Changes
/* Third Incarnation (2009-2016) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vHOng0vm8o */
==Attraction History==
Like many of the Magic Kingdom's opening day attractions, the Hall of Presidents started out as an idea for Disneyland. In the late 1950s Walt Disney wanted to create an attraction called “One Nation Under God”, which was to be about American greatness and the Constitution. The grand finale of the attraction was going to be life size Audio Animatronics of all the United States Presidents joining together on stage, concluding with Abraham Lincoln giving a speech <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id223.htm </ref>. Technological limitations however, made the show unrealistic at that time, and the idea was eventually scrapped.
[[Image:GibsonLincoln.jpg|400px|thumb|Blaine Gibson sculpting the face of Abraham Lincoln for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the 1964 World's Fair| alt= Blaine Gibson Hall of Presidents]]
Although the Audio Animatronic technology was still under development, Walt agreed to create a show for the Illinois Pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair <ref name= "64fair"> http://www.nywf64.com/illinois01.shtml </ref>. The show that Disney came up with was titled, “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln”. The new attraction was essentially a scaled down version of the “One Nation Under God” show, however instead of focusing on all of the American Presidents, the new show focused solely on Abraham Lincoln. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln consisted of two separate parts. The first half of the show was a film that gave Lincoln’s biography, and like its predecessor, the show concluded with the Audio Animatronic Lincoln giving a speech <ref name= "64fair"/>. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln was such a success at the World's Fair, that Walt Disney decided to move the attraction to his Disneyland park. In 1966, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opened on Main Street USA <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/presidents.html </ref>. The show was free for guests and once again proved to be quite popular.
When creating what would eventually be known as the Hall of Presidents for Walt Disney World, Disney decided that making the attraction's film live-action would be cost prohibitive. Instead, Imagineers decided to use artwork that was photographed one frame at a time to create their film. Under the direction of four-time Academy Award winner John DeCuire, the attraction's art team worked every day for two yeas to create over 85 individual pieces of art to be used in the film. Because the show features a 20 x 200 foot screen, some of the artwork created for the show's film was as large as 40 feet long. Due to its large screen, the Hall of Presidents created a unique challenge for Disney- what kind of camera and projection system could be used to fill a two hundred foot long screen. The technical needs of the attraction were overseen by Disney Legend UB Iwereks, who decided to use five individual 70mm projections, each of which were forty feet in width and produced by their own individual projector. In 1993 order to create the Presidential figures in the Hall of Presidents, Disney turned to Imagineer Blaine Gibson, who had sculpted Abraham Lincoln for the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Show. After doing extensive research on each of the Presidents, Gibson set out to create figures that accurately represented not only what the Presidents looked like, but who they were. According to Gibson: [[Image:Gibsonpresidents.jpg|400px|thumb|Presidental busts created for the Hall of Presidents by Blaine Gibson| alt= Hall of Presidents busts Blaine Gibson]] {{Quotation| “My goal in sculpting is to render the uniqueness of an individual"}} After Gibson finished creating the busts, the Presidents were sent to Guatemala, where wig makers created authentic hairpieces and tailors stitched period correct outfits. True to Disney's reputation for attention to detail, Imagineers included a number of specific details for each President they brought to life. Some examples of these Easter eggs include: * George Washington's chair was an exact reproduction of the chair the nation's first president sat in during the 1987 Constiutional Convention. * Franklin Delano Roosevelt wears a Phi Beta Kappa key to wear on his jacket * President's Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley all wear Civil War era lapel pins. Renaming the attraction the Hall of Presidents, the show opened with the rest of the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. The Hall of Presidents (along with the [[Country Bear Jamboree]] and the Mickey Mouse Revue) was one of the three unique (not from Disneyland) attractions that opened with the Magic Kingdom.===Changes Since Opening Day===[[Image:HallofPresidentsCarter.jpg|thumb|400px|Imagineers working on the President Carter figure's costume. |alt= Jimmy Carter Hall of Presidents Imagineer.]] Following its initial opening the Hall of Presidents did not feature many changes during its first two decades. Following their election, or elevations, to the Presidency, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Regan, and George H.W. Bush were added to attraction. Despite these additions, the attraction's main show was not altered. Things changed however, in 1993, when the Hall of Presidents was overhauled and given a new script. Columbia professor Eric Forner convinced Disney executives (including Michael Eisner) that the original show did not pay enough attention to the issues slavery and civil rights <ref name= "dated"> http://waltdatedworld.com/id223.htm </ref>. In order to enact these changes, as well as to add President Bill Clinton to the attraction, the Hall of Presidents closed in September of 1993. When the attraction reopened in October of the same year, the attraction had a completely new tone. Furthermore, the new Hall of Presidents film was now narrated by poet Maya Angelo <ref> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/hop.htm </ref>.
