Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too

mickeysgirlz · 11-18-2008

Here is a little info about the revamping of HOP.

Here is the link to the article: Barack Obama is going to Disney World ? and maybe Disneyland too - Travel - LATimes.com

President-elect Barack Obama will soon take his place among the 43 previous commanders-in-chief at Walt Disney World and may join Abraham Lincoln and George Washington at Disneyland.

Disney hopes to entice Obama to record an address for his animatronic likeness, which will be added to the Hall of Presidents show at the Magic Kingdom by the Fourth of July 2009. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush lent their voices to their Disney doppelgangers.

The revamped show in Florida will include speaking parts by Washington, Lincoln and Obama, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Mice Age columnist Al Lutz reports that Obama and Washington may join Lincoln at the Disneyland Opera House in time for the Anaheim theme park’s 55th anniversary in 2010.

Disneyland’s “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” closed in 2005 to make way for the 50th anniversary movie, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years.”

Walt Disney Imagineering officials said that while discussions have been ongoing to bring back “Mr. Lincoln” at Disneyland, no such plans are currently in the works.

**WishUponAStar** · 11-19-2008

When we did the Keys to the Kingdom tour our guide was talking about Blaine Gibson who has sculpted ALL of the Hall of President busts in the lobby. He's over 90 years old now & has been mentoring a woman named Valerie Edwards to be his sculpting protoge for YEARS in preparation for her to sculpt the 44th President bust. I found this just an interesting bit of Disney history; so Obama will be the first Presidential bust NOT sculpted by Blaine Gibson. Although, supposedly he will continue to be very involved for as long as possible.

RowdyRAider · 11-19-2008

I've to admit it's really weird lately walking backstage of HOP and seeing the presidents without their hair and faces. Just the Audio A. bodies. Creepy.

gemdisney · 11-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

I've to admit it's really weird lately walking backstage of HOP and seeing the presidents without their hair and faces. Just the Audio A. bodies. Creepy.

I bet! That does sound creepy. Glad I don't have to do it. DD hated that show last year, wonder if I'll get to see it this year or have to take a crying toddler out again. Atleast DS who hates anything school enjoys it!

Soundgod · 11-19-2008

I was right last month when I started my thread about the reason HOP was being closed for refurb!
It was to install and program President Obama.
I also found out that HOP's refurb is going to include renovations and changes to the building and queue areas as well and that is the reason it will be closed until spring.

**Dopey** · 11-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

I've to admit it's really weird lately walking backstage of HOP and seeing the presidents without their hair and faces. Just the Audio A. bodies. Creepy.

For the oportunities of seeing back stage goings on, I would love to work for Disney

mickeysgirlz · 11-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundgod

I was right last month when I started my thread about the reason HOP was being closed for refurb!
It was to install and program President Obama.
I also found out that HOP's refurb is going to include renovations and changes to the building and queue areas as well and that is the reason it will be closed until spring.

I tried to find that thread so I could update it!

I couldn't!!

HOP does need an overhaul . . . can't wait to see it!

Wishy, I like that tidbit of history . . . very cool!

OH and Dopey, you can see the underworkings of one of the animatronics bodies in the "One Man's Dream" display at HS!

I posted a picture in my last TR too! It is creepy!

RowdyRAider · 11-19-2008

BTW the official reopening is set for June.

tigger · 11-19-2008

It is getting a little crowded on that stage. It would be interesting to see pictures from the opening compared to the current cast.

Soundgod · 11-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeysgirlz

I tried to find that thread so I could update it!

I couldn't!!

HOP does need an overhaul . . . can't wait to see it!

I thought about chasing down that thread as well, but figured this thread is more current, so I didn't.
Let the old thread sleep.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

BTW the official reopening is set for June.

The HOP CM I spoke to last month said HOP should be reopening in April, but I can see how schedules can and do slip. That and I've got month old information.

**WishUponAStar** · 11-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

BTW the official reopening is set for June.

That's exciting 'cause I'll be there June 24th-July 2nd!

vlogilvie · 11-23-2008

I am putting together plans for a large meet and greet on July 1st to celebrate with re-opening of Hall of Presidents with President Obama. I don't have anything finalized yet. Anyone who is at the parks that week is welcome to join us. I'd love to have to be a large meet! I am really excited about this.

**WishUponAStar** · 11-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlogilvie

I am putting together plans for a large meet and greet on July 1st to celebrate with re-opening of Hall of Presidents with President Obama. I don't have anything finalized yet. Anyone who is at the parks that week is welcome to join us. I'd love to have to be a large meet! I am really excited about this.

Umm, Val my friend, I will be there!!!! We are departing on July 2nd!!

vlogilvie · 11-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

Umm, Val my friend, I will be there!!!! We are departing on July 2nd!!

You are now on my guest list!!!

According to the schedule on the CM Hub it says HOP will reopen on July 1st. It would be exciting if it opening before then, but from what I understand they are doing a pretty extensive refurb on the entire attraction.

pumouse · 11-24-2008

We had the president elect come through my city 8 years ago, if you can avoid going on that day do it! The security is nuts, I couldn't even get half a mile down the road to my house! That being said, I love that Hall of Presidents thing.

