Yesterday, I wrote that now is the perfect time for Disney's theme parks to invest more in one of their original IP franchises - specifically, the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. Today - just to stir things up - I'd like to argue that Disney ought to think about retiring one of its non-movie-themed attractions.
So which attraction ought to get the axe?
Let's back up and consider the criteria for a great theme park attraction. All this started when Disney decided to retheme Splash Mountain, which was based on a franchise that the company could no longer promote. As a self-styled lifestyle brand, Disney wants its theme parks to feature franchises that can deliver across multiple platforms. But not every attraction has to feature motion picture IP. An original IP attraction can work for Disney if it connects with some other shared experience in guests' lives — especially a shared experience with which Disney wants to be associated.
Throughout Disney's history, one of those shared experiences has been American patriotism. There's a flag retreat ceremony daily in Town Square. The grand finale of Disney's most famous theme park parade was entitled "To Honor America." The company's first human Audio Animatronic was Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. And when the Walt Disney World Resort opened, Disney supersized that attraction as Hall of Presidents.
While the current installation of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland and The American Adventure show in Epcot's World Showcase prove that Disney can produce shows that appeal to American's shared patriotism while still acknowledging difficulties in the nation's history, the Magic Kingdom's Hall of Presidents has had a rougher go with park guests in recent years. The trouble started when Disney chose in the 1990s to add a speech from the current president to the show. Before, only the animatronic Lincoln spoke to the audience.
If Disney had hoped that the addition would make the show more relevant and appealing to repeat WDW visitors, the change instead injected partisanship into what had been a relatively noncontroversial presentation. The acknowledgement of recent presidents often had elicited reactions from the crowd, as guests cheered and jeered based on party. But those moments passed swiftly. Now, with the additional speech, that discomfort can linger.
Remember, one of the criterion for a successful attraction is its ability to create a shared experience with which Disney wants to be associated. But now Disney has tethered Hall of Presidents to the approval rating of whoever reside in the White House. That's not ideal for the company.
The easiest change Disney could make here would be to ditch the current president's speech after President Trump leaves office. With two Republicans and two Democrats having had the new spotlight, Disney could fairly call it even and retire the feature. Then maybe Hall of Presidents could return to being a more patriotic, and less partisan, show.
But even then, Hall of Presidents suffers in comparison with the far superior The American Adventure show over at Epcot. Could there be a better use for this space in Liberty Square? What if Disney had a wildly popular franchise, set in the time of the American Revolution, that the company could instead slot into this prime theme park real estate?
(I can sense that some of you now see where I am going with this.... Buckle up.)
We're coming up on the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and even though millions of Americans will be stuck at home during this pandemic, The Walt Disney Company is still poised to own the holiday, with the premiere of a new blockbuster on Disney+ tomorrow. It's a perfect franchise for the holiday, and the perfect franchise for that big theater in the heart of Liberty Square.
Forget the Hall of Presidents. America loves a founding father who never got elected to that office — one Mr. Alexander Hamilton.
Would Disney ever drop the HOP in favor of a "Hamilton"-themed attraction at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom? Could an abridged live version of the show work, logistically and creatively? If so, could even Disney afford those performance rights? Or should Disney just go nuts and throw a truckload of money at Lin-Manuel Miranda to bring an animatronic "inspired by the Broadway show" Hamilton-themed production to the space?
Who knows? But I cannot imagine that Disney wouldn't put through way more people with any type of "Hamilton"-themed attraction in Liberty Square than they've been getting with HOP. Some old-school theme park fans might hate the idea of losing HOP, but I'd bet that the public at large would embrace a change.
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I, without fail, get nervous at the end of Hall of the Presidents and have for the last two presidents. I have a family member who is a rather loud liberal, and another who is a rather loud conservative, and if anyone in the audience makes a comment or a noise, you can bet one of my two family members will respond. Once that happens, who knows what comes next, and I'm left hiding under my chair.
I love the idea of integrating Hamilton in that space and think it would be far more popular anyway. American Adventure already satisfies the kind of experience HoP is, and Hamilton would breath new life into Liberty Square.
