While one could make a case for hats on the figures (as I believe Lincoln wears his signature hat in the attraction), all headwear on the President's is something they were known for WHILE they were President. Trump has rarely ever donned that hat since becoming President, that was a campaign thing.
Hall of Presidents
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Adding something I've thought about... For anyone that claims Trump shouldn't be allowed on that stage for the controversial things he's done or said... keep in mind that a good number of the others on that stage owned slaves. Some were impeached or resigned in disgrace. And I'm sure in their day many of them had controversial stances (even for their time.)
The attraction doesn't judge or critique. It simply displays historical figures that all held the office of president for any amount of time.
Okay, it's pretty kind to Washington and puts Lincoln on a pedestal, but other than that it's not there to judge.
The attraction doesn't judge or critique. It simply displays historical figures that all held the office of president for any amount of time.
Okay, it's pretty kind to Washington and puts Lincoln on a pedestal, but other than that it's not there to judge.
Agreed.
The attraction has always tried to stay apolitical. Hell, since the attraction has been open in 1971, Nixon resigned and Clinton, who had a speaking role, was impeached. Even through that, it's never stopped Disney from going forward. Right now we're in uncharted waters politically, but the pendulum always swings. No reason to remove the attraction though.
And yeah, I have always felt they put Lincoln on far too high of a pedestal.
I don't envy WDW at this point. It was mentioned before that having the current president speak is the root of the dilemma. If they revert to George and Abe it will be seen in a negative light no matter the wisdom of doing so. No win here - Bring on the Muppets!
Honestly, I've always thought HoP suffers from the same issue Epcot does.
I don't go to a theme park to learn about the real world. I go to escape the real world and see places that couldn't exist anywhere else. If I want to experience France, I'll go to France. If I want to hear the President speak, I'll turn on CNN.
I know a lot of people love Epcot because it's real. I personally want more of the fantasy world.
I don't go to a theme park to learn about the real world. I go to escape the real world and see places that couldn't exist anywhere else. If I want to experience France, I'll go to France. If I want to hear the President speak, I'll turn on CNN.
I know a lot of people love Epcot because it's real. I personally want more of the fantasy world.
- Feb 15, 2012
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What I've heard is Disney was quoted a time frame last year to add a new AA and update the show. Once the show closed Garner Holt came in and found more serious issues that would require a longer upgrade time. Disney probably took this time to spring for that upgrade and punt the ball. I imagine if Disney put their full weight behind the refurb with the original opening time of July we'd be done, but with the last minute issues they've put it on the back burner.
As somebody who's never done HoP, is it a decently popular attraction? I've always thought it was virtually empty most of the time (which would make it a prime spot for something new), but I have no idea.
- Feb 15, 2012
- 17,122
- 46,998
It has massive capacity but whenever I've been (rarely) it's a small audience. Show size depends on if it's after a parade, if it's after the steam boat unloaded, and if it started to rain.
This has to just suck for the Imagineers involved as well as Disney. Regardless of how you feel about Trump, we can all agree on one thing: it is extremely rare to find a person who has mixed feelings on him. People either hate his guts or admire him with pride. But Disney should take cues from the majority, including globally as WDW sees international visitors and have the president not speak.
If he doesn't, Disney can choose to abstain from much comment other than, "we were unable to reach the President in time." DJT may tweet, some people may threaten to boycott... but this is not at all the first time Disney's gone through this. It would blow over quickly considering the majority opinion, compared to the headaches of years ahead mired with security constantly being called to HoP. (might I suggest a breathalyzer test for adults before entering?
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Eliminating Trump's speech would relegate his focus to a mere 10 seconds, and that still makes me wary to even want to enter the theater with other human beings, that's how aggressive and heightened the aura around this person has become. And yes: I'm speaking about both sides to make that abundantly clear.
After all, no matter what those 5 to 10 seconds will still exist in the show until the show finally comes to a halt. Might as well get people used to it.
If he doesn't, Disney can choose to abstain from much comment other than, "we were unable to reach the President in time." DJT may tweet, some people may threaten to boycott... but this is not at all the first time Disney's gone through this. It would blow over quickly considering the majority opinion, compared to the headaches of years ahead mired with security constantly being called to HoP. (might I suggest a breathalyzer test for adults before entering?
) Eliminating Trump's speech would relegate his focus to a mere 10 seconds, and that still makes me wary to even want to enter the theater with other human beings, that's how aggressive and heightened the aura around this person has become. And yes: I'm speaking about both sides to make that abundantly clear.
