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Credit: DisneyWhat does Donald Trump’s reelection mean for Magic Kingdom’s most presidential attractions?
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While Donald Trump’s election means many changes are likely inbound for America, his second term likely will not have any direct effect on the Walt Disney World Resort, that is, except for one attraction in particular: The Hall of Presidents.
While this 25-minute show is certainly not the most popular attraction at Magic Kingdom, The Hall of Presidents is one of Disney World’s most time-honored experiences. Guests can watch as U.S. history comes alive quite literally before their eyes.
The 25-minute show recaps some of America’s most important and tide-turning events, such as the Civil War and the Great Depression, though the true draw of The Hall of Presidents is its finale, in which every single U.S. president is represented in animatronic form.
Only a few get actual speaking roles, but each of America’s leaders is given a brief moment to shine. This means that as new leaders are elected, Disney updates The Hall of Presidents as needed, with the most recent renovation seeing 46th U.S. President Joe Biden make his way into the attraction.
However, with Trump’s successful reelection bid, Disney may be on the cusp of unprecedented times for this iconic yet controversial Magic Kingdom attraction.
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What Happens Next?
Obviously, with so many presidents, there’s only time to hear a few talk. Each leader is given their moment, but only the current president speaks to the crowd in The Hall of Presidents. For the last four years, Biden has greeted guests.
With the election of each new candidate, Disney has updated The Hall of Presidents accordingly, a tradition that has continued since Bill Clinton’s term. Trump was added after his original election in 2016, with Biden making his debut shortly after being elected in 2020.
However, with Trump returning to the White House in 2025, he could very well become the first president to make his way back to the stage in animatronic form at The Hall of Presidents.
Donald Trump is only the second president to be elected for two non-consecutive terms in American history and the first since The Hall of Presidents opened. If the tradition continues, it will mark the very first time a president will be moved back to centerstage in The Hall of Presidents’ entire history.
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However, Disney may opt to do something entirely different from what it has in the past due to the uniqueness of the situation, with rumors also swirling that the company may close The Hall of Presidents altogether.
Many guests visit the Disney parks as a way to escape from the real world. To these visitors, an attraction based on the U.S. government may stick out like a sore thumb and be off-putting in a place advertised as being “The Most Magical” on Earth.
It’s no secret U.S. politics have become increasingly divisive and toxic over the last decade, with social media likely playing a major role in applying this division. Fans have theorized for years that Disney may be looking for a way out of its Hall of Presidents conundrum, though no official plans have ever been shared by the company.
Guests will have to keep an eye on The Hall of Presidents for now, as the attraction is likely to close for refurbishment soon regardless.
Do you enjoy The Hall of Presidents?