In 2001 J.D. Hall replaced Maya Angelo as the attraction's narrator and President George W. Bush was added to the attraction. Like Clinton before him, Bush recorded a speech specifically for The Hall of Presidents <ref> http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_hop.htm </ref>.
On January 17, 2017 The Hall of Presidents closed for the addition of President Donald Trump <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/hall-of-presidents/news/26jun2017-the-hall-of-presidents-to-reopen-late-2017-featuring-a-speaking-role-for-trump.htm </ref>.
On December 19, 2017, the Hall of Presidents officially reopened to guests. Besides the addition of Donald Trump to the attraction, the hall also received a brand new script and film. It also features updated sound, lighting and projection <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/12/the-hall-of-presidents-reopens-at-the-walt-disney-world-resort-after-year-long-transformation/ </ref>. On January 20, 2021, the Hall of Presidents closed for the addition of President Joe Biden <ref> https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-et-disney-hall-of-presidents-closed-refurbishment-biden-trump-20210120-6wj6u5q2hrafriwqw2laljgasm-story.html </ref>. On August 3, 2021, the attraction reopened featuring America's newest President. Outside of the addition of President Biden, the Hall of Presidents show remained unchanged. Unlike President's Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump however, President Biden does not give a speech at the attraction's conclusion, instead he simply recites the Presidential Oath.
==Building Exterior and Waiting Area==
The Hall of Presidents is located in [[Liberty Square ]] and is housed in a colonial hall. The Hall's architecture takes its inspiration from the Philadelphia and Boston colonial meeting halls used during the time of the American Revolution. The building itself is red brick, with a peaked tower serving as its highest point. Above the entrance to the hall, the date 1787 can be read (an obvious reference to the year the Constitution was signed).
After entering the building, guests find themselves in a large an expansive lobby. Various portraits of United States Presidents line the walls, and a large carpet featuring the "Great Seal of the United States" can be found in the center of the lobby. Other artifacts that can be found in the waiting room include personal property of former Presidents, and even some dresses which were worn by First Ladies on Inauguration Day. Sine Since 2018 an exhibit dedicated to Walt Disney, his fascination with Abraham Lincoln, and the development of the Hall of Presidents (including some of the original busts)can also be found in the lobby.
==Attraction Plot==
The Hall of President’s film began with the Constitutional Convention in 1787. George Washington (the president of the Convention) and Benjamin Franklin were heard trying to persuade their fellow delegates to sign the Constitution. Although the founders admit that the Constitution is not perfect, all but three eventually sign the document and the states agree to ratify it.
Leaving the Constitutional Convention, the story moved forward to the Whiskey Rebellion in 1789. Here, newly elected President George Washington faced one of his first challenges as President when Pennsylvanian farmers began to riot over federal taxes. Washington and Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Mifflin could then be heard arguing over whether or not Washington had the power to use armed forces to stop the rebels. Washington said that the Supreme Court affirms affirmed his authority, and he was then shown on horseback leading federal troops towards to Pennsylvania. Fortunately, the narrator informed guests that the riots ended without bloodshed, and Washington was able to show Americans that the President would use force in order to "ensure domestic tranquility".
Following the Whiskey Rebellion, the scene once again shifted. Guests now found themselves in South Carolina some 40 years later. The Nullification Crisis was featured, and an angry crowd was being addressed by a speaker. The speaker informed the mob that, "The Federal Government's Tariff Acts are hereby declared null, void, and no law in the State of South Carolina." The speaker then went on to warn that any use of force by the government would lead to the secession of South Carolina. Following his speech, an image of President Andrew Jackson was shown on the screen, and he declared that he was determined to keep the Union together. The narrator then informed guests that with the support of Congress, Jackson was able to end the Nullification Crisis without any bloodshed. It was apparent however that the “union of the states” was in danger.
