Top Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Skip Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion

In honor of President's Day and because it is a presidential election year, today seems like a good day to travel halfway around Epcot's World Showcase to The American Adventure pavilion. Some guests choose to walk past the pavilion on their way to something else, but over the years we've discovered that this pavilion really has a lot to offer.

What do you love most about The American Adventure?

The American Adventure pavilion sits between Japan and Italy, at the "halfway point" in World Showcase. The centerpiece of the pavilion is the "people's mansion." The building was constructed with 110,000 bricks made from Georgia red clay and is a mix of 1700s Georgian, Colonial Williamsburg, Independence Hall, Monticello, and the Old State House in Boston.

It took Disney Imagineers five years to complete The American Adventure and the rotunda is 35 feet high (the dome adds an additional 10 feet).

Aside from the impressive people's mansion, The American Adventure is home to entertainment, shopping, and yes even some good food. Let's take a peek at why we love The American Adventure.

The 'people's mansion' at The American Adventure

The Voices of Liberty: Inside the mansion guests can listen to the Voices of Liberty a cappella group. The group performs American patriotic songs at set times throughout the day, often 15 minutes prior to the showing of The American Adventure. If you're lucky enough to visit during the holidays you'll get to hear the Voices of Liberty performing traditional Christmas songs.

This really is one of those must-see shows every single time we're at Epcot. The performers are so talented and it is hard to not be moved to tears by the end of the show.

You won't want to miss the Voices of Liberty

The American Adventure: Yes, The American Adventure pavilion has a show named The American Adventure. Go figure. But in all seriousness this is another must-see show when you're at Epcot. Once you've watched the Voices of Liberty you'll journey up a staircase (or escalator) to the theater. Be sure to look up as you go upstairs and check out all the flags.

This 30-minute show takes guests through the history of the United States and is narrated by audio-animatronics of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. They are joined by 35 other audio-animatronic figures throughout the show. The show covers all of the pivotal moments in American history and features 10 different sets in addition to film footage of historical events.

Scenes in the show include the Pilgrims, the Boston Tea Party, writing the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, slavery and the Civil War, both World Wars, and events from recent history.

A scene from 'The American Adventure'

Food: OK, with all the great food choices in Epcot it might seem odd to say we like to visit The American Adventure pavilion for the food, but let us explain. If you happen to have a picky person in your family the Liberty Inn is the perfect place to stop for "patriotic eats" like cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets. But in the last year or so the Liberty Inn has started offering different items including fried shrimp and even a hot dog topped with baked beans, bacon, and onion strings. Plus, you can still get the New York Strip Steak (yes, at a counter service restaurant)!

If you're just looking for a snack while in the pavilion you'll find the funnel cake kiosk and the Fife and Drum Tavern. During the holidays the funnel cake kiosk is a great place to find seasonal funnel cakes. The Fife and Drum Tavern is home to the famous Turkey Legs, in addition to popcorn, apple pie a la mode, and the almost-famous but always refreshing American Dream slush.

The American Dream and popcorn

The List Goes On: There are other things we love about the pavilion including the patriotic and historic gifts you'll find at Heritage Manor Gifts. And if you visit during the holidays the pavilion's Christmas tree is stunning! And the pavilion is also one of the spots where kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Inside the "people's mansion" is the must-visit American Heritage Gallery where you can see 'Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection.' This exhibit represents 400 years of African-American achievement and includes rare art, documents, books, artifacts, and more. The exhibit is themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination, and heritage and is another must on your tour of the pavilion.

And don't forget, the pavilion's American Gardens Theater is home to the Garden Rocks concert series during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival and the Eat to the Beat concerts during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

It really is a can't-miss pavilion.

Our favorite quote inside The American Adventure mansion

What do you love most about the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot? Let us know in the comments.

Many thanks to the Disney Food Blog for use of their photos.