Disney News

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.

So, you’re enjoying your day at one of Disney’s magical theme parks and you see on your entertainment guide that you have a chance to see a Disney parade. First of all, you are in for a treat! Disney is the master of entertainment and their parades are wonderful sites to behold. Here are just a few quick tips to maximize your viewing pleasure and enjoyment of your Disney parade. Follow these, and your Disney parade time will be magical!

Tips for Enjoying Disney Parades:

1. Arrive Early – Disney parades are extremely popular and many people line up anywhere from forty-five minutes to one hour and a half before the parade starts. Unless you are there during an extremely busy day, forty-five minutes should be plenty of time to find a good viewing location.
2. Find a Great Viewing Spot – Check your park map for parade routes. Some parades actually stop their forward motion for a period of time to put on a street party/show. You should definitely try to position yourself where those events occur. They are marked on your park map. Also, when in doubt, ask a Cast Member for the best viewing location. They’ve seen the parade tons of times and can tell you their favorite spot.
3. Prepare for the Elements – Whether hot or cold outside, be aware that you may be waiting in extreme weather conditions for over an hour. Be ready to cool off with a fan or sprayer (and don’t forget your sunscreen) OR be ready to warm up with a nice hot chocolate and a blanket.
4. Attend the Late Parade – If the Disney parade you are wanting to experience is running twice on the same day, attend the second running as it will almost always have less of a crowd and you can get a better spot to experience the magic.
5. Be Ready to Party – Disney parades are full of excitement, music, dancing, and other crowd pumping activities. If you want to experience the parade to the fullest, then jump out there and participate. Dance, sing, and have fun. Don’t worry about making a fool out of yourself…you’re on vacation…you’ll never see these people again!

Following a few simple tips can make your Disney parade experience magical. Disney parades are a perfect way to expierence the wonder and fantasy that the Disney parks are famous for!

Here’s a great new offering for families assigned to second dining! The Dine and Play program allows children to get their meals quicker and adults to check-in a child for Youth Activities without leaving the dining room.

Dine and Play

• Available on both the Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder® Cruise Ship.
• Offered during second dining in any of the main dining rooms – Animator’s Palate, Lumieres, Tritons and Parrot Cay.
• Open to children ages 3-12.

Here’s how it works: You arrive in the dining room and inform the server that your child would like to participate in Dine and Play. The dining room team brings the child’s meal first while serving the adults at a more leisurely pace.

About 45 minutes after seating begins, Youth Activities Counselors arrive in the dining room and sign in your child to their respective groups in Disney’s Oceaneer Club or Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, eliminating the need for you to escort your child to Deck 5.

Adults are then able to enjoy the full dining experience with the knowledge that their child is having a great time in a safe, fun and comfortable environment.