From: All Ears <allears@allearsnet.com>
Date: Jan 22, 2008 6:15 PM
Subject: [All Ears(R) Weekly Newsletter] The American Adventure: Experience It!
To: thomas@northwoodsgames.com
Hello Thomas!
Here's your copy of the latest ALL EARS(R) Weekly newsletter,
per your subscription request! Enjoy!
Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief
AllEars(R) Weekly Newsletter
Sharing the Magic Worldwide
Walt Disney World News and Information
January 15, 2008 Issue #434
Established September 1999 Library of Congress ISSN: 1533-0753
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Here's what you'll find in this issue:
Feature Article: The American Adventure: Experience It!
News Bites: New Opening Date for Spaceship Earth; Cirque Dark;
Astronauts Memorial Foundation Ceremony
ALL EARS(R) Hears -- LETTERS FROM OUR READERS!
FROM OUR EARS TO YOUR EYES! What's New on AllEars.Net?
Mousy Mindbogglers: Brain-teasing Riddles about WDW!
Enjoy the issue!
Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief
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FEATURE ARTICLE
The American Adventure: Experience It!
by
Mike Scopa
AllEars(R) Columnist
I'm often asked what is my favorite Walt Disney World
attraction. I never hesitate to proudly proclaim The American
Adventure as, hands down, my favorite place to visit at Walt
Disney World.
Although sometimes when I say American Adventure and not some
thrill ride like Space Mountain, Mission: SPACE, Soarin', The
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or even
Expedition Everest, you would think I had committed a felony.
For a long time I have had a deep affection for the American
Adventure attraction. This attraction does so much for me and
has so much to offer. Almost every time I visit the pavilion in
Epcot's World Showcase I wonder how many guests take for granted
what this attraction has to offer them.
Let me share a little background information regarding this
attraction.
First let's talk about the placement of the pavilion.
When Epcot was first designed, or I should say, when World
Showcase received its original design, the United States
pavilion was not exactly positioned where it is today. The
original design had this pavilion placed between Future World
and World Showcase. This would allow the pavilion to serve as a
gateway to World Showcase.
Actually one reason for putting it there was so that Canada
would be to America's north and Mexico to the south. Thus the
decision, at least temporarily, was to build the pavilion
between Future World and World Showcase and to build it up on
stilted structures so guests would actually walk under the
pavilion and then come out to see the World Showcase in all its
splendor.
That sounded like a good idea at the time.
The discussion on placement never stopped. Not everyone agreed
that putting it at the front of World Showcase was the best
idea. The notion of putting the pavilion away from the other
pavilions seemed to some an arrogant move. Others thought that
separating it from the other countries would make it seem aloof.
Should the United States pavilion not even be part of the World
Showcase? That would not work.
The debate went on until it was finally decided that the United
States pavilion as the host pavilion should have a position
among the others as the centerpiece of World Showcase. The
argument continued that since it would be the host pavilion, it
should be the first pavilion the guests see as they approach
World Showcase. Thus the United States pavilion now sits center
stage in World Showcase welcoming guests and visitors to that
part of Epcot.
The design of the pavilion is another story.
The original design was something far different than the
structure we see today. The original design, which was based on
the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., bothered the World
Showcase designers and the Imagineers because it was very
contemporary (some would say futuristic) and not in the
traditional design of the other countries.
It just didn't seem right.
After more discussion and much debate, it was agreed that the
pavilion should be built in Georgian architecture style. The
pavilion today stands as a proud Georgian mansion, emulating
architectural design from the late 1700s. It encompasses 108,000
square feet and was built with handmade Georgia red clay bricks,
some 110,000 of them.
I like it.
In talking with longtime American Adventure cast member Lonnie,
I found out that the flag that flies on top of the pavilion has
15 stars. Do you know why?
Well, during the 1700s, the plan was that a star and a stripe
would be added for each state as it entered the union. Someone
recognized that the stripe portion of the flag would take on a
not-so-striking appearance if this continued. So the decision
came down to just add to the star field and keep the 13 stripes
representing the 13 original colonies.
Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner
while gazing at a 15-star flag.
The American Adventure also holds for me what I consider the
best live entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort.
