location and design changed frequently during the park's planning. InitiallyAs early as 1976, in the 1978/79 EPCOT Center there were plansfor an American attraction to be one of Epcot Center's major draws <ref name= "vid1"/>. By 1978, Imagineers wanted to use the American Adventure pavilion as a bridge between Future World and World Showcase <ref> http://progresscityusa.com/2009/06/27/a-visit-to-epcot-center-1979/ </ref> <Ref name= "Martin"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=218 </ref>. The This version of the pavilion would have been two stories tall, with the American Adventure attraction located on the building's second floor <Ref name= "allears"> http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_adv.htm </ref>. Eventually however, Imagineers had decided that keeping America apart from the rest of to place the countries in American pavilion within World Showcase, would seem elitist and thus . By placing the whole pavilion was moved to at the far side back center of the World Showcase promenade land, Imagineers not only put America amongst the other countries, but they also created a "weenie" to draw guests back into the land <ref name= "allears"/>. [[Image:amricanadventureryman.jpg|500px|thumb|Herb Ryman concept art for the American Adventure pavilion,]] Like the pavilion itself, the American Adventure attraction also went through a series of changes. When development began on the attraction, Imagineers knew that they wanted to tell the story of America, but they were not sure how to do it. Six different attraction ideas were disregarded, before the show’s final form was accepted <ref> http://2719hyperion.blogspot.com/2007/01/lost-imagineering-happy-fun-american.html </ref>. These discarded ideas included:

Like the pavilion itself, the American Adventure * An idea for a lighter attraction also went that would only feature Audio Animatronics. <ref name= "Korkis"/>* A ride through a series of changesattraction featuring short vignettes <ref name= "Korkis"/>. When development began * An attraction which focused on the attraction, Imagineers knew that they wanted to tell the story characters of America, but they were not sure how to do itAmerican folklore (ie. Six different attraction ideas were disregarded, before the show’s final form was accepted Paul Bunyan) <refname= "Korkis"> http://2719hyperionallears.blogspot.com/2007net/01ae/lost-imagineering-happy-fun-americanissue828.html htm </ref>. Rejected ideas for the American Adventure attraction included:

* An idea for According to Show Writer and Producer Randy Bright:{{Quotation|“One of the toughest things we had to do was take 350 years and compress it down to 20 minutes. In fact, we failed. It is a lighter attraction that would only feature Audio Animatronics28-minute show. <ref name= "Korkis"/>* A ride We went through attraction featuring short vignettes <ref name= "Korkis"/>.* An attraction six abject failures before we got to an American Adventure we all felt comfortable with, which focused on the characters of American folklore (ie. Paul Bunyan) ultimately became what we have today <ref name= "Korkismouseplanet"> http://allears.net/ae/issue828.htm </ref>}}

According to lead Imagineer With a goal of creating a venue that would be “alive and show producer Randy Brightmoving” <ref name="vid1"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT8dbXhN1G8</ref>, Imagineers eventually came up with the idea of creating a “Magic Theater” <ref name= "mouseplanet"> https://www.mouseplanet.com/9905/Will_Rogers_and_the_American_Adventure </ref>. The theater was designed so that it would be able to combine: Audio Animatronics, video, audio, and moving sets to tell the story of America <ref name= "mouseplanet"/>.

{{Quotation|“One With the infrastructure and form of the toughest things we had to do was take 350 years attraction now settled on, Randy Bright and compress it down to 20 minuteshis team set about writing the shows script. In factEarly on, we failedBright proposed the idea of focusing on “dreamers and doers”, an ethos that would guide the show's development <ref name="vid2"> https://www. It is a 28-minute youtube.com/watch?v=u8WTTQzuDZge</ref>. Bright and professor of history at UCLA D. Allen Yarnell would meet late at night at Imagineering to work on the show. We went through six abject failures before we got One of the theme that they hoped to an American Adventure we all felt comfortable withportray was the overcoming of adversity, which ultimately became what we have today while also not wanting to whitewashing the country's history <ref name= "mouseplanetvid2"/>}}. Bright further noted that the show focused on a series of individuals using their own words.[[Image:RandyBright.jpg|400px|thumb|American Adventure producer and show writer Randy Bright]]