After all, no matter what those 5 to 10 seconds will still exist in the show until the show finally comes to a halt. Might as well get people used to it.
Personally, even as someone that doesn't agree with his politics, i'm fine with him speaking because of precedent. Besides, the presidents never say more than the Oath of Office and then a 75-second speech or so. It won't be nearly as bad as people are making it out to be.This has to just suck for the Imagineers involved as well as Disney. Regardless of how you feel about Trump, we can all agree on one thing: it is extremely rare to find a person who has mixed feelings on him. People either hate his guts or admire him with pride. But Disney should take cues from the majority, including globally as WDW sees international visitors and have the president not speak.
If he doesn't, Disney can choose to abstain from much comment other than, "we were unable to reach the President in time." DJT may tweet, some people may threaten to boycott... but this is not at all the first time Disney's gone through this. It would blow over quickly considering the majority opinion, compared to the headaches of years ahead mired with security constantly being called to HoP. (might I suggest a breathalyzer test for adults before entering?
Eliminating Trump's speech would relegate his focus to a mere 10 seconds, and that still makes me wary to even want to enter the theater with other human beings, that's how aggressive and heightened the aura around this person has become. And yes: I'm speaking about both sides to make that abundantly clear.
After all, no matter what those 5 to 10 seconds will still exist in the show until the show finally comes to a halt. Might as well get people used to it.
The people who don't like Trump likely aren't even going to step foot inside to watch the show anyway. Let Trump Supporters have their show just like Clinton, Bush and Obama got theirs. One very divisive president shouldn't ruin a show that has been around since opening day.
The show is normally pretty busy during the afternoon, i'd say more full than a full CoP theatre, just doesn't look like it because the room is huge. However, every time the show reopens from refurb, it typically does re-gain popularity for about a year or 2.
How is that ruining though? The president never spoke until 1993. If anything, the show would return to status quo.
And I highly disagree that those who dislike Trump would avoid it anyways (Disney better hope not, if attendance is bad now...), I sat through the Obama version with audience members booing and making fart noises during his speech. There is no "letting the supporters have their version", because it shouldn't be. It should be everyone's version, and it should be safe.
And honestly that goes with future presidents as well. I don't think Disney ever anticipated that such a polarizing figure would ever get elected (and this is considering the eight years of a Bush AA speaking)... in this specific volatile situation, I think it's best they take a step back.
I agree everyone should be able to go and feel welcomed, but I also feel like he's our President whether anyone likes it or not. And idk when you guys are going to see the show but the room is at least half full in a HUGE theatre every time I go. I think Disney would love to try and put this off for as long as possible, but they also don't want to come off as partisan because let's face it, a good amount of their paying customers are Republican's that likely voted for Trump.
Also, the versions since the Washington/Lincoln version have all been FAR superior, even though every speaking president in that time has been booed. One side is always going to hate that the other won and there's no changing that.
- Jan 31, 2013
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Latest on Enhancements to The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom Park | Disney Parks Blog
So... Disney is now saying they are doing a major refurb and overhaul of HoP which is why it is taking longer than we had expected.
More spin or just more info?
So... Disney is now saying they are doing a major refurb and overhaul of HoP which is why it is taking longer than we had expected.
More spin or just more info?
They do mention in that piece that the recording session with Trump has been scheduled. Since the DPB is a large PR department for WDW, I can't imagine they would lie about that or the White House could easily refute it.
- Jan 31, 2013
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I wasn't suggesting that they were lying necessarily, just using the refurb as an excuse for the extended closure when the issue may have been over the script for Trump.
There's been rumors that more work is being done this refurb than was originally planned. And that Disney is stretched thin at the moment so they don't mind putting it off a bit. So that fits within the narrative.
From what I have read they are upgrading all the wrap around screens and brand new projectors are going in as well as a refurb to all the figures and the show itself.
Yea, this was the first time Disney confirmed some of those rumors though.
From the parks blog post:
The Hall of Presidents is getting a new show, and a complete theater upgrade including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system. The multi-screen viewing experience you may have seen in prior versions of the attraction is returning with an even wider vantage point of our country’s history.
*Emphasis mine.
Maybe I am just fearing the worst in this, but I feel like with Trump we'd have more than boos. Obama himself has started fights here and there.
I just feel like Disney should rip the band aid off but at least they seem to be (literally) buying time.
We probably will hear more boos. But I actually expect to hear almost more applause, too.
Of course, I think that a lot of that will only last early on in it's first year. It should be interesting and i'm sure WDI is navigating this super carefully.
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