President Obama Joins the Cast of the Hall of Presidents at the Walt Disney World Resort
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
A remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama enters the spotlight in a revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show that recently reopened in the Magic Kingdom® Park at the Walt Disney World® Resort.
The figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded at the White House – is only part of a makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park’s Liberty Square has been retitled The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders.
Other updates to the “re-Imagineered” attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom Park Guests since 1971:
- A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.
- For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.
- Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.
“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our Guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our Guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”
True to Walt Disney’s vision, The Hall of Presidents features the appearance on stage of every United States president - life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. Seven presidents have been added to the “Hall” since the attraction opened during the presidency of Richard Nixon.
The figure of President Barack Obama is not only the seventh addition but also the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imagineers, who’ve been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures. Imagineers also worked closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories worn by the Obama figure in the show, right down to a lapel pin and watch.
Imagineers enhanced the soundtrack with digital production and state-of-the-art speakers; they also upgraded the lighting with energy-efficient LED technology.
Presentations of The Hall of Presidents show takes place daily and are included with Magic Kingdom Park admission.