11-18-2008	#1 (permalink)
mickeysgirlz Substitute Birthday Fairy Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 2.5 hours from the Magic! Posts: 6,321	Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too Here is a little info about the revamping of HOP. Here is the link to the article: Barack Obama is going to Disney World ? and maybe Disneyland too - Travel - LATimes.com President-elect Barack Obama will soon take his place among the 43 previous commanders-in-chief at Walt Disney World and may join Abraham Lincoln and George Washington at Disneyland. Disney hopes to entice Obama to record an address for his animatronic likeness, which will be added to the Hall of Presidents show at the Magic Kingdom by the Fourth of July 2009. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush lent their voices to their Disney doppelgangers. The revamped show in Florida will include speaking parts by Washington, Lincoln and Obama, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Mice Age columnist Al Lutz reports that Obama and Washington may join Lincoln at the Disneyland Opera House in time for the Anaheim theme park’s 55th anniversary in 2010. Disneyland’s “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” closed in 2005 to make way for the 50th anniversary movie, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years.” Walt Disney Imagineering officials said that while discussions have been ongoing to bring back “Mr. Lincoln” at Disneyland, no such plans are currently in the works. __________________ -JEN 31 trips to the Happiest Place on Earth! Dec 17-20 AKL (FIRST TIME @ AKL ) Christmas trip! Yippee I met some members: Wishy, Val, Princess Alyssa, ddoll, vlogilvie and Rowdy! I tweet! Facebook Linkedin My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Another CHRISTMAS TRIP! Shhhh surprise for the DDs! 20 days 13 hours 41 minutes

11-19-2008	#2 (permalink)
WishUponAStar Waiting for BLT! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm right here! HI! Posts: 12,749	Re: Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too When we did the Keys to the Kingdom tour our guide was talking about Blaine Gibson who has sculpted ALL of the Hall of President busts in the lobby. He's over 90 years old now & has been mentoring a woman named Valerie Edwards to be his sculpting protoge for YEARS in preparation for her to sculpt the 44th President bust. I found this just an interesting bit of Disney history; so Obama will be the first Presidential bust NOT sculpted by Blaine Gibson. Although, supposedly he will continue to be very involved for as long as possible. __________________ Disneyland & College Program Moderator Upcoming Trips Dec. 16th - 20th '09: Bay Lake Tower June 2010: Alaska Cruise Oct 2010: Spooky Halloween in Disneyland "Life without a vacation countdown is like a cupcake with no frosting." Banner by Mickeysgirlz, she's a rockstar! My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our first Bay Lake Tower stay 19 days 13 hours 41 minutes Last edited by WishUponAStar; 05-18-2009 at 04:17 PM.

11-19-2008	#3 (permalink)
RowdyRAider Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The House of Mouse in Florida Posts: 2,181	Re: Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too I've to admit it's really weird lately walking backstage of HOP and seeing the presidents without their hair and faces. Just the Audio A. bodies. Creepy. __________________ Defending the magic since '04, Matt Taylor, Da RowdyRaider

11-19-2008	#5 (permalink)
Soundgod Squirrel! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Laughing on the Laughing Floor Posts: 8,808	Re: Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too I was right last month when I started my thread about the reason HOP was being closed for refurb! It was to install and program President Obama. I also found out that HOP's refurb is going to include renovations and changes to the building and queue areas as well and that is the reason it will be closed until spring. __________________ Do you live to eat or do you eat to live? My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Instant Single Digit Dance 4 days 1 hours 41 minutes

11-19-2008	#8 (permalink)
RowdyRAider Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The House of Mouse in Florida Posts: 2,181	Re: Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too BTW the official reopening is set for June. __________________ Defending the magic since '04, Matt Taylor, Da RowdyRaider

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Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too

11-19-2008	#9 (permalink)
tigger Official Sunshine Pumper Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: In my own skin Posts: 2,924	Re: Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too It is getting a little crowded on that stage. It would be interesting to see pictures from the opening compared to the current cast. __________________ * Taking this post seriously might induce serious medical issues. Please consult your doctor if you feel light headed, dizzy, have dry mouth, ringing of the ears, incontinence, vomiting, loss of vision, numbness or tingling, upset stomach, hair loss, change in breathing, toe fungus, dry skin, muscle aches, runny noise, teeth pain, heaviness of limbs, sudden hunger, dry or red eyes, or a feeling of confusion or lost.

11-23-2008	#12 (permalink)
vlogilvie Big Cheese Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Magic Kingdom Posts: 843	Re: Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too I am putting together plans for a large meet and greet on July 1st to celebrate with re-opening of Hall of Presidents with President Obama. I don't have anything finalized yet. Anyone who is at the parks that week is welcome to join us. I'd love to have to be a large meet! I am really excited about this. __________________ Valerie WDW Cast Member Guest Relations at Magic Kingdom MB'ers I've meet so far: DDoll, WishUponaStar, Dana, Prezcat & b1wife, Rosebud, Jenabug, Soundgod, Mickeysgirlz

11-24-2008	#15 (permalink)
pumouse In the land of boredom Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wandering aimlessly...... Posts: 3,624	Re: Barack Obama is going to Disney World — and maybe Disneyland too We had the president elect come through my city 8 years ago, if you can avoid going on that day do it! The security is nuts, I couldn't even get half a mile down the road to my house! That being said, I love that Hall of Presidents thing. __________________ Avatar custom made by Mr.Go! Pepperjack is my favorite Cheese! Doughnut is Paw'erfect! Dopey Evil genius. I Love Lovemysons! 626 is the Smartest most good looking person I know! www.somefunnypicsforyou.blogspot.com Llama for President!! Who's the Boss of me?? Boss mouse, that's who One out of every four Americans is mentally unstable. Look around at your 3 closest friends, if they seem okay, you're the one!

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