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Credit: Inside the MagicWhile Walt Disney World is a place of magic, a set of theme parks that are meant to transport you from your life to an entirely new world, there are also times when reality is impossible to escape, creating conflict and controversy in the parks.
A good example of this is Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom. When Splash Mountain closed in order for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to take its place, there was a lot of negative opinions. Splash Mountain was cut due to its connection with the IP Song of the South, which has a lot of racism embedded into the storyline.
Arguments erupted online, with some guests believing Disney was too “woke”, and others believing Disney made the right call. These arguments are rarely about the attraction itself, but the meaning behind the changes.
The Hall of Presidents has also been a breeding ground for fights at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
The Hall of Presidents has always had political undertones, but it wasn’t always a target of guest politicization. This dynamic shifted in 2016 with President Trump’s election, causing polarization and leading to boos and groans from guests.
Speculations arose that Trump’s animatronic might be a modified version of Hillary Clinton’s. After the January 6 Capitol attacks, President Biden’s animatronic also faced similar reactions. Security presence during the show has become more common as there have been fights that have broken out both in front and inside the attraction.
Disney World offers a form of escapism where guests can bond despite their differences, united by the magical experience. However, a controversial attraction challenges this notion. The Magic Kingdom’s entrance sign, stating, “Here You Leave Today And Enter The World Of Yesterday, Tomorrow And Fantasy,” seems less fitting as reality intrudes on fantasy.
The recent aggressive and controversial U.S. election season has prompted more Disney Parks fans to speak out about the Hall of Presidents. Disney, aiming to avoid political controversy, removes guests displaying political propaganda and maintains a stance against promoting political values on their property.
At times, there has been discussion on whether it is worth keeping the attraction at Disney due to the ongoing controversy that has been lasting for years at this point, giving guests a reason to riot.
Now, The Hall of Presidents may be at its closest point to closing yet.
Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt just days before he was set to accept the Republican presidential nomination.
During a campaign speech in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump, 78, was struck in the right ear by a gunshot, causing blood to streak down his face. Despite the attack, Trump gestured to his supporters, mouthing “Fight! Fight! Fight!” while Secret Service agents quickly escorted him away. The former president’s campaign reported that he was in good condition, suffering only a minor wound to his upper right ear.
The FBI identified the assailant as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks, a registered Republican, had previously donated $15 to a Democratic political action committee at age 17. Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack. As both Republicans and Democrats seek to use this incident to cast the opposing party as extremist, the shooting has further intensified the already heated political climate.
The attempt on Trump’s life occurred less than four months before the November 5 election, where he is set to face a rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden. Current opinion polls indicate a tight race between the two candidates. The assassination attempt has dramatically shifted the focus of the presidential campaign, which had recently been centered on whether the 81-year-old Biden should continue his run following a poor debate performance in June.
In response to the incident, the Biden campaign announced a temporary suspension of its political advertising. They had been aiming to reframe their message by portraying Trump as a threat to democracy due to his persistent false claims of election fraud.
During the rally, the suspect opened fire from a rooftop approximately 150 yards from the stage where Trump was speaking. Secret Service agents returned fire, fatally shooting Crooks. An AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle was recovered near his body, which sources revealed was legally purchased by Crooks’ father. Additionally, bomb-making materials were discovered in Crooks’ car, according to reports from the Associated Press.
The attack resulted in the death of one rally attendee and left two others critically wounded. Trump addressed the nation via his Truth Social service, urging Americans to remain united and resolute in the face of evil. The Secret Service refuted claims from some Trump supporters that the campaign’s requests for increased security had been denied.
This incident has not only heightened the security concerns surrounding the election but also added another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape. As the nation grapples with the implications of this assassination attempt, the upcoming election promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent history.
The Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World Resort is unique in that it requires regular updates by Imagineers. This attraction shuts down every four to eight years to add an audio-animatronic of the newly elected U.S. president.
The tradition began in 1993 with President Bill Clinton, who was the first to record the oath of office and a speech specifically for the show. Following him, Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump also contributed. President Joe Biden recorded the oath of office, but his animatronic does not include a speech, marking a departure from the tradition since Clinton.
The shooting has once again divided the nation, both Republican and Democrats against each other. Naturally, some are worried if this means that the brawls at The Hall of Presidents will resume.
Today, The Hall of Presidents has actually been quite still, with the show lobby barely filling up all morning long. While the attraction is certainly not the most popular in the park, the lack of guests is still concerning.
Related: Trump Blasts Ron DeSantis, Says Disney Is “Destroying Him”
This photo was taken earlier this morning, and as you can see, things are very tame at the attraction. While having no one interested in the ride is not great for Disney, it is hopeful to see that guests have to be reverted to fighting one another during these trying times.
There was a pro-Donald Trump demonstration at the attraction yesterday, however.
Donald Trump may not have a tight-knit relationship with Disney, but he did just hire an ex-Disney star to join him on his campaign.
Caroline Sunshine, known for starring with Zendaya and Bella Thorne in Shake It Up, publicly came out as bisexual in a tweet in 2016, later identifying as pansexual in 2019.
Republican Sunshine, who portrayed Tinka Hessenheffer in the teen dance comedy from 2010 to 2013, has transitioned from her TV persona to a political role. Shake It Up launched Zendaya and Thorne’s careers, but Sunshine made her political debut in 2018, joining President Trump’s communications team as a press assistant.
Do you think that Disney should keep the Hall of Presidents? Or should another ride take over?