Walt Disney World is one of America’s greatest playgrounds, a place where people can go to escape their troubles and have fun. Still, there is a serious side to the destination; numerous aspects of United States history are represented there. I will discuss 10 examples of such representations in this post.

1) Tom Sawyer Island: Located in the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland and only accessible via raft, this oversized playground is based on one of the great works of American literature: Mark Twain’s 1884 novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

2) The American Adventure: The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot houses an impressive 30-minute audio-animatronic show that highlights great moments in United States history from founding to the present. Featured individuals include suffragist Susan B. Anthony, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The show is hosted by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin.

3) It’s a Small World: Walt Disney originally created this alternately heartwarming and infuriating attraction—ahh, get that song out of my head!—for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The boat ride, located in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, uses themed sets and singing animatronics to promote “peace through understanding,” which was the theme of the 1964 World’s Fair.

4) Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress: Another animatronic attraction created by Disney for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress, located in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, shows guests how technological advances altered American family life through the course of the 20^th century. The gas lamp, the radio, the automatic dishwasher, and the high-definition television are among the highlighted technologies.

5) Wilderness Lodge: This deluxe resort, situated only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, pays homage to the culture and history of the American northwest. The main building is based on Yellowstone Park’s Old Faithful Inn and features a breathtaking eight-story lobby. Dining options range from the upscale Artist Point to the raucous Whispering Canyon Café.

6) Contemporary Resort: Noted for its impressive main tower that allows the monorail to pass through it, the Contemporary Resort hosted one of the most infamous moments in American history. At the resort on November 17, 1973, President Richard Nixon gave his “I am not a crook” speech such as to deny involvement in the Watergate Scandal. The speech notwithstanding, Nixon eventually became the only president in United States history to resign from office after almost-certain impeachment loomed.

7) Liberty Square: This Magic Kingdom land is placed between Frontierland and Fantasyland, and exudes a colonial vibe. A replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell is present as are numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants. The full-service Liberty Tree Tavern offers traditional American fare, such as pot roast and roast turkey at lunch, and a family-style meal of turkey, pork loin, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and macaroni and cheese at dinner. Meanwhile, at the counter-service Sleepy Hollow restaurant, guests can enjoy funnel cakes and waffle sandwiches. Attractions include the heralded Haunted Mansion, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Hall of Presidents, which I will describe in more detail below.

8) Hall of Presidents: A must-see for history buffs, the Hall of Presidents combines audio animatronics and film to survey United States history from the Revolutionary War to the present. The lives and presidencies of George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy are especially highlighted, but a comprehensive roll call is given to include all of the leaders. This 23-minute show is updated whenever a new president takes office.

9) Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: Featuring the three animated protagonists, Panchito Pistoles, Jose Carioca, and Donald Duck, from the 1944 film The Three Caballeros, this boat ride through Epcot’s indoor Mexico Pavilion may not seem overly serious on the surface, but the reason for creating the film was serious. The Three Caballeros emerged from Disney’s previous animated feature, Saludos Amigos (1942), which came about after President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Disney to tour Latin America and create a related film that would positively depict the region. The purpose of his “Good Neighbor Policy,” Roosevelt wanted to garner support for the United States in Latin America at the expense of Germany during World War II.

10) Great Movie Ride: This attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports guests through scenes from some of the greatest films in American history, including Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Mary Poppins (1964), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

What other aspects of United States history are featured at Walt Disney World? Let me know your thoughts in a comment!