Hall of Pres. is it political?

[canda]

I love, the Hall of Presidents show. I love history and I love politics. I love getting into political disscussions. I have not always agreed with every President, but I do respect the office. Anyway, with the current climate of hating the Presidents being "cool" in hollywood and the media, do people watching the show act out? Do people boo or show their anger? I think there is a time and place for that, but not there. It would ruin it for me.

I am just trying to get a heads up from folks who have been lately to see if it is one I should skip or if I could still enjoy it.

 

[Grog]

That's a very interesting question. It would be nice to think that people could leave their politics at the front gate when they visit WDW

 

[sodaseller]

I had a debate on a political board about this. Someone tried to make a point by saying that a President I love was booed at HotP. I'm a rabid partisan (won't say which way here) and I love Disney. It would never occur to me to act partisan there. In fact, we do not even show our "colors" to our DD7 except in the most positive way possible, as I think you teach kids not to be cynical and to respect all our Presidents - they will learn politics in time

 

[ColoradoDis]

I didn't notice any particular reaction from the audience on our trip in May.

 

[disneyjunkie]

When I was there in April, people booed and clapped when Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were introduced.

 

[luvdisney81]

In April we had no reaction to any president. If you go in the afternoon, people tend to fall asleep, maybe you should try then!

 

[LeftCoaster]

Originally posted by luvdisney81
In April we had no reaction to any president. If you go in the afternoon, people tend to fall asleep, maybe you should try then!

Very true. I really do enjoy HOP. HOWEVER.... Hot day + Dark, Air-condition building = unscheduled nap time.

 

[Schminston-Mo]

Having gone one month after 9/11, there was major applause for George W Bush.

Oddly enough there was also some excited clapping for one of the presidents that you wouldn't consider one of the most historically recognized. I can't remember who....but it was like "Wooo Hoooo, Taft!!!! Alright!!!"
(No offense to all of the Taftees out there!)

 

[Beca]

Originally posted by LeftCoaster
Very true. I really do enjoy HOP. HOWEVER.... Hot day + Dark, Air-condition building = unscheduled nap time.

Soo funny!! I was about to post that I have been there several times, and at no point did any "audience reaction" ever take me out of my blessed slumber!!!!



Beca

 

[DISUNC]

Unfortunately, Yes!
This great attraction is sort of ruined by people feeling the need to openly comment out loud their own political beliefs.
It is very distracting, rude, disrespectful and sad.

 

[StuartMI]

That would totally tick me off. As you can see from my sig, I am very opinionated as well, however I can certainly hold back from spoiling it for other people.

The HOP is not intended to be a soapbox for one president's political agenda, rather the celebration and honor of the office, as well as how the nation was shaped through that office.

*shrug*

At the end of the day, though, I'll still think Clinton should be in jail. Of course, as I said, I'll never shout anything. I'll just quietly and calmly get a dirty look on my face and scowl

 

[Schmeck]

Well, since we are lucky enough to live in a country that allows for freedom of speech (even though the "Patriot Act" has removed some of our other freedoms) we can speak out if we feel like it. Showing disrespect is one of our freedoms.

Would I speak out loudly at HoP? No, but I would snort a bit at good ole Dubya...

 

[DisneyMomx7]

My DH and I are both very politically active. We are also John Kerry supporters. That being said, I know we wouldn't, and can't imagine that anyone else would use something as magical as Hall of Presidents to show partisan approval or disapproval. This was the first time that we took the kids to see HOP. Only the oldest (7) really understood anything about the presidents at all. I have to say the entire audience was respectful and took the show for what it was, the history of our presidency. No one booed and everyone clapped at the end enthusiastically. This is Disney after all and not a political rally.

 

[sters]

It is sad that our country has become so partisan. It's been years since I've been there, due to young children... although I like the idea of the unsceduled nap. When I was there as a child, no one would ever have thought to boo and hiss. Perhaps Disney should consider installing the president AFTER they leave their real office.

 

[liznboys]

Originally posted by Schminston-Mo
Having gone one month after 9/11, there was major applause for George W Bush.

Oddly enough there was also some excited clapping for one of the presidents that you wouldn't consider one of the most historically recognized. I can't remember who....but it was like "Wooo Hoooo, Taft!!!! Alright!!!"
(No offense to all of the Taftees out there!)

LMBO!!! This cracked me up...Go Taft! LOL!!!!!!!!!


I've never heard anyone cheer or boo in the Hall of Presidents. Regardless of free speech or what party someone is affiliated with, it's just plain rude to be noisy (in any way) in an attraction such as this where it's quiet and you're trying to listen. Obviously on something like Space Mountain...make all the noise you want! But not in there. People need to practice common courtesy...common sense!!!

This is an interesting question!

 

[KarenP99]

Well...as an ex-HOP cast member, I can speak from experience. Probably 90% of the time, the theater was silent. Other times, there would be cheers and boo's. I happen to work there in 96' during the height of the election/Clinton/Lewinsky turmoil. And even with the booing that went on, it wasn't very often.

I will say that more often than not, rather than expressing political views DURING the show, they would spout them off to me as they were leaving. That was frustrating, but of course I would just smile & nod in true Disney fashon.

Karen

 

[Suzanne033]

I have been to the HOP several times, including December 2001 (right after 9/11). If I remember correctly, each of the more 'famous' president received a clap here or there (ie. Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan) when they were introduced. GW Bush did receive more applause than the rest. But is was not annoying at all because it was during the intros not the narratives.

While I may be what is called a 'Hard R', I would never ruin someone else's chance to hear the presentation by booing or hissing (or even cheering and clapping).

I think the HOP is one of the best attractions at the MK. I can't wait to take my DD5. This will be the first year she will really understand what it is all about.



Don't forget to vote in November!!!! It is YOUR patriotic duty!!

 

[PamNC]

I've never heard any heckling or booing from the audience at the Hall of Presidents and I hope I never do. I may boo and hiss from the comforts of my home, but never in this setting. It would ruin the attraction for everyone.

By the way, how long do you think it takes them to "make" a new President. I wonder...do they close it down immediately when a new man is elected? Or do they go ahead and draw up plans before the election to be ready. That's an interesting question. I wonder if anyone knows?

PamNC

 

[Missy1961]

I was there in June, about a week after Ronald Reagan died. So I wasn't surprised when people clapped when he was introduced. But some people booed Dubya. That was the first time in 3 trips to Disney World that I experienced that.

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Originally posted by PamNC
By the way, how long do you think it takes them to "make" a new President. I wonder...do they close it down immediately when a new man is elected? Or do they go ahead and draw up plans before the election to be ready. That's an interesting question. I wonder if anyone knows?

PamNC

I don't know how long it takes, but when we were there Feb. 2002 there were signs up that Pres. Bush had just been added. Maybe it took longer with his presidency because with the Florida vote mess, but I would imagine it would still take a while to design, construct and program the audio animatronic.

On the side, we took a picture of the sign that says "The Hall of Presidents Welcomes George W. Bush", my sister asked if he was really there.

Krista