Disney’s Hall of Presidents Closed on Inauguration Day to Add Newly Sworn In Commander-in-Chief. The “Hall of Presidents” attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom is now closed for refurbishment to accommodate the return of a former US President, which coincides with the Presidential Inauguration. There is no word on when the attraction will reopen.
This is a unique situation in the history of the Hall of Presidents because the 2024 Presidential Election resulted in the re-election of a President who previously served a single term before being succeeded by another. This is only the second time in American history a President has served non-consecutive terms, presenting an interesting challenge for the Disney attraction.
The “Hall of Presidents” has consistently updated its showcase of American Presidents since its debut in 1971. While the exact refurbishment timeline and specifics remain undisclosed, it’s anticipated to be a relatively short period due to the unique circumstances. Since an animatronic of the returning President already exists (from their previous term), Disney must now decide whether to reposition the existing figure or create a new one for the updated presentation.
Past updates have included :
- 1993: Updated to include President Bill Clinton.
- 2001: Updated to include President George W. Bush.
- 2009: Updated to include President Barack Obama.
- 2017: Updated to include President Donald Trump.
- 2021: Updated to include President Joe Biden.
The Hall of Presidents will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 20, 2025, and is expected to reopen later in 2025.
Hall of President joins Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Astro Orbiter, and soon the Dumbo Playground as closed and under refurbishment.
The Hall of Presidents: Behold all 45 Presidents of the United States in a stirring show tracing the nation’s history.
In the Presence of the Presidents –
Take your seat in the stately theater, home to 3 massive digital projection screens and a grand proscenium. Watch an original film—developed by a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian—that tells the dramatic story of the nation’s founding. Learn about the formation of our Constitution and the hard-fought struggles along the way—such as the American Revolution and the Civil War. Listen to the stirring words of John F. Kennedy echo through the theater and watch Abraham Lincoln—in attendance on stage—deliver his Gettysburg address.
The Presidents Will See You Now
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 the newest addition to the Hall, 46th President Joe Biden. Wondering why there are 45 and not 46 figures onstage? Because Grover Cleveland served 2 non-consecutive terms as both the 22nd and 24th president.
Creating the Presidents –
Originally conceived as animated wax figures, the Presidents didn’t meet Walt Disney’s approval, so he tasked Walt Disney Imagineering to develop the first Audio-Animatronics figure in human form.
The result was the groundbreaking Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The Hall of Presidents built upon the show’s legacy—expanding it to all Presidents—when it opened in 1971.
Know Before You Go – The show is approximately 25 minutes long and runs continuously throughout the day. Be sure to check the large clock hanging under the marquee for the next available showtime.
