Hall of Presidents Opening

[Cheshire Figment]

Many people have been hearing that Hall of Presidents will be opening in "early July". Later rumors are that it will actually open 4th of July (which this year happens to be be on a Saturday).

Most recent rumors are that the voice of the newest audioanimatronic in the attraction will be there is person for the dedication.

And since this person is well-known for his family ties, it is more than likely that he will be there with his family for a few days on either side. There may be a larger than normal number of security people in the parks, higher than normal (even for this period) crowd levels, and sometimes temporary attraction closings.

 

[zulemara]

well if they open on the 4th, I'm screwed cuz I'll be working for sure. It would make great publicity to have President Obama there on the 4th of July though.

 

[princess-lola]

What delightful news to read; very intersting!!

 

[OrlandoMike]

I can see an event in front of the Castle happening, under heavy security, but the family walking around the park on the 4th of July, I highly doubt it.

That day is already a nightmare!

 

[marius97]

Maybe I'm just delerious...but I thought that I heard that Bush was booed when he was first added, so they decided that new presidents would not have a speaking part. So I doubt the Obamas would be showing up.

 

[zulemara]

Maybe I'm just delerious...but I thought that I heard that Bush was booed when he was first added, so they decided that new presidents would not have a speaking part. So I doubt the Obamas would be showing up.

actually I had heard simply that after they gave Clinton a speaking part, they had to even it out by allowing Bush to have one, but that in this edition they will be going back to the old way, where the current president does not speak. It will be very interesting to see.

Disney, despite how much it might want every guest to feel like a celebrity, would be more than happy to inconvenience other guests because President Obama is walking around. Of course generally when someone like that is in the park, he is not gonna walk down main street, but would use backstage areas to traverse the park. Then again, he seems like the kind of person who would want to be seen walking down main street and being treated like a normal guest...despite heavy security.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

Maybe I'm just delerious...but I thought that I heard that Bush was booed when he was first added, so they decided that new presidents would not have a speaking part. So I doubt the Obamas would be showing up.

It was merely an internet rumor that the new president would not have a speaking role. President Obama was indeed asked to record a speech for the attraction.

 

[SassyCat]

Wow, if that happens, that will be really amazing. BTW, we will be there for my birthday then!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

bump

 

[daber]

According to the NY Times, Lincoln will give the Gettysburg address, Washington now has a speaking role and well as the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Also there is a new movie with Morgan Freeman narrating.

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

does anyone have the picture? The link dosen't work for me?

 

[KathyTX]

While it's fine to discuss Hall of Presidents and the addition of President Obama to it, it is NOT alright to discuss politics on the DISboards.

Many posts on this thread have been deleted. Please keep your comments relevant to the topic of this attraction, and refrain from comments indicating your feelings or opinions regarding politics or political affiliation.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

actually I had heard simply that after they gave Clinton a speaking part, they had to even it out by allowing Bush to have one, but that in this edition they will be going back to the old way, where the current president does not speak. It will be very interesting to see.

Disney, despite how much it might want every guest to feel like a celebrity, would be more than happy to inconvenience other guests because President Obama is walking around. Of course generally when someone like that is in the park, he is not gonna walk down main street, but would use backstage areas to traverse the park. Then again, he seems like the kind of person who would want to be seen walking down main street and being treated like a normal guest...despite heavy security.

I hope this rumor is not true! The everyday guy saves all year for vaction and to think that it might be limited b/c a famous person wants to stroll down Main Street IMHO is rather selfish. I know when the Clintons went to Marhta's Vineyard the tourists had to take a back seat. I had a friend who ended up cutting her long awaited vacation short because it was to difficult to go where she wanted to due to the extra security and the extra media on Martha's Vineyard.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Whether I like them or not (and I do like Obama very much) I can cut a President some slack for vacationing there. Its not like they go all the time or anything... Usually they vacation at Family places (like Bush at his ranch or in Keenebunkport or Obama in Chicago or Hawaii) or at Camp David.

They are the leader of the free world... I'll gladly take the little bit of delay... in fact, I think it would be cool to know the President was there. I was not a fan of a certain previous President, but still found it neat when I could see Air Force One take off from the airport, even though all our flights got Delayed 45 minutes... (However, I did get charged extra due to Cheney taking off one time... They closed the roads to the airport and I couldn't return my rental car. I have never rented from Hertz again because of that as I thought they should have cut me some slack since the police had all the roads blocked.

I hope this rumor is not true! The everyday guy saves all year for vaction and to think that it might be limited b/c a famous person wants to stroll down Main Street IMHO is rather selfish. I know when the Clintons went to Marhta's Vineyard the tourists had to take a back seat. I had a friend who ended up cutting her long awaited vacation short because it was to difficult to go where she wanted to due to the extra security and the extra media on Martha's Vineyard.

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

does anyone have the picture? The link dosen't work for me?

Got it... Here it is for anyone who hasn't seen it.
http://ow.ly/8Ah9

 

[KimDis]

I still can't figure out how I, a NYT.com reader, missed that article... I was glad though to hear one of my fav attractions is getting an upgrade. I know some folks find it boring, but it's just not a Disney trip to me unless I've done HOP, American Adventure and COP.

Probably not as excited at the prospect of them going on the 4th... maybe cuz I've just decided to stay home in the DC area that weekend and I think they should too... maybe cuz I don't leave for WDW until 2 weeks later... maybe cuz as I've lived in DC for 15 years I know how tricky their security is as I've been stuck on the Beltway once or twice due to P Clinton's motorcade. I was so grateful that P Bush didn't travel on it nearly as much.

I think they should pick a weekend in the off-season. July 4th is too busy as it is...

 

[Uncleromulus]

Agree.
I'm thankful I WON"T be there.