Posts Tagged ‘American Adventure’

This is a question asked frequently by our clients and showing up often in searches.  As with so many choices, this one is not completely straightforward, but dependent upon several factors. There are three performances of the Candlelight Processional each evening:  5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.  For guests who are NOT reserving the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, the first performance of the evening is nearly always the least-crowded, offering the best chance of a seat.  You must still be prepared to get in line at least an hour before showtime; much earlier if it’s a weekend or during the peak Thanksgiving and Christmas periods.  We suggest checking the length of the standby queue a couple of hours before your chosen performance.  Cast members are keeping track of the number of guests already waiting and you can ask about your chances of a seat if the line looks daunting.

The downside of the first performance is that it isn’t truly dark yet; so much of the impact of the candle-lit processing is lost.  On the other hand, you won’t be standing in line listening to the same show that you’ll be watching later that evening!

If you ARE reserving the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, then your dining reservation time will determine which performance you will attend.  Those paying out-of-pocket rather than using credits from the Disney Dining Plan may wish to maximize their dollar and book lunch (and the 5:00 p.m. performance) at the Tier 1 Biergarten (the Garden Grill is not open for lunch). For guests using two of their Table Service credits for the package, it makes more sense to choose the Tier 3 restaurants and enjoy the more-expensive dinner.

Since the Dining Package also includes access to a reserved viewing area for Illuminations:  Reflections of Earth, some might opt for the second performance at 6:45 p.m. which will give them plenty of time to make their way to the front of the World Showcase and claim a good spot.

Even with the Dining Package, you should be in line at least 30 minutes before the show.  The number of guests already lined up will seem enormous, but once allowed entrance, the crowds move quickly into the theatre.  Fifteen minutes before the performance begins, guests in the standby line are permitted to enter and fill the remaining seats.

Don’t forget that the music is audible even if you’re not sitting in the America Gardens Theatre.  If you’re too late to get a seat, or don’t have the patience for a long wait in line, grab a drink and a chair in the outdoor dining area of Liberty Inn, located right across from the theatre.

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Pluto

AKA: Rover, Pluto the Pup

Favorite Sayings:  “Bark!  Bark!”  “Grrrr”  “Sniff, sniff, sniff”

Memorable Quote: “Kiss me”

Awards: #1 in The Greatest Animated Pets of All Time

Qualifications: cheerful, loyal, fun

Facebook Friends:  Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Fifi, Dinah

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
• EPCOT, American Adventure
• Magic Kingdom, Town Square
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland entrance
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Oasis, main entrance
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue

Character Dining

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
• EPCOT, Garden Grill
• Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
• Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
• Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
• Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show

Shows

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Miscellaneous

• Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., small bronze statue in the hub

You’ll often hear their stirring sounds before you spot them moving in formation toward the front of the American Pavilion.  Marching out in uniforms of brilliant red and blue, the four musicians and flag-bearer of the Spirit of America Fife & Drum  Corps provide a patriotic interlude at the head of the World Showcase in EPCOT.

They will invite visitors to remember our serviceman, to join them in singing a patriotic song, and to enter the building for a performance of the American Adventure.

Playing a medley of marches, military music, and American favorites, the Corps is an unexpected surprise that lends an authentic period touch several times daily.