Patriotism was a key component of Walt Disney’s world vision. From the Disney Company’s contributions to the war effort to attractions like Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Uncle Walt’s love of his home was a constant presence in his work. With July 4th fast approaching, it seems like a good time to feature some of the places that American patriotism can be celebrated in Walt Disney World.
1. The Hall of Presidents
Located in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, the Hall of Presidents is a technological marvel, featuring Audio Animatronic depictions of every U.S. President. The show is housed in a building resembling Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and runs for 25 minutes. As an interesting bit of trivia, though the show has an Audio Animatronic of every president, there are only 44 figures. Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms, making him both the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.
2. The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History
The Heritage House sits near the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square and is home to one of the Magic Kingdom’s most entertaining live shows. The performance, hosted by Sam the Eagle of the Muppets, presents great moments in history…but just the American parts. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo all appear in the windows of the Heritage House to reenact scenes from the American Revolution. The show runs about 10 minutes and seating is wherever you can find it on the ground.
3. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Originally created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress is perfect Disney: a mix of education and entertainment, a celebration of innovation that is simultaneously a nostalgic look back at our past. The show, which lasts a little over 20 minutes, takes you through the history of technological advancement by following one American family’s journey from the early 1900s to the present. The portion set in the 1920s is particularly relevant to the upcoming holiday, as Guests see the family preparing for a July 4 celebration hosted by the local ladies club. Though the United States of America hardly holds a monopoly on innovation, the two were inextricably linked in the mind of Walt Disney and the Carousel of Progress captures that idealism.
4. The American Adventure
Though it didn’t open until October of 1982 (with the opening of Epcot) The American Adventure feels like a show that Walt Disney would have created. Located in a Colonial style building in the America Adventure Pavilion of Epcot, the show is hosted by Audio Animatronic versions of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. The program runs just under a half hour. A variety of sets and figures appear on stage as Franklin and Twain guide Guests through the story of the United States of America, not sparing some of the country’s darker moments. The show ends with a video montage, accompanied by the song “Golden Dream.”
5. Voices of Liberty
Performing in the rotunda of the American Adventure Pavilion, the Voices of Liberty are an eight piece a capella group. They sing a wide variety of classic American songs and perform throughout the day.
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