Once again moving forward in history, guests next found themselves listening in on the 1858 debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. During the debate, Lincoln declared that he knew slavery was wrong, and that "this government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free. A house divided against itself cannot stand". Although he was being heckled by the crowd, Lincoln continued on, saying that if the people did not believe in the words of the Deceleration of Independence, then they should go and destroy it. Reluctantly, the crowd admitted that he was right, and although the narrator told guests that although Lincoln lost (that) election, his words were not forgotten.
Following Lincoln’s speech, the scene once again cut. Guests then saw (the now) President Abraham Lincoln in the White House. He was alone, contemplating his responsibility to protect the union. Lincoln claimed that he knew there was a God, and that that God hated slavery. He then resolved that with God’s help, he would end slavery and win the war. At this point, images of the American Civil War flashed on the screen and the narrator said:
===Second Incarnation (1993-2009) <ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duo5Svjl92g </ref>===
The 1993 version of the Hall of Presidents once again opened with the Constitutional Convention in 1786. Now however, instead of debating the merits of the new Constitution, the delegates could instead be heard arguing about whether or not slavery had a place in the new country <ref name= "dated"/>.
[[Image:BushClinton.jpg|450px|thumb|In the second incarnation of The Hall of Presidents, Bill Clinton and later George W. Bush gave speeches (Photo: Lauren Javier)| alt=Bill Clinton George Bush Hall of Presidents.]]
Continuing on, the new version of the Hall of Presidents omitted the Whiskey Rebellion scene that had once followed the Constitutional Convention. Instead, the film jumped straight to the Nullification Crisis, where once again the issue of slavery was interjected. Now the South Carolina crowd who supported nullification also voiced their approval of slavery. Like in the previous incarnation of the Hall of Presidents, the film next then featured the Lincoln-Douglas debate, during which Lincoln gave his famous "House Divided" speech. The Civil War portion of the show also remained mostly the same as the previous incarnation <ref name= "dated"/>. [[Image:BushClinton.jpg|450px|thumb|In the second incarnation of The Hall of Presidents, Bill Clinton and later George W. Bush gave speeches (Photo: Lauren Javier).]]
Although the portion of the film that focused on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War remained intact, the post-Civil War scene was radically altered. Instead of focusing on the American technological achievements in the century after the war, the film instead focused on the civil rights struggles of women, immigrants and African Americans. The film then concluded with the narrator saying "We the people must mean all the people" and the Saturn 5 launching into space <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/presidents.html </ref>.
===Third Incarnation (2009-2016) <ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vHOng0vm8o </ref>===
In 2008 to coincide with the election of President Barrack Obama, The Hall of Presidents once again underwent a major refurbishment. At this time the attraction received a new script which focused on the relationship between the Presidents and the American people.Other altercations included a re-programmed Abraham Lincoln Audio Animatronic who now delivers the Gettysburg Address. George Washington also now stands and gives a speech. Barrack Obama was added to the attraction where he delivers a speech record by the President himself. [[Image:ThePennselvanystatehouse.jpg|thumb|400px|The Pennsylvania State House circa 1778 as seen in the Hall of Presidents |alt= Hall of Presidents painting]] Furthermore, 130 new images were added to the attraction to go along with score written by Joel McNeely <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/hall-of-presidents/news/27jun2009-hall-of-presidents-offically-reopens-july-4.htm </ref>. Finally, at this time the attraction's rotunda was also changed, so that it now showcases many artifacts that belonged to the Presidents themselves. When the attraction reopened, it was renamed Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders.
Like the previous incarnations of the Hall of Presidents, the third version started with the shadows of Americans repeating phrases from the Deceleration of Independence. The films narrator (now voiced by Morgan Freeman <ref> http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/walt_disney_world's_magic_kingdom/hall_of_presidents/ </ref>), then shifted the scene back to American Revolution. On the screen, guests then see images of Valley Forge, and of Americans eventually winning their independence. The narrator then told guests that from the beginning, the dream of a government run by "We the people" was already facing a threat.
At this point, the film moved to a time after the Revolution. Due to the war, the colonies were bankrupt and soldiers unpaid. In the background, some American veterans could be heard calling for an end to democracy and for George Washington to be crowned king. Washington then spoke, saying that he believes in the democracy that he fought for. After hearing his words, the unrest amongst the solders was quelled.