In order to help set the various scenes which were to be depicted in the American Adventure, Imagineers eventually came up with initially wanted the idea attraction to have three hosts, with each host representing one of using a “Magic Theater” the centuries that America had existed for <ref name= "mouseplanetKorkis"/> https. The three men chosen to guide guests through the story of America were Benjamin Franklin (18th century), Mark Twain (19th century), and Will Rogers (20th century). Although promoted in concept art by Disney <ref> http://www.mouseplanetprogresscityusa.com/9905page/57/Will_Rogers_and_the_American_Adventure </ref>. The theater , it was designed so eventually decided that it Will Rogers would be able to combine: not appear as one of the attraction's hosts (although he would appear in Audio Animatronics, video, audioAnimatronic form in the 20th century scene), leaving the duo of Franklin and moving sets to tell Twain as the story sole narrators. This decision was made after Disney discovered that only 5 out of Americaevery 150 college students knew who Will Rogers was <ref name= "mouseplanet"/>. According , and they could not come to a consensus on a replacement. Bright, once Imagineers came up with later contemplated that the idea events of the theater, writing the script 20th Century were too current to properly find a representative for the American Adventure was much easier<ref name= "mouseplanet"/>.

In order to help set the various scenes which were to be depicted in The soundtrack for the American Adventureattraction was carefully created by composer Buddy Baker, Imagineers wanted who combined known, period specific songs, with new tunes written specifically for the attraction to have three hosts, which each host representing one of the centuries that America had existed for <ref name= "Korkisvid2"/>. The three men chosen to guide guests through music was then recorded by the story of America were Benjamin Franklin (18th century), Mark Twain (19th century), and Will Rogers (20th century). Although promoted in concept art Philadelphia Symphonic Orchestra before being mixed by Disney engineer Bob Zalk <refname="vid2"/> http://progresscityusa.com/page/57/ </ref>In total, it was eventually decided that Will Rogers would not appear as one of took 18 months to mix the attraction’s hosts (although he would appear in Audio Animatronic form in the 20th century scene)attraction's music, sound effects, leaving the duo of Franklin and Twain as narration into the sole narrators. This decision was made after Disney discovered that only 5 out of every 150 college students knew who Will Rogers was final score <ref name= "mouseplanetvid1"/> and they could not come to a consensus on a replacement. Randy Bright later contemplated that the events of the 20th Century were too current to properly find a representative for <ref name= "mouseplanet"/>

Although never seen by Like the publicattraction's score, the script for the beginning of artwork used in the American Adventure with Will Rogers as a one of was specifically curated. Bright noted that they did not want to use "modern art" in the hosts has been discovered18th and 19th century scenes <ref name="vid1"/>. This version would have begun with FranklinInstead, Twain Disney created new artwork that was stylized to look like it was from the correct period. In a similar fashion, photographs and Rogers reflecting on motion pictures were not used until the countries’ past:scenes set in a time where these technologies had been invented <ref name="vid1"/>.

