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Credit: Inside the MagicOn the same day Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term, Disney World closed the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom. With Trump returning to the presidency, Disney faced an issue that had never happened in the Hall of Presidents’ history: how to deal with a president who won non-consecutive terms and how to deal with Trump, whose relationship with Disney was contentious at best.
Trump sued Disney, ABC News, and anchor George Stephanopoulos after the latter made statements about Trump’s settlement with E. Jean Carroll. Disney settled the lawsuit for a $15 million donation to Trump’s future library and museum and $1 million for Trump’s legal fees.
Since the settlement, Trump’s FCC opened an investigation into Disney’s DEI practices, and the Department of Justice opened an antitrust lawsuit against Disney’s acquisition of FuboTV.
With that backdrop, it was unclear if Disney would have Trump address the audience when the Hall of Presidents reopened. Fans also debated whether the Hall of the Presidents would actually reopen.
Disney World quietly released details on its website that answer both of those questions. Disney wrote on its website:
Watch the curtain rise to reveal startlingly realistic Audio-Animatronics replicas of every President of the United States—together for the very first time. Hear a speech delivered by George Washington and a recorded performance of the oath of office by President Donald Trump.
Not only will Hall of Presidents reopen, but Disney also confirmed that Trump will have a speaking role in the updated attraction. Based on the updated announcement, it appears that Trump will only be reciting his Oath of Office from the inauguration. In the past, the current president has given brief speeches.
Then, this morning, Magic Kingdom quietly reopened the Hall of Presidents without fanfare. When guests arrived at the park, they could view the show for the first time since January. It’s unclear why Disney did not announce that the attraction was reopening.
So, now we know that Trump will have a significant role in the updated Hall of Presidents and that the attraction is again open to the public.
What do you think of Trump’s return to the Hall of Presidents? Let us know in the comments.