Presidential History Even More Real in a New Hall of Presidents

Every time there's a new president elected, Magic Kingdom's The Hall Of Presidents is always given a face lift. But when President Barack Obama won the elections, Imagineers closed the whole hall of the historic attraction, and it was given a whole new look. July 4, 2009 was the date the newly reconstructed attraction re-opened.

As You Enter The Lobby

As you enter the lobby, you will notice right away that something has changed...new displays have been added. The first ladies are already featured in the lobby. There are even dresses that were once owned by these special wives. The place also exhibits historic artifacts, such as George W. Bush's cowboy boots - the same pair he wore in his inauguration. Who would have thought that a President would actually wear boots, especially on a very special day, his inauguration? Maybe yes, and maybe not. After all, boots were very fashionable then. Even the presidents from the early years have artifacts displayed in the lobby, too. And naturally, the walls are full of portraits of each President.

The cast members are completely knowledgeable about American history, so be sure to ask them any questions you like about these lobby exhibits.

Fascinating Show in The Theater

After you've finished examining First Lady dresses, fancy, modern cowboy boots, and authentic tailored suits, including George Washington's handmade wool outfit, you'll enter the theater, sit down and wait for the show to begin. The show starts with a new film about the ups and downs of past presidents. The wonderful, deep voice you hear narrating the show is the famous Morgan Freeman. Most of the time, however, scenes and pictures shown in the film are pretty much the same. The film script now focuses on presidential leadership during difficult times. If you want to know how that turned out, well, you just have to wait and see. Expect to see and learn more about Abraham Lincoln. Don't be surprised when President Lincoln interrupts a segment on the Civil War to deliver the Gettysburg Address.

Some other difficult times for presidents are highlighted: George W. Bush's speech right after the 9/11 bombing in addition to Bill Clinton honoring the Oklahoma City bombing victims.

Morgan Freeman then calls out all 43 presidents' names as the curtains go up, each of them waves and nods at the crowd. How thrilling is that? These animatronics has been done very well, and these presidents just look so real as they speak and move.

Does Not Appeal To Little Kids

You'll only spend about half an hour in the Hall of Presidents. But even if this attraction is equipped by a comfortable AC system, there's a very little chance that small children will be amazed by cowboy boots, speeches, and dresses. But then the life-like animatronics will surely leave teenagers in awe. Adult fans of American history will love it. Most viewers get emotional with this attraction.

Aside from awes and claps of appreciation, boos and yells are also heard from the crowd, especially when calling out some of the Presidents' names. This is the kind of life these politicians had, and they all knew that they couldn't please everybody.

Worth the Visit

The Hall of Presidents does not interest some guests. Believe me, you'll regret it. You should never miss these lifelike animatronic presidents. As always, the Disney attention to detail makes everything fictional seem so real. And the history is inspiring.

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Magic Kingdom information.