Central Florida’s theme parks typically have a fantastical, exotic feel, from haunted houses to anime and fantasy worlds to galaxies far, far away. But as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’ve compiled a collection of patriotic moments from our country that you can absorb at our attractions.
When you hear these things, you don’t automatically shout “USA! USA!” But these snapshots, available all year round, represent the country’s history, heroes, music and mania.
10. Miniland USA, Legoland Florida
The centerpiece of Winter Haven Theme Park’s layout is Miniland USA, an expansive collection of national landmarks reconstructed brick by brick. Chief among them are the U.S. Capitol, fronted by a moving marching band, various monuments, and the White House. But Miniland goes beyond that by adding even more Americana with scenes in New York City, Las Vegas, California, and Florida, including the vehicle assembly building at Kennedy Space Center.
9. Space Shuttle Atlantis, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The elaborate reveal of Atlantis, the last of NASA’s shuttle fleet to fly, is perhaps the most breathtaking moment unveiled at a Central Florida attraction. In other words, grown men cry. The exhibits surrounding the high-tiled shuttle remind us that amazing and otherworldly events are happening right in our backyard.
8. Meet Captain America, Islands of Adventure
No superhero is more wrapped in our nation’s flag than Captain America, who first appeared in comic books in 1940 and has recently appeared in human form on Marvel Super Hero Island. The meet-and-greet version of Cap brandishes his shield and strong jawline as he encounters IOA visitors. Thanks to a long-standing agreement, it’s also your chance to experience Disney-owned characters at Universal parks. look? Everyone can get along.
7. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom
Frontierland’s waterway rides feature the only American princess in Disney’s official lineup and jazz, a musical genre with roots firmly in the Deep South. For more American-born tunes, turn the corner and catch the Country Bears Musical Jamboree.
6. Blues Brothers Show, Universal Studios, Florida
The music is going well, but here’s one more thing. Four performers play Chicago-based R&B in an upbeat mini-concert on a park street. Brothers Jake and Elwood, along with soloist Mabel and saxophonist Jazz, somehow work together to get the tourists to bend over and wave their tail feathers.
Red Hoover, Orlando Sentinel
Wax figures of Uncle Sam and Abraham Lincoln can be seen at Madame Tussauds in Orlando. (Orlando Sentinel File)
5. Uncle Sam and more at Madame Tussauds in Orlando
The International Drive attraction features many famous Americans, but this year it might be best to pose with a wax version of Pointing Uncle Sam. he wants you Tussauds’ presidential lineup includes Lincoln, Obama and Trump, as well as semi-local hero Walt Disney.
4. National Anthem, SeaWorld Orlando
Every morning at SeaWorld Orlando, a recording of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is played just before the park opens. And facing the park’s Sky Tower atop Old Glory feels just right. You can chat with “USA!” If it moves like that, it’s the end.
3. Hall of Presidents, Magic Kingdom
The trademark Liberty Square attraction features a roll call of all U.S. presidents, presidential or not, in animatronic form. It will be preceded by a very widescreen film narrated by Morgan Freeman that recaps some of the greatest moments in American history, and some of the most tragic. After the show, cross the sidewalk to see a replica of the Liberty Bell near the giant Liberty Tree and beneath 13 flags representing the original colonies.
2. American Adventure, Epcot
The second floor of the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot’s cosmopolitan setting houses a U.S. history lesson featuring dozens of animatronic figures (including Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin), another film about the country’s history, and a soaring finale, “Golden Dreams,” which you could be forgiven for thinking was titled “Golden Wings.”
The building also houses the American Heritage Gallery on the first floor, where President George W. Bush’s oil painting of a veteran, “Portrait of Courage,” is on display through the Fourth of July weekend. There is also a barbecue area next door.
1. Voice of freedom
Separating The Voice from American Adventure is just a bit of cheating. This a cappella group is the highlight of Epcot’s opening day, performing several sets each day and regularly combining playlists. The Voice’s songbook includes Americana and remade Disney classics with razor-sharp harmonies. You might hear “Skip to My Lou” and “Let It Go” in the same afternoon.
Never been there? Don’t ignore the early invitation to sit on the floor under the rotunda. It’s literally cool there and acoustically it’s a great place to listen to American songs.
Email us at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Blue Sky: @Theme Park Database. Thread account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to Theme Park Ranger Newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
