5 Things to Remember About the Hall of Presidents Attraction

Orlando: The Hall of Presidents has been a staple at Disney’s Magic Kingdom since 1971. It’s one of those spots people check out once per administration, mainly to see the latest animatronic president.

This attraction is set to close for some refurbishments, with Sunday being the last day to visit before it shuts down. It’s expected to reopen in 2025, just after Inauguration Day when Donald Trump takes office again.

Before it closes, let’s remember a few things about it. When you walk in, you’ll see some cool presidential memorabilia. There’s stuff like Barack Obama’s basketball and George W. Bush’s Texas Ranger jacket. You can even spot Jimmy Carter’s fly-fishing boots, which he used in places like Alaska and Mongolia.

In the pre-show area, you’ll find portraits of past presidents, including Carter and Reagan, along with a bust of Abraham Lincoln and Walt Disney himself.

The show kicks off with a film called “The Idea of a President,” dedicated to Walt Disney. It highlights the challenges of being president and the chance to make memorable speeches. The big moment comes when the curtain rises to reveal the Lincoln animatronic, who stands up to give a speech.

When all the presidents are introduced, it’s quite a sight. They may not move much, but they sure look lifelike. Each one nods when their name is called, and there’s some head-turning action. If you sit further back, it feels a bit more natural.

In the latest version, Joe Biden reads the oath of office. You might have to look closely to find Trump, as he’s positioned in the back row without his usual red tie.

Disney hasn’t revealed what changes are coming, but it could be as simple as swapping Biden and Trump’s figures. However, there might be some mechanical issues to sort out too.

If you’re not into presidents, there’s more history nearby, like a replica of the Liberty Bell. Plus, some classic attractions from the park’s opening still exist, like the Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world.”

And if you just want to relax, grab one of the rocking chairs on the porch of the Hall of Presidents. It’s a nice way to take a break.