{{Quotation| Despite technical problems and changes to the show'''Ben Franklin:''' America has been settled by the people of all nations. We are not a narrow tribe of mens plot, no. Our blood is as the flood of the Amazon, made up of 1,000 noble currents all pouring into one. We are not a nation so much as a world.” Excuse me, Mr. Twain, Mr. Rogers. I am sure you recognize those inspiring words from Herman Melville. It seems they are going to preamble a new show called the American Adventure. It also seems that we three have been asked to be the central figures was completed in the show.<br>'''Mark Twain:''' The three of us star in a show together? I can see it now. Hmm! I just bet Mr. Rogers would love to step time for EPCOT Center’s opening day on my lines. October 1, 1982 <brref>'''Will Rogershttp:''' Now, now, Mr//thisdayindisneyhistory. Twain, you know that’s not truehomestead. <br>'''Twain:''' Why, Mr. Rogers, you know truth is the most valuable thing I havecom/epcotgrandopening. html <br/ref>'''Rogers:''' Well, I guess that’s why you use it so sparingly. <br>'''Franklin:''' Gentlemen, gentlemen, we are not addressing the issue at hand: The American Adventure. <br>'''Twain:''' Franklyshow then remained unchanged until 1993, I’m sick and tired about when all the grousing about what’s wrong with America. We should make it fashionable again to talk about all the things that are right about this country. <br>Franklin: I agree. The time has come to make an optimistic statement about America and her people. <br>'''Rogers:''' Well, sir, not just about the days gone by, but about today’s world and tomorrows, too. Don’t forget, we passed from the scene a long time ago. <br>'''Franklin:''' Mr. Rogers, I’m sure that if anyone can offer a new perspective on America’s challenges for tomorrow, we can. I may have invented these bifocals I’m wearing but I can assure you they’re not rose colored. Don’t forget, that between the three of us there is a lot of first-hand experience during the first two centuries. We Audio Animatronics were there. <br>'''Twain:''' Two-hundred years, that’s an awful lot of ground to cover. <br>'''Franklin:''' We can each take added (which featured more fluid movements) and the period we’re the most familiar with. I should host the show right through the birth of a new nation. attraction’s Golden Dream montage was updated <brref name= "Martin"/>'''Twain:''' I can cover the growing expansion of the American frontier. <br>'''Rogers:''' I sorta guess things have been kinda crazy in the 20th century. Changes faster than any of us could keep up. <br>'''Twain:''' Just look around us. Decaying citiesIn 2007, pollution, crime. I’d rather put my crystal ball in reverse. <br>'''Franklin:''' Now, stop that nonsense. Those good old days that everybody speaks of, they were no utopia either. Mr. Twain, those Mississippi shores you walked as a boy were also walked by slaves. And Mr. Rogers, how about the lawlessness and violence of your glorious West?…And in my time, few children lived to be adults. If I may quote you from my own Poor Richard’s Almanac: ‘The golden age never montage was the present age.’ Mr. Twain, if you want to go back, go right ahead, but from what I’ve seen, the 20th Century has an incredible amount of positive things that are simply taken for granted. once again updated <ref name= "mouseplanetMartin"/>}}.

Despite technical problems and changes to the shows plotIn January 2018, the American Adventure was completed on time attraction closed for EPCOT Center’s opening day on October 1a major renovation. At this time, 1982 the attraction's films were converted to an all-digital projection system, and a new screen, as well as new speakers, were instilled<ref> httphttps://thisdayindisneyhistorydisneyparks.homesteaddisney.go.com/epcotgrandopening.html blog/2018/02/epcots-american-adventure-attraction-will-add-new-american-icons-this-month/ </ref>. The show then remained unchanged until 1993Furthermore, at this time, when all new Audio Animatronics were added (which featured more fluid movements) and the attraction’s attraction's Golden Dream montage was re-recorded and updated to include new American icons. The attraction reopened on February 14, 2018 <ref name= "Martin"/>https://www. In 2007, wdwmagic.com/attractions/the montage was once again updated, so that it now included footage of the firefighters who raised -american-adventure/news/14feb2018-video---the American flag at Ground Zero (after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks) -new-american-adventure-golden-dream-finale.htm </ref name= "Martin"/>.

===Hall Corridor of Flags and Preshow===[[Image:AmericanAdventureStatues3.jpg|thumb|400px|The Spirits of Adventure, Self-Reliance, and Tomorrow ]]After entering the American Adventure pavilion (and listening to the Voices of Liberty Perform), guests leave the main rotunda and enter the Corridor of Flags. As visitors move the pavilion's second floor, 44 different flags from American history are showcased. Flags located here include Revolutionary War era flags, Colonial flags, and even foreign flags from the countries that first came to America <Ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/12/the_american_adventure_part_1_1.html </ref>

