Birt Family Focus

Hall of Presidents -- 11/27/01
Photo by Paul Dunn

Today we will have a short focus. There are only 3 true attractions in Liberty Square, and today's is one that I honestly don't visit much.

The Hall of Presidents is a 20 minute patriotic show that showcases the amazing animatronics for which Disney is famous. It is a little dry, and many use it as a napping place, but one should make the effort to really pay attention and see it at least once.

It was recently down for rehab, the new president was added and the voice of the old one stilled. There are those that were very happy with that change....

I believe it is open again now, though, like many of the attractions these days, the hours of operation may be shortened. I heard a rumor that this was to happen, but don't know if it actually has.

The show starts with a film about the constitution, then the animatronic presidents are presented. It's pretty neat to see them "whispering" to one another and making various gestures and fidgety movements, exactly they would if they were the living folks they represent. It's even neater to see presidents who were dead long ago talking to their modern day counterparts. One wonders what such a conversation would be about- surely the older gentlemen would have words of wisdom for the younger.

Some of the presentation made it's debut at the New York World's Fair in 1964-64 in the show "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln". Mr. Lincoln still has a speaking role in the WDW version.

The clothing and furnishings are as close to the originals as it was possible to do, so those of you who are antique clothing buffs will find their attire of special interest. All the fabrics, cuts, and construction techniques on all of the clothing are done according to the period and place in which each president lived. They are so authentic, some of the older fabrics were specially woven for the show. All of the "presidents" have a complete change of clothing and accessories, too, even down to the braces of FDR's legs.

This show usually starts at 15 after or 15 before the hour and lasts about 20 minutes. It's very interesting in many ways, but to be honest, we more often take a power nap here than anything else. We should be ashamed.....except I think we're in good company. ;-)