[[Image:DeclerationSigning.jpg|450px|thumb|"Declaration of Independence" by John Trumbull.| alt= Deceleration of Independence painting Hall of Presidents ]]
Following Washington’s speech, the scene changed to the Constitutional Convention, where the Founding Fathers agreed that Washington should be the country’s first President. Washington once again spoke, showing the audience some of his trepidation:
{{Quotation|"I know that there is a God, and that he hates injustice and slavery. And I see the storm coming, I know his hand is in it. If he has a place of work for me, and I think he has, I believe I am ready. I am nothing, but truth is everything. And with God's help I shall not fail. "}}
[[Image:LinoclnPainting.png|450px|thumb|Abraham Lincoln in the White House just prior to the beginning of the Civil War.| alt= Abraham Lincoln painting Hall of Presidents]]
The beginning of the Civil War at Fort Sumter was then shown, before the conflict was depicted through images of Union and Confederate soldiers. The narrator then told guests that after 500,000 Americans had died, America needed meaning to come from all the tragedy.
* George W. Bush at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 attacks- "I can hear you! I can hear you; the rest of the world hears you!"
[[Image:Obama.jpg|400px|thumb|A close up of the Barrack President Obama Audio Animatronic (Photo: Lauren Javier)| alt= President Obama Hall of Presidents]]
Finally, the narrator gave one final speech as the Space Shuttle Columbia was shown launching for the first time:
As the curtains closed and guests exited the attraction, the Battle Hymn of the Republic plays.
===Fourth Version (2017-Present)===
The current version of the Hall of Presidents begins with a brief dedication to Walt Disney. The show itself then opens on large screens with a scene depicting the end of the Revolutionary War. After briefly recapping George Washington’s victory over the British, it then cuts to Philadelphia in 1787 where the Constitution has been completed. As part of the new government the narrator states:[[Image:HallofPresidentslobbyexhibit.jpg|thumb|400px|Curators working on the new Hall of Presidents lobby exhibits.]]
{{Quotation|"They imagine something new in the history of the world. A leader not born to power like a king or queen, a leader who has not ceased power through conquest. A leader who is not seprate from the people, but elected by the people, from among the people. We the people. This is a new idea, an American idea, the idea of a President".}}
As images of George Washington crossing the Delaware River and fighting the British flash on the screen, the narrator notes that although the American people don't fully know what a President will be, they know Washington will be the first one. The military leader had not used his victory to create a dictatorship, but instead resigned from the army and went home to Mount Vernon.
When he receives his the notification that he has been elected as the first President of the United States of America, Washington states, "Integrity and firmness is all I can promise". Despite these reservations, Washington is perfect for the role, and almost every move he makes is set as precedent. Perhaps most importantly, Washington steps down after two terms in office.
At this point, the film begins to quickly show the Presidents that America elects to succeed Washington. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, James K. Polk, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan all briefly appear on screen as the narrator points out that America chose very different Presidents in its infant years. After 15 Presidents however, the country finds itself in crisis.
[[Image:YoungLincoln.jpg|400px|thumb|A young Abraham Lincoln as shown in the Hall of Presidents.| alt= Young Lincoln Hall of Presidents]]
As images of slavery appear on screen, the narrator notes that the institution continues within the new republic. As the country pushes west, there is bitter debate about whether slavery will be allowed to spread with it. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln appears on the national scene and gives his famous "house divided" speech. With his election however; the United States does divide.
In the midst of the war, the narrator tells the audience that Lincoln fights to keep the Union together and end slavery. The scene then cuts to the battle of Gettysburg, six months after which Lincoln gives his famous dedication. At this point the middle of the screen rises to show an Audio Animatronic Abraham Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address.
Following the end of the Civil War , slavery was ended and the country exploded west. As the nation approached the 20th century, immigrants poured into the United States and the economy tripled. As cities emerged and the county became a superpower, a young Theodore Roosevelt moved West west to escape his personal troubles. As images of the industrial revolution and the conflict between labor and management appear on screen, the narrator notes that the change was needed. With this unrest as background, Theodore Roosevelt became President, crusading for workers’ rights and promising a "square deal for every man and every woman in the United States". At this time , Roosevelt and his commitment to the natural parks is also briefly shown.[[Image:TrumpHall.jpg|400px|thumb|The Audio Animatronic of President Trump delivering his speech.| alt= Hall of Presidents Donald Trump]]Moving forward to the 1930s, images of the stock market crash of 1928 and the beginning of the Great Depression appear on screen. In 1932, Franklin Roosevelt is elected President. After showing Roosevelt's fireside chats, the narrator notes that even with the depression Depression going on, Roosevelt must guide the country through WWII. As images and video of the American mobilization effort play on screen Roosevelt declares:
{{Quotation|"We must be the great arsenal of democracy. This is an emergency as serious as war itself."}}
After the end of World War II, images of the 1940s and 50s America are shown. Brief speeches of 20th century presidents are then shownplayed. Including:
* Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Speech before the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Space Race (1960)
* John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address (1961)
* Lyndon B. Johnson's We Shall Overcome Speech (1965)
* George W. Bush's speech at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks (2001).