After entering the American Adventure pavilion (and listening to the Voices of Liberty Perform), guests leave the main rotunda and enter the Hall of Flags. Here, 44 different flags from American history are showcased. Flags located here, include Revolutionary War era flags, Colonial flags, and even foreign flags from the countries that first came to America <Ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/12/the_american_adventure_part_1_1.html </ref>[[Image:spiritstatue.jpg|350px|thumb|Some of the Spirit of America statues.]]Following the Hall Corridor of Flags, guests enter the main theater. In the theaterHere, 12 life size statues can be seen on the left and right walls. The statues represent the "Spirits of America" and they include:

* '''Spirit of Self-RelianceIndependence-''' A farmer holding a shovelAn American colonial solider

* '''Spirit of HeritageCompassion-''' A Native American woman female doctor

* '''Spirit of IndependentDiscovery-''' An American patriot from the Revolutionary WarA mountain man

* '''Spirit of DiscoveryHeritage-''' A frontiersman * '''Spirit of Compassion-''' A female doctorNative American woman

The American Adventure begins in complete darkness, as guests hear the voice of Benjamin Franklin quoting John Steinbeck. As the first scene rises, guests see Franklin sitting behind a desk reading, with Mark Twain seated nearby. As Twain begins to doze off, Franklin concludes quoting his Steinbeck quote by saying:

The two men then begin to banter about humility, before Twain says that the American Adventure should begin with Franklin. Franklin corrects him, saying that the story of America began even before himhis time. As he speaks, images of ships crossing the ocean, and then a picture of the Mayflower reaching America , are shown.

At this point, the attractions attraction's first song, “New World Bound” begins to play. As the songs song play, images of pilgrims coming to the new world are shown. The song tells the story of the troubles that the pilgrims faced, both coming to America and then subsequently surviving there. The lyrics to New World Bound are:[[Image:AdventurePilgrims.jpg|thumb|500px|The Pilgrims crossing the Atlantic Ocean.]]

As At the end of the first verse ends, pictures a painting of patriot soldiers at Valley Forge are is shown. At this point, two Revolutionary War soldiers and George Washington rise to the stage. The two soldiers are heard complaining commiserate about the lack of food and suppliesdifficult conditions at Valley Forge, as and the luxuriously lifestyle the British troops are living in Philadelphia. The song concludesthen continues:

[[Image:ChiefJosephAmerican.jpg|400px|thumb|Chief Joseph in the American Adventure. Photo by Rain0975]]Following the end of the Revolutionary warWar, Mark Twain takes over as the show's primary host. Twain announces that subsequent to its establishment, America was Westward bound, and heading to new frontiers. As images of horses, Indians, frontier men, and a panhandler flicker across the screen, Mark Twain tells Franklin:

As Douglass drifts away, the screen once again goes dark. Then, a A family getting their portrait is shown and taken in Matthew Brady's studio then rises to the stage. The two brothers are heard arguing over the merits of southern Southern succession from the Union. As their father tells them not to ruin their mother's birthday, their mother states that she is just happy that the whole family is all together. As a camera flashes (taking the families’ picture) the song “Two Brothers” begins to play.

As images showing the Civil War are shown on the screen, Two Brothers continues in the background. The song tells the story of brothers who end up fighting on opposite sides in the Civil War. It is inferred that the song is talking about the family who was previously shown getting their family portrait taken. The lyrics to Two Brothers are:[[Image:AAFamily.jpg|400px|thumb|The family that is featured in the Two Brothers scene.]]

As the booths descend, guests are shown dioramas which feature the latest technological achievementsadvancements. Among the inventions featured are the light bulb, trolley, moving picture, and the airplane. Following these achievements, Mark Twain observes that the country was flying into the 20th century on the wings of invention and the winds of change. Because of the changes happening in the country, Twain also observes that we America needed people like Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir to lead usit.

