Latest news with #HallofPresidents
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Disney World's Animatronic Trump No Longer Looks Like Hillary Clinton
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has reopened its iconic attraction dedicated to United States presidents, with the animatronic figure depicting President Donald Trump looking noticeably different from the rushed iteration that debuted in 2017. The new life-sized figure in the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom was updated as part of a refurbishment of the attraction, and it appears to no longer strike an uncanny resemblance to Hillary Clinton. Newsweek approached Disney for comment via email Tuesday morning. Why It Matters The speculation started in summer 2017, when Trump was first added to the Hall of Presidents, and visitors noticed that his animatronic looked much less like the real thing than other presidents in the Hall. A theory soon developed, never confirmed by Disney, that the company's "Imagineers" – the creatives behind the parks – had built a Clinton animatronic assuming she would win the election, and had to hastily make changes in light of Trump's upset victory. U.S. President Donald Trump's original animatronic figure at Walt Disney World Resort's Hall of Presidents in 2017 (left) and the updated figure seen June 2025 (right) U.S. President Donald Trump's original animatronic figure at Walt Disney World Resort's Hall of Presidents in 2017 (left) and the updated figure seen June 2025 (right) Courtesy Walt Disney World News Today What To Know Trump's new animatronic face quietly debuted when the Hall of presidents reopened on June 29, having closed for renovations following the inauguration in January. Animatronic Trump was moved back to the center of the stage, as is the traditional spot for the sitting president, where he is surrounded by the likenesses of the 44 other men to have served in the role. Walt Disney World News Today (WDWNT), which covers Disney parks, was first to note the changes made to the Trump figure's face, pointing out that it bore significantly less resemblance to his former Democratic rival. The rumor that Disney had been forced to modify the 2017 figure grew out of the Hall of Presidents' extended downtime following inauguration day in 2017. While it is usually out of action for around six months when a new figure is added, it took around 11 that year. The official line from Disney was that it had taken longer to record lines from Trump himself, but fans speculated online that Disney had simply assumed Clinton would win in 2016 and had already prepared her figure. Fast-forward to 2025 and the robot now has slightly different features, including a new more life-like hairdo and a facial expression closer to Trump's trademark glower. The figure's vocal lines have also been changed, WDWNT reported. Originally, the animatronic Trump gave a short speech about the "achievements of the American spirit" on top of the usual oath of office recited by the sitting president. That has been cut back to just the oath in the new version. Former President Joe Biden's likeness was moved to the side following Trump's return to the center stage spot – the first time a figure has been sidelined and then returned since the Hall of Presidents first opened over 50 years ago. What People Are Saying Bridget Ziegler, a Trump supporter, on X: "Delivered faster (5 month turnaround vs 11mo in 2017 & then 6mo for Biden) AND even more important - MUCH more accurate & better representation of our extraordinary Commander in Chief." SparkcatcherBlog, a Disney Parks fan account on X: "Because of Trump's non-consecutive terms, this is the first time a figure of a former president was re-positioned to the center spot." What's Next The attraction will likely remain in its current form through at least 2029, when it will close again for another refurbishment and installation of Trump's successor.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Donald Trump returns to center stage at Disney's Hall of Presidents with a new look
Trump animatronics at Disney's Hall of Presidents- 2017 (left) and 2025 (right) Source: Walt Disney World's Hall of Presidents has quietly reopened, and it didn't take long for visitors to spot the major update: a redesigned animatronic of President Donald Trump . Following his re-election and second inauguration in January 2025, Trump's figure was moved back to the center of the stage, the spot traditionally reserved for the sitting president. The attraction, located in Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square, had been closed since January 20 for refurbishment. When it reopened on June 29 without any formal announcement, parkgoers noticed that Trump's animatronic had received a significant makeover, addressing years of criticism surrounding its original 2017 debut, which many believed looked more like Hillary Clinton than Trump himself. Donald Trump animatronic overhaul: From Clinton controversy to facial fix When Trump's figure was first unveiled in 2017, it was met with widespread confusion and ridicule. Many guests and social media users claimed the animatronic looked oddly like Hillary Clinton, sparking rumors that Disney had initially prepared for a Clinton victory. The updated 2025 version seems to put those claims to rest. Dressed in a blue suit, striped tie, and American flag lapel pin, the new animatronic features a facial structure far more accurate to Trump's real-life appearance. With Trump back at the center of the stage, his new likeness marks a visual reset that better reflects the current presidency and silences much of the past speculation. A shorter speech, a quieter role Traditionally, every U.S. president since Bill Clinton has recorded a voice segment for the Hall of Presidents. In 2017, Trump's animatronic speech included both the oath of office and a brief speech. However, in the 2025 update, his voice recording has been reduced to just the oath, following the same approach used for Joe Biden's figure in 2021. The move signals a quieter tone for the show and keeps the focus on the ceremonial rather than the political. While the speaking role has been scaled back, the updated animatronic still commands attention through its central placement and refined design. A golden mix-up at Disneyland adds to the drama Trump also stirred conversation earlier this year at Disneyland in California, during the park's 70th anniversary celebrations. A golden statue meant to resemble Walt Disney alongside Mickey Mouse drew online attention for its resemblance to Trump. Shortly after the comparisons went viral, the figure disappeared, only to return later with subtle adjustments, including a flatter hairstyle that better matched Walt's original look. Though Disney offered no official explanation, the quiet revision echoed the company's careful balancing act between public perception and creative intent, much like the changes made to the Trump animatronic in Florida. Image: Matt Desmond With these updates, Disney continues to fine-tune how history and modern politics are reflected in its attractions, and the Trump figure, once a source of ridicule, is finally more recognizable as the man it is meant to portray.