I'm talking about the Voices of Liberty. Of course it helps that
I'm a big a cappella fan. I could sit all day in the great
rotunda of the American Adventure pavilion and listen to the
Voices of Liberty deliver song after song, be it a patriotic,
spiritual, or Americana tune. Over the years the most amazing
aspect of the Voices of Liberty is that although personnel may
change, it seems the voices never change. The rendition of
"Shenandoah" I heard back in 1990 sounds the same in 2008, but I
know the faces have changed.
On to the attraction.
The stage itself is about the size of half a football field.
Last I checked it was about 130 feet long and 50 feet wide. The
theater holds 1024 guests and, since each show runs about 28
minutes, some 2048 guests can enjoy this attraction every hour.
The story of the American Adventure is told through the eyes of
Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. They take the guests on a
journey that is helped very much by an assortment of
audio-animatronic figures, film, and music.
It took five years to fully develop the American Adventure
attraction.
This attraction is said to be the first to contain
audio-animatronic figures with individual voice and speaker
systems. Think about the Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom and
you'll understand the difference. That attraction has a theater
system style audio approach.
The term "the Wagon" was often used when discussing the
machinery underneath the American Adventure Theater. This
175-ton, 65 x 35 x 14-foot machine is responsible for changing
the scenes throughout the show and bringing up the right set of
characters and other parts as the story of the American
Adventure is told. I can go on and on about this outstanding
piece of machinery, but if you've ever seen the attraction you
know how quietly and efficiently the scenes change. Hydraulics
play a big part as there are several hydraulic lifts, which
bring the sets into place.
The screen images are shown via a rear projection system;
otherwise the scenes with the audio-animatronic figures would
cast shadows on the screen. The screen itself is 28 feet high
and 155 feet long. The film used in the show is well over 3000
feet in length and if you're wondering, the film size is 70 mm.
Here are some interesting facts about the show:
-- The Library of Congress was contacted for permission to copy
the presidential seal used for Franklin D. Roosevelt's inaugural
speech in 1933.
-- Imagineers scanned old magazines to find the appropriate ads
used during the Depression.
-- The hair on the figures is real human hair. I understand that
each wig is woven one hair at a time at an average cost of
$13,000 apiece.
-- The furniture pieces used in the show are real antiques.
I have yet to get through the attraction's finale signature song
/film "Golden Dream" without shedding a tear. Coming from
astronaut Christa McAuliffe's state you can understand what it
feels like when I see her image on the screen.
For most of us who remember the Kennedy assassination, the
figure of JFK Jr. saluting during his father's funeral is quite
moving. This film shows so many memorable moments in American
history and it is updated from time to time. It was recently
updated and 45 seconds were added to the film, but in such a
subtle manner that it seems as if they were just "folded" into
the film.
Why is the film updated? Well, as Benjamin Franklin and Mark
Twain tell us, the American Adventure continues.
As "Golden Dream" finishes, the 12 Spirits of America statues
are somewhat showcased as the curtains behind them ascend. It's
quite a finale. These statues represent all the qualities which
make up the American spirit.
I'll leave you with this bit of trivia. When the show designers
were putting together the first plans, the thought was to have a
host or hosts for each century. Obviously, Ben Franklin and Mark
Twain made "the cut" for the first two centuries.
Any idea who was up for consideration for the 20th Century?
Two figures were considered... Will Rogers and Walter Cronkite.
However, it was decided to stick with Franklin and Twain as
co-hosts, as Rogers and Cronkite were determined to be "too
close" to serve as hosts.
This attraction remains my favorite destination when I'm in Walt
Disney World. It's the combination of the architecture, the
sounds of the Voices of Liberty, the great rotunda, the story of
the first two centuries of the American Adventure and the
stirring images and music found in "Golden Dream" that offer to
guests an experience they will never forget.
I have to visit the American Adventure on every trip. I have
some unfinished business. I have to get through "Golden Dream."
Can you?
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Scopa has been a huge Disney fan for as long as he can
remember. He first visited Walt Disney World in 1975 and has
returned many times (how many? he's lost count!) since. Mike is
a contributor to the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and
Cara Goldsbury's Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World and has
served as keynote speaker for the 2006 and 2007 MagicMeets. He
is also co-host of the WDWTODAY Podcast.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Related Links:
The American Adventure in Epcot:
http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_adv.htm
Other articles by Mike Scopa:
http://allears.net/btp/mikescopa.htm
Mike's AllEars.Net Blog -- The View from Scopa Towers:
http://allears.net/blogs/mikescopa/
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TIPS OF THE MONTH!