===Early 20th Century, WWI , and the Great Depression===[[Image:MuirRoosevelt.jpg|400px|thumb|Jon Muir and Teddy Roosevelt. Photo by Lauren Javier]] At this cue, Teddy Roosevelt and Jon Muir are shown on stage standing in a forest. The two men are discussing the need for balance between industrial progress, and conservation of the environment. Muir is eventually able to impress upon the President that Roosevelt needs to stop the massive destruction of America's national parks. After Roosevelt says he agrees that they need to protect the countries country's resources, Muir says:

Following the proposal, the rock that Roosevelt and Muir had been standing on lowers into the stage. Mark Twain then comments that that "Ready or not, we were soon thrust into the hectic role of a world leader and into the war to end all war". Following this proclamation, footage of World War I is shown, including a video of the Sopwith Camel, with the caption, "Another enemy airplane falls to America's gallant ace Captain Eddie Rickenbacker.” After this, the scene changes again, this time to a parade being held in honor of Charles Lindbergh. A news report is then heard, during which the newscaster tells guests that Lindbergh successfully made a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, aboard his plane the “Spirit of St. Louis”. As the newscast finishes, guests hear a second newsman who tells them, that on October 29, 1929 , the stock market has crashed.

Following the news, a scene depicting a gas station in 1929 during the Great Depression appears on stage. Four men are sitting on the front porch, listening to a banjo player signing “Brother Can you Spare a Dime?”.

As the song finishes, the men discuss the state of the country, joking about how millionaires in New York are selling apples just like they are. As the storm around them begins to let up, the gas station owner hopefully suggests that Sunday drivers might now venture out for gas. In the middle of their conversation, one of the men shushes the others so that they can listen to Franklin Delano Roosevelt being inaugurated on the radio. At this point in the scene , FDR appears to the left of the gas station, behind a presidential podium (with his unique seal on it). Roosevelt gives a short speech, concluding with "Let me assert my firm belief, that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” After hearing this, one of the men comments that America could use some prosperity, before they quietly listen to Will Rogers, who is now on the radio. As he continues to speak, Will Rogers can be seen on the right side of the stage, twirling his lasso and standing behind a studio microphone. Rogers says:

Following the radio announcement, Rosie and a sailor discuss the state of the battleshipship, before another worker emerges on a lift. She says, that it's no wonder their they are all working double shifts on Christmas, before Rosie tells her to cheer up, and that maybe they will all be together next Christmas. As the battleship disappears, the screen turns purple and an eagle flies across it.

'''flying high, flying high.'''<br>[[Image:AAwalt.jpg|400px|thumb|Walt Disney's image in the Golden Dream montage.]]

*Lenoard Leonard Bernstein

*Chief Dan GeorgeIron Eyes Cody

*Oprah WInfreyWinfrey*Willie NelsonBarack Obama

'''New World Bound'''- Played during the scene depicting the pilgrims. “New World Bound” was written by X. Atencio and Randy Bright, with music by Buddy Baker<Ref> http://themacgyverproject.blogspot.com/2015/10/47-new-world-bound.html </ref>.

'''Two Brothers'''- Written by Irving Gordon and performed by Ali Olmo, “Two Brothers” is played during the Civil War scene<ref name= "Jack"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/12/the_american_adventure_part_2.html </ref>.

'''Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?'''- Written by E.Y. Harburg, with music by Jay Gorney<ref> http://www.npr.org/2008/11/15/96654742/a-depression-era-anthem-for-our-times </ref>, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” is played on the radio during Great Depression scene.

'''Golden Dream'''- Played during the attractions final montage, Golden Dram was written by Randy Bright and Lynn Hart, with music by Robert Moline<ref name= "Jack"/>. The song was re-recorded for the 2018 update under the supervision of producer Harvey Mason Jr in Los Angeles<ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=153&v=8SJde5SkS_U </ref>. Golden Dream is now performed by Richard Page Tim Davis and Siedah GarrettSophia Pizzulo <ref> https://wdwnt.com/2018/08/new-2018-update-version-of-golden-dream-from-the-american-adventure-at-epcot-now-available-on-itunes/</ref>.