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Disney World's Hall of Presidents quietly reopens with Trump figure
Disney World's Hall of Presidents has reopened after a temporary closure earlier this year. A longtime staple of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, the attraction is particularly popular, especially during presidential election seasons. Following President Donald Trump's second win in November's election against former Vice President Kamala Harris, many have wondered whether his previous animatronic will be updated or replaced with a new one. Is Disney World's Hall of Presidents reopened? According to WDW News Today, Disney World's Hall of Presidents attraction quietly reopened on June 29. Disney's website also lists the attraction as open from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. Disney World officials did not immediately respond to the USA TODAY Network's requests for details. Did Disney reuse the previous Trump animatronic? It is still unknown whether the Trump animatronic is brand new or if Disney made updates to the previous one. Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network, reached out to Disney for confirmation. What is Disney's Hall of Presidents? Is Hall of Presidents a ride? Among the thrill rides and meet-and-greets with fictional characters, Disney World's "Hall of Presidents" is a multimedia presentation and stage show that seeks to educate parkgoers on the formation of the U.S. and all 45 of its presidents. The show features narrations from some of the presidents as they highlight various historical events and critical documents, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence and facts about the Civil War. Walt Disney himself reportedly called for the attraction initiall. Disney Wiki says that the show was initially intended for Disneyland's theme park in Anaheim, California. Since technology had not advanced enough to support his vision, Disney instead focused on bringing a single animatronic president to life, creating Abraham Lincoln for the 1964 New York World's Fair. As plans were coming together for the new Florida theme park, Disney employees found that they could incorporate his vision for a show on the U.S. presidents. In October 1971, the attraction opened with the park, with then-president Richard Nixon ending the roll call. Which theme park has the Hall of Presidents? Where to find it at Disney World near Orlando, Florida Disney's website How many presidents have been added to Disney's Hall of Presidents since opening in October 1971? Since its original opening, it has added nine new presidents to its lineup: Do the US presidents record special speeches for Disney's Hall of Presidents? The show features a segment dedicated to the current president, during which they deliver a brief speech. Every sitting president since Bill Clinton has recorded his own remarks for the Hall of Presidents at the White House. How long does it take for Disney World to add a new president to the attraction? It took Disney World six months to reopen the attraction after it closed in January. According to Plan Disney, it takes roughly a year from the election to produce a new animatronic leader. For example, Trump was added in December 2017 after the 2016 election, and Biden was added in August 2021. "There are many steps involved including several levels of models as well as an interview with the actual president. So the voice you hear in the attraction will be the president's real voice," Plan Disney says. Conspiracy theory about the Trump figure made by Disney Since President Trump was added to the lineup back in 2017, the appearance of his animatronic has caused some controversy. A few parkgoers and social media users claimed the figure also resembled Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee. This led to rumors that Disney, anticipating Clinton's win in the 2016 election, had begun building a robot with her likeness, only to repurpose it after Trump won. According to Snopes, this rumor has never been confirmed or even addressed by Disney officials. How much are tickets to Disney World in Florida? Tickets to any of Disney's theme parks start at $119, prices rising depending on the season and which day you attend. Disney World also just announced its "Summer Magic Ticket" offer exclusively for Florida residents. As of May 6, parkgoers can purchase tickets for as low as $60 per day, with no blackout dates. The offer is valid from May 18 through Sept. 27, 2025.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Going to Disney World on Spring Break? See which rides are currently closed, being refurbished
Spring break season is almost here! Depending on where you live, it might arrive early in March while others will have to wait until the middle of April. Florida's theme parks see roughly 50 million visitors throughout the year, with spring break among the most popular times. If you're planning to visit Walt Disney World in the next few months, here's a look at which attractions are being refurbished or closed for good during the Spring Break months, according to its website. The theme park will see several changes over the next few years, beginning with the construction of two new sections — one based on Pixar's "Cars" franchise and another dedicated to Disney Villains. Until then, here's what is currently closed: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed until 2026 for refurbishment Astro Orbiter: Closed Jan. 13 through summer 2025 for refurbishment Hall of Presidents: Closed Jan. 20 for refurbishment and to replace the president in office Test Track: Closed until late summer 2025, reimagined by General Motors Spaceship Earth Lounge: Opening spring 2025 Gran Fiesta Tour: Reopening on March 15 after refurbishment As of February 2025, only Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy is permanently closed. Once we approach the summer months, the theme park will see more changes and closures, such as: Melrose's Ristorante Italiano: Permanently closing May 11, Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo: Permanently closing June 8 The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: Opening summer 2025 Disney Villains Show: Opening summer 2025 It's Tough to Be a Bug: Closing March 17 Kali River Rapids: Closed for refurbishment TriceraTop Spin: Closed permanently Dino-Rama Area: Closed permanently Those upset about the extinction of DinoLand U.S.A. will still have a chance to ride the "Dinosaur" ride, set to close sometime next year to make way for the new "Tropical Americas" land. