Hall of Presidents Update Explained as Bob Iger Meets With President Donald Trump

What is going on with Disney and Donald Trump?

Earlier this month, Disney unveiled its seventh global theme park resort: Disneyland Abu Dhabi. Financed and operated by Miral, with creative licensing from The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger explained that the new resort would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”

While it’s not clear what franchises will be included in the indoor theme park, it is more obvious what might not be included at Disneyland Abu Dhabi. Criticism has already been launched at the House of Mouse for choosing the Middle Eastern location as the home for the seventh resort, and only time will tell how the company navigates the controversy moving forward.

Adding to the development are President Donald Trump’s recent comments, which come as Disney holds its silence on a Disney World attraction that directly involves the controversial American leader.

“Disney. I see that new theme park is going to be incredible,” Trump said while on a visit to the United Arab Emirates. Bob Iger was in my office the other day, and he was showing it to me. It’s going to be incredible.”

The 47th President of the United States already has his resort in the Dubai area: Trump International Golf Club, Dubai. The new theme park from Disney and Miral will be just one hour away from the Trump golf resort.

Other popular locations in the Abu Dhabi and Dubai areas are the theme parks located on Yas Island, where the new Disneyland will be, which include Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

The remarks from Donald Trump in the UAE come as the House of Mouse remains silent on the changes happening to the Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Located in the heart of Liberty Square at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Hall of Presidents remains one of the most quietly powerful attractions on property. Since its opening day on October 1, 1971, the show has stood as a tribute to the history of the United States presidency—an idea rooted in Walt Disney’s original plans to honor American ideals through immersive storytelling.

The Hall of Presidents is a 25-minute stage show that blends cinematic storytelling with one of Disney’s most impressive Audio-Animatronic ensembles. Every U.S. president is represented here, including the 1st, George Washington, standing shoulder to shoulder onstage as a narrator walks guests through the trials and triumphs of America’s political journey.

In 2021, President Joe Biden joined the lineup with a newly installed animatronic figure and a pre-recorded speech. The attraction updates with each administration—a process Disney has honored since the 1990s, beginning with President Bill Clinton.

Today, these transitions continue to spark interest and discussion, especially among fans who follow the intersection of politics and theme park tradition.

Inside the theater’s lobby, guests can explore genuine presidential artifacts and historical exhibits, some dating back to the 1700s. These details provide an added layer of authenticity and education, quietly reinforcing the show’s mission to inspire a deeper appreciation of America’s legacy.

Now, with former President Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024, the Hall of Presidents has once again gone dark for refurbishment. As Disney prepares to update the show, fans are already speculating on how Imagineers will handle the rare historical moment of a non-consecutive presidential term—a distinction previously held only by Grover Cleveland.

Disney park fans are waiting to see what Disney will do, considering Donald Trump’s far-right stances, which have become even more elevated since his last term as the 45th President.

The divisive political figure replaced Joe Biden following the 2024 Presidential race after beating the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris to the White House. Trump’s return to the Oval Office sparked widespread uproar and fear from many. His views and policies on immigration, gender, and women’s rights are among his most criticised.

However, while it may seem that Disney is dragging its feet when it comes to the Hall of Presidents, the ongoing closure is no different in length from the previous two. In 2021, when Joe Biden was installed at the attraction, the location closed on January 20 and reopened in early August.

Prior to that, Disney closed the Hall of Presidents on January 17, 2017, before reopening with the Donald Trump animatronic on December 19.

The official Walt Disney World Resort website currently states, “The Hall of Presidents is currently closed for refurbishment. Please check back here for updates.”

How do you feel about the Disney and Donald Trump connections? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!