[[Image:BidenHall.jpg|400px|thumb|The Audio Animatronic of President Biden delivering his speech in the current version of the attraction.| alt= Hall of Presidents Joe Biden]]* Barack Obama's speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches Marches (2011).
Following the end of the montage, the screens rise to reveal the 44 Presidents of the United States on stage. After a roll call is taken, George Washington then briefly remarks:
{{Quotation|My fellow citizens, no event could have filled me with greater anxiety than that notification on the 14th day of April, 1789, that you had selected me to lead our nation. But it was with the confidence of my fellow citizens that I took an oath—35 simple words that have been repeated by every American president throughout history. As long as that oath is taken and solemnly fulfilled, the American dream will endure.}} After Washington’s comments, President Trump repeats the oath of the Presidency, before giving a brief speech: {{Quotation|"From the beginning, America has been a nation defined by its people. At our founding, it was the American people who rose up to defend our freedoms and win our independence. It is why our founders began our great constitution with three very simple words: we the people. Since that moment, each generation of Americans has taken its place in the defense of our freedom, our flag, and our nation under God. These are the achievements of the American spirit, the spirit of a people who fought and died to bring the blessings of liberty to all our people. Above all, to be American is to be an optimist, to believe that we can always do better, and that the best days of our great nation are still ahead of us. It's a privilege to serve as the president of the United States, to stand here among so many great leaders of our past, and to work on behalf of the American people."}}
After Washington’s comments, President Biden repeats the oath of the Presidency. At the conclusion of President Trump’s speechoath, the narrator reinforces that the Presidency is entrusted to the President by "We the people". Following these remarks, the curtains lower and the show ends.
==Cast <ref> http://voicechasers.com/database/showprod.php?prodid=3286 </ref>==
Donald Trump- Himself
Joe Biden- Himself
==Watch the Show!==
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
[[Image:blainegeorgebush.jpg|thumb|400px| Blane Gibson working on the George W. Bush sculpture| Blaine Gibson George W. Bush Hall of Presidents]]* Disney Legend Blaine Gibson sculpted every President in the Hall of Presidents, except for Barrack Obama and Donald Trump <ref name= "facts"> http://www.disneyfanatic.com/10-monumental-facts-about-walt-disney-worlds-hall-of-presidents/ </ref>.
* President Obama was sculpted by Gibson's protegee Valerie Edwards with oversight by Gibson <ref name= "facts"/>.
* The Presidential roll call must be re-recorded every time a new President is added <ref> http://wdwpensieve.com/wp/2015/08/010-august-26-2015-the-hall-of-presidents/ </ref>.
* The Audio Animatronics of Presidents Lincoln, Washington, and Obama and Trump are some of the most technologically advanced in Disney World <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/hall-of-presidents/news/27jun2009-hall-of-presidents-offically-reopens-july-4.htm </ref>.
* John DeCuir was in charge of Art Direction for The Hall of Presidents <ref name= "Sklar"> Sklar, Marty. Dream It! Do It!: My Half-century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms. Disney Editions, 2013. Print. </ref>.
* During his Presidency, Donald Trump gave the following speech in the Hall of Presidents final act:
{{Quotation|"From the beginning, America has been a nation defined by its people. At our founding, it was the American people who rose up to defend our freedoms and win our independence. It is why our founders began our great constitution with three very simple words: we the people. Since that moment, each generation of Americans has taken its place in the defense of our freedom, our flag, and our nation under God. These are the achievements of the American spirit, the spirit of a people who fought and died to bring the blessings of liberty to all our people. Above all, to be American is to be an optimist, to believe that we can always do better, and that the best days of our great nation are still ahead of us. It's a privilege to serve as the president of the United States, to stand here among so many great leaders of our past, and to work on behalf of the American people."}}
==References==