Starting with last issue, our weekly Tips featurette went
monthly.
Look for a collection of tips every month in our Bits and Bites
issue!
Submit your Tips of the Month to: allearsnet@yahoo.com
And don't forget to check our searchable database of reader tips
http://allears.net/rta/tips.php
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NEWS BITES
The official reopening of Spaceship Earth has been changed to
February 18. The ride is currently open, however, until February
9, at which time it will close again until February 14, 2008.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends in Disney's Animal Kingdom
will be closed February 18 - 24, 2008.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney West Side will
not be performed now through January 28, 2008. The normal show
schedule will resume on January 29, 2008.
http://allears.net/btp/cirq.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The exit ramps from Epcot Center Drive to Bonnet Creek Parkway
and Epcot Center Drive to Buena Vista Drive are undergoing
paving and other repairs now through January 24. Some lanes will
close on these ramps on these dates between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. A
detour will be in effect. (These dates are subject to change due
to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.)
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
NASA NEWS: On Friday, February 1, 2008, at 10 a.m., the
Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) will conduct a ceremony to
honor the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 on the 5th
anniversary of the Columbia accident. The Astronauts Memorial
Foundation honors and memorializes all astronauts who have
sacrificed their lives for the nation and the space program. The
ceremony will be held at the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex. The public is invited to attend
the service. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will provide
flowers for all ceremony guests and visitors throughout the day
to place at the memorial. For more information, call
321-449-4400 or visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
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ALLEARS(R) HEARS
EDITOR'S NOTE: Items we run in ALL EARS(R) HEARS are from emails
we receive from our readers, and are not necessarily confirmed
announcements from the Walt Disney Company. We run these items
merely as points of interest; they often contain speculation or
hearsay. If we are not able to confirm a piece of information we
receive from a reader by the time we go to press, we may publish
it in the ALL EARS(R) HEARS section to get feedback from others
as to whether the item has any foundation. For factual
information that has been confirmed or published by the Walt
Disney Company, please refer to our NEWS BITES section, which
generally runs above this section.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Amy Hwang: My son, age 10, has allergies to dairy and
eggs. We've been taking him to Disney World since he was 3, and
every visit I discover something new that he can enjoy eating. I
recently found out about a company that makes dairy-, egg-, and
nut-free cupcakes and cookies called Divvies. Their website
indicated that Disney World carries some of their products now.
Hooray for Disney World to carry such a snack -- we plan on
looking for them on our next visit!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Amy Coronis: Just an FYI to all the engaged couples who
are looking to get married at WDW: the minimum package is
$4,000. We were hoping they offered a cheaper package since we
don't want all the bells and whistles but such a package does
not exist.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Lynn Behr: Once again Anita (AllEars.Net's Weekly
Columnist Anita Answer) has gone above and beyond with her
information about Western River Expedition! Love that girl!
http://www.allearsnet.com/aa/aa010708.htm#ques3
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Kim Meehan: On my visit to WDW, I booked my daughter
for the junior fishing excursion from the Old Key West Resort.
She had a fantastic time, and they provided the rod, reel, and
bait (cut up hot dogs). The kids also had their choice of
chocolate milk or OJ. The charge was only $10. I don't know if
it was a special because not many fish in December, or if it is
a new price, but I thought I would share. I was able to enjoy
reading the paper and eating a great breakfast while she had a
blast catching a LOT of fish. It made for a great last day for
her; we left that afternoon and it was great not to rush around
the park after packing up the room.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Team Member Linda Mac, who attended the season's first
Pirate and Princess Party: In general, it seems they have cut
back on entertainment at the party. There's only one parade, at
8:30 p.m., and there are only two castle shows, at 8 and 10:15
p.m. She also notes that the Party Guide Map no longer has times
listed. All times are provided on a one page paper times guide;
thereby making it possible to adjust shows and special
activities based on ticket sales.