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Disney World theme parks: See which rides, shows are currently closed
Fox News
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
DAVID MARCUS: Why Trump 2.0 is the beginning of history
In 1992, Francis Fukuyama penned his famous 'End of History' essay in which he argued that former President Ronald Reagan's Cold War victory had ushered in an age in which free market democracies would flourish almost by osmosis with a light, guiding American hand. Thirty-five years on, after 9/11, after watching Communist China become a global powerhouse and Russia grow more belligerent, it is obvious that this careful management of neo-liberalism has failed. What we need is a new beginning of history, starting with President Donald Trump. Of course, we all see the stark difference between the vibrant Trump and his immediate predecessor, Joe Biden, the first commander in chief who looked less alive in office than his Disney animatronic in the Hall of Presidents. But it's more than that. Every president since Reagan has essentially been a caretaker for Fukuyama's vision of a world order in which the U.S., as the undisputed leader, puts its interests last, confident that "our way of life" will inevitably dominate the globe. The Bushes, Clintons and Obamas did not shape the world so much as they sought to preserve the shape created by Reagan's Cold War victory. Today, we need Trump to see foreign affairs with fresh eyes, and so he is. On Tuesday evening, the president shocked the world, and maybe even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he was sharing a press conference, by suggesting that the United States should take over Gaza and turn it into the Riviera of the Middle East. On the domestic political left, and internationally, the idea of American Gaza was met with scoffing scorn and incredulity. But given the horrible conditions under which those in Gaza live and the intolerable threat they pose to Israel, we must ask why that is. The answer is that, while the global institutions which neo-liberals created and rely on would never agree to Trump's Gaza solution, these are the same groups that have failed to secure peace in the Middle East for decades. Is trying something new so crazy? After all, it is the terrorists who favor the slow and steady status quo of death and destruction. Why give it to them? And it isn't just in the Levant that Trump is making waves. Regarding strategically vital Greenland and the economically vital Panama Canal, the new Trump Doctrine is not just that American interests should come first, but that putting them first actually benefits the entire world. In all fairness, it made some sense in 1992 to think that, as the world's lone superpower, the United States should be magnanimous and put developing nations first. But somewhere along the line, that magnanimity turned to self-loathing. In all fairness, it made some sense in 1992 to think that, as the world's lone superpower, the United States should be magnanimous and put developing nations first. But somewhere along the line, that magnanimity turned to self-loathing. Former President Obama took such a dim view of American moral power that he preferred our nation lead from behind. Under these caretaker presidents, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which was designed to burnish our reputation abroad, instead spent millions criticizing Western Colonialism and telling Africans they aren't gay enough. Reagan won the Cold War by keeping his eyes fixed on the aspirational America of the shining city upon a hill. Fukuyama mistakenly believed we had already achieved it and moved in. Trump's shining city on a hill may be a hotel and casino in Gaza, or a submarine base in Greenland. It might be freer passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. But what it will not be is more of the same. It was Nietzsche who wrote, "In the mountains, the shortest way is from peak to peak; but for that one must have long legs." For too long, American foreign policy has labored in the valleys of conflict and discord, always waiting for the safest and easiest way to climb out, never quite managing to. Like Reagan, Trump knows how to walk from peak to peak and how to ignore the naysayers who say change is impossible. At the end of history, one can only look backwards. Perhaps this is why we are a society of sequels and franchises rather than original stories, of old well-worn foreign policy paths, not new blazing trails. At the beginning of history, all things are possible. There is no cynical past to foreclose on innovation and new ideas. Trump has no intention of managing the slow decline of America, nor simply standing athwart that decline yelling "Stop!" No, for the first time in a long time, the American president sees new paths and visions for our nation, and under her leadership, for the entire world.