==Fun Facts and TriviaWill Rogers Script==Although Will Rogers was eventually dropped as the host of the 20th Century, a script featuring Rogers as a host still exists. Below is the first scene in an early version of the American Adventure.[[Image:WillRogers.jpg|400px|thumb|Will Rogers as he appears in the final version of the American Adventure]]{{Quotation| '''Ben Franklin:''' America has been settled by the people of all nations. We are not a narrow tribe of men, no. Our blood is as the flood of the Amazon, made up of 1,000 noble currents all pouring into one. We are not a nation so much as a world.” Excuse me, Mr. Twain, Mr. Rogers. I am sure you recognize those inspiring words from Herman Melville. It seems they are going to preamble a new show called the American Adventure. It also seems that we three have been asked to be the central figures in the show.<br>'''Mark Twain:''' The three of us star in a show together? I can see it now. Hmm! I just bet Mr. Rogers would love to step on my lines. <br>'''Will Rogers:''' Now, now, Mr. Twain, you know that’s not true. <br>'''Twain:''' Why, Mr. Rogers, you know truth is the most valuable thing I have. <br>'''Rogers:''' Well, I guess that’s why you use it so sparingly. <br>'''Franklin:''' Gentlemen, gentlemen, we are not addressing the issue at hand: The American Adventure. <br>'''Twain:''' Frankly, I’m sick and tired about all the grousing about what’s wrong with America. We should make it fashionable again to talk about all the things that are right about this country. <br>Franklin: I agree. The time has come to make an optimistic statement about America and her people. <br>'''Rogers:''' Well, sir, not just about the days gone by, but about today’s world and tomorrows, too. Don’t forget, we passed from the scene a long time ago. <br>'''Franklin:''' Mr. Rogers, I’m sure that if anyone can offer a new perspective on America’s challenges for tomorrow, we can. I may have invented these bifocals I’m wearing but I can assure you they’re not rose colored. Don’t forget, that between the three of us there is a lot of first-hand experience during the first two centuries. We were there. <br>'''Twain:''' Two-hundred years, that’s an awful lot of ground to cover. <br>'''Franklin:''' We can each take the period we’re the most familiar with. I should host the show right through the birth of a new nation. <br>'''Twain:''' I can cover the growing expansion of the American frontier. <br>'''Rogers:''' I sorta guess things have been kinda crazy in the 20th century. Changes faster than any of us could keep up. <br>'''Twain:''' Just look around us. Decaying cities, pollution, crime. I’d rather put my crystal ball in reverse. <br>'''Franklin:''' Now, stop that nonsense. Those good old days that everybody speaks of, they were no utopia either. Mr. Twain, those Mississippi shores you walked as a boy were also walked by slaves. And Mr. Rogers, how about the lawlessness and violence of your glorious West?…And in my time, few children lived to be adults. If I may quote you from my own Poor Richard’s Almanac: ‘The golden age never was the present age.’ Mr. Twain, if you want to go back, go right ahead, but from what I’ve seen, the 20th Century has an incredible amount of positive things that are simply taken for granted. <ref name= "mouseplanet"/>}}.

* Each wig costs of $13,000 <ref name= "eyes"/>.

* Disney Imagineer Jeff Burke portrayed the brother who fights for the Union in the Two Brothers scene <ref name==References=="brothers"> http://www.disneyravenswood-palmanor.com/Epcotjeffburke.html </american_adventure_fun_factsref>.htm

http:* Imagineer John Olson portrayed the brother who fights for the Confederacy in the Two Brothers scene <ref name= "brothers"//allears.net/tp/ep/e_adv.htm>

* The farmer Spirit of Self-Reliance was based on Blaine Gibson's father. When WDI asked him to make the farmer less stoic, Gibson refused saying, "that's how I remember him" <ref> http://www.uabmagicfromscreentotheme.com/UABpagesFunFindFridayAmericanAdventure3.aspx </lyricsref> <ref> https://twitter.php?songID=18785com/BrianPMiles/status/625826938423222272 </ref>

http*Walter Tyler designed the sets for The American Adventure <ref name= "Sklar"> Sklar, Marty. Dream It! Do It!:My Half-century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms. Disney Editions, 2013. Print. </ref>. *The shoes for the banjo player in the Great Depression scene were found in an old condemned relief mission in Los Angeles <ref name="vid2"/www>.martinsvids.net *The Ben Franklin animatronic has 52 different movements <Ref name="vid1"/?p> ==References==218