For the updated party entertainment schedule:
http://allears.net/tp/mk/pirateprincess.htm
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MOUSY MINDBOGGLERS
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Think you know Walt Disney World inside and out? This AllEars(R)
feature is designed to stump Walt Disney World enthusiasts. Put
on your thinking cap!
This week we have another "Before and After" challenge, this one
suggested by reader Valerie W. of Maryland. We give the
descriptions of two Disney-related terms (restaurant, shop,
attraction, parade, event, etc.) that have a common word in the
middle. The solution is a new, combined Disney-related term.
For example:
One of Epcot's newest thrill rides +
one of WDW's favorite roller coasters in the dark =
Mission: SPACE Mountain (Mission:SPACE + Space Mountain)
Here's this week's Before and After Challenge:
An attraction that leaves you saying, "How'd they DO that?"
+
A unique kind of "coaster" where you just might go "SPLAT!"
=
???
Think you know the answer? PLEASE, please read our rules
carefully:
1) You must be an ALL EARS(R) subscriber. 2) You must be 18
years of age or older. 3) Only ONE entry per subscriber.
Multiple entries will result in disqualification. 4) All entries
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TO ENTER: Send your guess IN THE SUBJECT LINE of an email
message to: mmindboggler@yahoo.com
DEADLINE: Send your guesses in NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m.
(Eastern), Sunday, January 27, 2008. One email will be chosen at
random from the correct answers.
The winner of this week's Mousy Mindboggler will receive a
beautiful Disney snowglobe courtesy of Shontell Crawford and
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Here's the SOLUTION to last week's Before and After challenge:
An animated show that's in another dimension: Mickey's
PhilharMagic
+
A gem of a ride with spinning suspension: Magic Carpets of
Aladdin
=
Mickey's PhilharMAGIC Carpets of Aladdin
Congratulations to Brad S. of Alabama, whose email was chosen
from among about 170 submitted with the correct answer this
week. Brad will receive a beautiful Disney snowglobe courtesy of
Shontell Crawford and http://www.dvcbyresale.com/ -- a perfect
year-round reminder of the Disney Magic!
Many thanks to all of you for playing!
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
"This ride goes how fast?!" That's what Brooke Himel, 7, seems
to be thinking before riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but
after seeing the last group scream through a corner farther
along the track. This week's Photo of the Week was taken by
Brooke's father, Mike Himel.
Do YOU have a wonderful photograph that captures the Magic of
Walt Disney World? Send it to us and it could be chosen as our
Photo of the Week! Each week we'll select one photograph that we
think best conveys that extra sprinkling of pixie dust, and
display it for all our readers to see. Send us your favorite
memories and let's see what "develops!"
http://allears.net/pw/pw.htm#guidelines
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FROM OUR EARS TO YOUR EYES!
WHAT'S NEW ON ALLEARS.NET?
Linda Mac shares photos of a Category 9, Deck 1 stateroom from
the Disney Wonder:
http://allearsnet.com/cruise/g_wonder1.htm
We have new breakfast, lunch and dinner menus from the Disney
Wonder thanks to Linda Mac!
http://allearsnet.com/cruise/menu_wonder.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Check out our newly updated Typhoon Lagoon menus:
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm#tl
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
There's always something new at AllEars(R) Blog Central:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/
Deb Wills reminisces about her first visit to Animal Kingdom in
March 1998:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/
Mike Scopa writes about the Disney Marathon Weekend:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/mikescopa/
Jack Spence shares his thoughts on the Pacific Electric Railway
in The World According to Jack:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/jackspence/
Linda Mac shares her experience cheering the runners on at the
Half Marathon:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/lindamac/
Laura Gilbreath takes a quick trip to Disneyland:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/lauragilbreath/
Picture This! Scott, Lisa and Barrie share their latest photo
tips. Every Sunday a new "Where in the World" photo game begins,
now with a monthly prize drawing!!
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/photoblog
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Need an answer? Then read Anita Answer! This week, Anita answers
questions on when the new president will appear in the Hall of
Presidents, if the Doom Buggies have been revved up, hidden park
entrances, the "new guy" in Spaceship Earth, wireless Internet
at WDW, and Ariel's at the Beach Club.
http://allears.net/aa/anita.htm
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