A Walt Disney World classic, the Hall of Presidents was first conceived by Walt Disney when he produced a “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” attraction for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. One of Disney’s oldest attractions, the Hall has been featured since Walt Disney World opened in 1971. And now, this classic is about to get a makeover. Located in the Liberty Square of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the Hall of Presidents was closed for refurbishment on October 1st, and it will stay closed for eight months while Disney imagineers update the attraction and give it a little face-lift.

A multi-media presentation and stage show, the Hall of Presidents features audio-animatronic figures of all 43 US Presidents. Combined with five dazzling widescreens and Disney storytelling, the attraction shows the presidents gathering to hear the words of Abraham Lincoln, along with a ten-minute film of American history narrated by J.D. Hall. Since the show’s opening, it has always featured a speech by the Lincoln figure, although Disney has since added a second speech by the current president. When the show opens on July 4th, a third figure, George Washington, will also give a speech.

“We’re about to get a new president,” said Pam Fisher, senior show writer for Walt Disney Imagineering. “And so, since we have to shut down the show anyway to welcome No. 44, we’re going to take the opportunity to…refurbish the attractions and the facility and also kind of wave the magic wand around a little bit.”

Planned improvements for the attraction include updating the hall’s lights, sound, mechanical, and show systems. The 70 mm projectors will also be replaced with digital-video projection systems, which should add new clarity and freshness to the attraction. In addition, a longer spotlight for each president will be added using LED lighting and modernized controls.

Disney also hopes to entice our newest President, Barack Obama, to record an address for the attraction.

“We’ll do everything in our power to make it so,” Fisher said. “We’ve been really lucky so far. It is quite an experience to arrive in the White House and actually be present when the president records his speech for the Hall of Presidents.”

Here are some additional fun facts about the Hall of Presidents: first, President Lincoln’s dialog is based on excerpts from some of his actual speeches and was written by a history professor at Columbia University. Also, while the Hall was envisioned by Walt Disney, it was actually completed by his brother Roy. Finally, each one of the 43 presidents has been sculpted by Disney artist Blaine Gibson. Gibson, who is 90 years old, will be handing over the reins to his protégé Valerie Edwards, who will create President-Elect Obama’s figure under his supervision.

When Obama’s figure is added to the Hall of Presidents, it will be taking over the recycled figure of President George W. Bush. Bush will be added to the lineup using a less sophisticated animatronic figure.

Be sure to catch a piece of history when the new and improved Hall of Presidents returns to Magic Kingdom in July. In the meantime, though, enjoy the other educational attractions at Magic Kingdom; we especially like the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland.

Labels: Disney World refurbs, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom Attractions, Walt Disney World News