It’s no secret that there are many hidden details and reasons why Disney World attractions work the way they do.
The American Adventure
We find ourselves still marveling at the Kylo Ren animatronic in Rise of the Resistance, and our jaws drop open when we ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and realize yet again how smooth it is. Something that has constantly blown our minds, though, is seeing just how many sets and animatronics there are inside The American Adventure in EPCOT, and we know we’re not alone. That’s part of the reason Disney just released this behind-the-scenes video showing how it all works, and we STILL can’t believe it.
The American Adventure show takes you through some of the most impactful moments in United States history, such as the Mayflower, the Boston Tea Party, the winter at Valley Forge, the penning of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, the Great Depression, and more. Your guides on the trip are none other than Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, but you’ll also see animatronics of historical figures like Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Thomas Jefferson, Chief Joseph, Teddy Roosevelt, and many more — there are 35 total!
The American Adventure
There are multiple different sets used throughout the show, and as the entire thing is automated, there are no people moving set pieces and animatronics on and off stage. Instead, it uses a carriage of show sets that rolls out from underneath the theater seats — yes, that means those sets are UNDERNEATH you as you watch the show!
The sets are underneath the seats!
It’s essentially an elevator on its side, as a hydraulic system is what lifts each set into place on stage once it’s in the right position. Ken and Brad, two Disney Cast Members, take guests through some of the secrets of the attraction in the video below, such as how Benjamin Franklin appears to walk up steps — the first animatronic to ever do so, and how the Teddy Roosevelt animatronic has to bend at the waist to make sure it doesn’t get clipped by the screen or other set pieces when it’s being moved back into the carriage.
Step behind the scenes of The American Adventure at EPCOT 🇺🇸 #DisneyCelebratesAmerica pic.twitter.com/A2NGT2sC3g
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) June 17, 2026
Now you know some of the secrets of the attraction, so you can impress your friends and family with your knowledge AND marvel in what happens behind the magic the next time you go!
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Great attraction. Every guest should be routed thru here, Hall of Presidentstoo.