Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
233
Tips
Cruise Control
Watching Epcot's IllumiNations fireworks display (see below) from the World
Showcase Lagoon can make for a magical evening. You can charter the 1930s
vintage speedboat
Breathless
II ($300, up to six people) or catch the show aboard
a less romantic pontoon boat (starting at $275 for up to 10 people including
snacks and nonalcoholic beverages). Both last 45 to 50 minutes and you must
rent the entire boat for your family or find your own boat mates. For information
or to reserve a boat, call
&
407/939-7529.
You can make arrangements for addi-
tional food and beverages to be served on your cruise, though only through Dis-
ney, by calling
&
407/934-3160.
U.S.A.—The American Adventure
Frommer's Rating:
A
Recommended Ages:
8-adult
Housed in a vast Georgian-style structure, the
American Adventure
is a 29-minute
dramatization of U.S. history, utilizing a 72-foot rear-projection screen, rousing music,
and a large cast of lifelike audio-animatronic figures, including narrators Mark Twain and
Ben Franklin. The adventure begins with the voyage of the
Mayflower
and encompasses
major historic events. You'll view Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence,
Matthew Brady photographing a family about to be divided by the Civil War, the stock
market crash of 1929 (but not the crash of Disney stock in 1999 and 2000), Pearl Har-
bor, and the
Eagle
heading toward the moon. Teddy Roosevelt discusses the need for
national parks. Susan B. Anthony speaks out on women's rights; Frederick Douglass, on
slavery; and Chief Joseph, on the plight of Native Americans. It's one of Disney's best
historical productions. Formal gardens shaded by live oaks, sycamores, elms, and holly
complement the 18th-century architecture.
Entertainment includes the
Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps,
and the
Voices
of Liberty,
an a cappella group that sings patriotic songs.
Heritage Manor Gifts
sells autographed presidential photographs, needlepoint sam-
plers, quilts, pottery, candles, Davy Crockett hats, books on American history, histori-
cally costumed dolls, classic political campaign buttons, and vintage newspapers with
banner headlines such as “Nixon Resigns!”
OTHER SHOWS
IllumiNations
Moments
Frommer's Rating:
A+
Recommended Ages:
3-adult
Little has changed since Epcot's millennium version of IllumiNations ended on January
1, 2001. This 13-minute grand nightcap continues to be a blend of fireworks, lasers, and
fountains in a display that's signature Disney. The show is worth braving the crowds that
flock to the parking lot when it's over (just be sure to keep a firm grip on young kids).
Tip:
Stake your claim to your favorite viewing area a half-hour before showtime (listed
in your entertainment schedule). The ones near Showcase Plaza offer a head start for the
exits. Another good place for viewing the show is the terrace at the Rose & Crown Pub
in the United Kingdom (p. 137).
6
