Hall of Presidents

“A government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

Nestled in the heart of Liberty Square is a highlight attraction that Walt Disney himself lobbied for after seeing the crowd reactions to the groundbreaking Audio-Animatronic presentation of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the 1964-1965 World’s Fair. The Hall of Presidents takes the idea of one man’s dream and piles on more advances to create a show that can bring even the stodgiest crowd to tears.

Housed in a Colonial-style building befitting of the era, The Hall of Presidents front doors open into a huge lobby decorated with portraits of Presidents, a collection of different office accoutrements and presidential belongings (including a beer mug), and perhaps the most dazzling touch: a carpet decorated with the Great Seal of the United States – an inclusion that required an act of Congress to make happen.

Once inside the massive theater, the show begins with a film displayed on a screen that nearly spans the entire front of the theater and made possible by three digital projectors working in tandem to tell the stories of past Presidents, our nation’s history in a nutshell – including both the good and bad times – and how different adversities were faced. 

This leads to a magical moment when the screen is partially raised to reveal Abraham Lincoln, who rises from his chair and recites a generous portion of 1863’s Gettysburg Address, pleading “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (This speech was originally given at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery during the Civil War.)

This is followed by a generous section dedicated to the Bull Moose himself, President “Speak softly and carry a big stick” Teddy Roosevelt and his fifth cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. These two men faced challenges, both domestic and foreign, to a degree that is impossible to fully explain in a short film. Nonetheless, the importance of ecology and the tightrope walking of the Great Depression and World War II are enough to grab anyone’s attention and be explained in a way that even the younger guests can understand. The rest of the film breezes through late 20th century/early 21st century events and Presidents, ultimately leading to the big moment: the raising of the full curtain to reveal all 45 Presidents of the United States. 

Each Audio-Animatronic is thoroughly detailed, even to the point of some of them wearing the actual clothes of the President they represent. There is a roll call of each President, as others fidget in their chairs, blink, appear to swallow, and a myriad of other random movements that brings them to life. The sight is wondrous – and a bit chilling – but is so well done that it is nearly impossible to find fault with the presentation. (At least for those who remain awake during the full attraction.) If you have never seen this show, by all means do not skip it as it is truly awe inspiring. Repeat visitors, we know you’re most likely there for the respite and air conditioning, and that too is fine. 

Behind the Schemes:

Walt’s original vision for this attraction was called One Nation Under God and was set to contain wax sculptures of Presidents, however, once his Imagineers delved into the idea of Audio-Animatronics, the outcome was altered and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was born.

The original voice for Abraham Lincoln was provided by actor Royal Dano who later appeared as lightning rod salesman, Tom Fury, in the Disney live-action adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes. When time came for changes to be made in the dialogue, Dano was ill and Disney regular Pete Reneday was called in for the needed adjustments.

In 1993, Bill Clinton became the first US President to record his voice for a small speech in the show. Each new President was given an Audio-Animatronic and speech following Clinton’s addition. When a new President is added, other figures are rearranged to make room for the new guy.

Reality Check:

Maya Angelou is the voice that rattles off the names of each President.

A very similar show to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was viewable in the building that now houses the different rooms in the Town Square Theater. This was viewable to guests from 1973—1992. This made Lincoln one of the few characters in the park to be visible in two different locations at the same time.

The rumor that the William Howard Taft figure used to pass gas and readjust his position when his name was called is just that – a rumor.