Seeing America in Epcot.

On our recent trip to Disney World, my son and I ventured into Epcot. We opted to get in the spirit of the Semiquincentennial and see the shows about America. 

Early in the day, we decided to check out Soarin’ over America. I previously gave my assessment of a video I saw - it had too much CGI, really didn’t capture the essence of America, and kind of sucked. In person, with the attraction effects and the immersiveness, I would say it was better… but I stand by general comments. Still, I was glad we saw it in situ. 

Later in the day, we headed over to the American Adventure and checked out the offerings there.  The building is unique in  that it captures many different architectural styles from the colonial era, and is actually 5 stories tall but a reverse kind of forced perspective is used to make it appear two stories, with a kind of “attic space” at the top. We saw the voices of liberty (for the uninitiated they are an acapela group that performs traditional American songs), whose voices carry nicely through the rotunda. We checked out the museum (which on this day celebrated Native American heritage). And then we went up to see the show. 

On the way up, you pass 44 flags from throughout the United States’ history.  There are statues for the different “spirits” that guided the nation’s founding (like the spirit of adventure). 

And then came the show, which you can watch in the YouTube link below. 

The technology behind it is astounding. There’s a giant “wagon wheel” that moves show parts in and out and brings up the audio animatronics as the show progresses. And it’s use is the reason the building is 5 stories.  The vistas are amazing and watching Ben Franklin climb stairs is cool. 

But the show is mostly uninspiring.  It’s had updates and tweaks in its lifespan, but it is mostly the same show it was in 1982. 

It’s long, and gives a view of America through the lens of exceptionalism, is a bit uneven, and glosses over some topics in a way that the 1970s kind of did (which is to be expected).

I’ve probably only sat through it between 4-6 times over its 50 years for those reasons. 

My adult son had never seen it, but was surprised at how it came across. At this point in time, it could probably use some changes or at least a revised point of view. 

But nevertheless, the small-ish audience that was there with us cheered at the end. So perhaps it did what the imagineers originally intended: it celebrated America from a very American point of view. 

With all that’s going on in the world, it was at least pleasant to remember our history, and appreciate the shows point of view. 

https://youtu.be/2HtO-slH3o8?is=UZkW-VKKDMZexJOG