First I will state that I am not a citizen of the U.S.A. and as such have never had any real desire to go to HOP. We have never gone to WDW during the summer so even the air conditioning isn't a draw. I do however enjoy history and would be interested a show regarding the American Revolutionary war. It wouldn't even have to be based upon Hamilton, I've been watching the old classic movies on Disney+ as I remember them from the Wonderful World of Disney TV show that I watched as a child. To me HOP has always been seen as a lost chance to put on a show that would fit into the basic theme of Liberty Square.
Yes.the answer to the question posed in the headline is YES!
Funny, what this brings to mind is Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men saying, "You can't handle the truth". The designers at Disney are master story-tellers and sugar-coaters. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But sometimes the truth sneaks out, like how dated the Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain became. The truth in Hall of Presidents is that America has become increasingly and seriously fractured. Yes, it's ugly, but if you truly want to teach American history, even with members of the audience yelling and arguing, it should stay as is. That would be handling the truth.
You may not be aware of this Robert, but love of Hamilton is not universal... And the passion for it is largely divided on party lines lol. Refinery29 had a good article about this.
Personally, I'd like to see a show or an experience about how today's America was founded by immigrants. Some kind of presentation about how the Irish, the Germans, the French, Dutch, English, Russians etc., helped define American music, history, food and culture. As a thematic freebee, a nearby restaurant could be called "The Melting Pot."
However, If we can't use the story space for that, or "Hamilton" or something similar I vote for giving Abraham Lincoln the spotlight once again. He speaks of a fractured and polarized America needing to band together no matter how hard it may be to do so. He was an engaging and eloquent speaker whose words are as meaningful today as when he first said them.
Replacing Hall of Presidents with a musical would be ridiculous IMO. Plus they already sacked one musical project at MK because they didn't think having a show like that could handle the massive crowds MK draws, and that was going to be in a way bigger theater.
Nothings wrong with Hall of Presidents maybe other then people not liking the current president. I don't think its going anywhere.
The answer to your headline: Absolutely not! Where else in the park can one take a much needed catnap in a comfy chair in a virtually empty, quiet, and air-conditioned room?
Replace it with a show based on Johnny Tremain. Non partisan, nice story (even if fictional. Even has a good song (Tree of Liberty). Fits with theme of surrounding area.
It'll never happen. Not because it's a bad idea, but because, as we all know, Flight of Passage is already the Hamilton of theme parks.
Not being American, I find little interest in Hall of Presidents, or even the American Adventure. I admire the production values of the latter, but without an emotional connection to the historical elements, they don't hold my interest in the same way. Much of the history I am very familiar with, but I find myself less drawn to the emotional weight of the moments than I imagine American audience members do - probably why I would rather see Washington crossing the Delaware than being ponderous upon a horse, or find the story of a family divided less compelling than the battle of Gettysburg (in fairness, when discussing history, my son always associates the American Civil War with "the one with the two brothers in the Epcot show" to this day. So, point to Disney and educational allegory).
However, that show, at least, showcased the same love Walt Disney had for the USA. An optimistic and idealistic view of America that he loved to display; Main Street USA, the trains, the technology, innovation, and the words of Abraham Lincoln. The very best of the ol' USA.
Having the HOP using the words of recent/current political figures, without the filter of history to determine their true value and worth, removes that idealism. They are not mythic figures who forged something great. They are flawed individuals put on public display for everybody to pick apart. It doesn't matter what your political bent, chances are at least one of the more recent additions to HOP is going to irritate you, on a very personal level. And everybody on every side can show more than enough "evidence" on YouTube to show why their opinion is right, and why _______________ (fill in the blank) doesn't have a right to be on that stage, much less open their mouths.
Like I said, I don't have much emotional connection to the history. But if you are going to put on a showcase of the highest office of the USA, and display the highest levels of Disney idealism that position is supposed to represent, then it's probably best to just let honest Abe do all the talking. Maybe Teddy Roosevelt. Or Jefferson. That's about it. Heck, you'd be safer to let William Henry Harrison say a few words, rather than anybody post Eisenhower.
I do think HOP has seen its time passed. It was good once and amazing seeing the AA at work (like how a few seem to even whisper to each other at times) but adding the current President speech threw it all off. I do think they should go back to Lincoln as the one guy folks on both sides still admire and well-remembered more than others.
It's also the sad truth that in today's world, long AA-filled shows aren't as attractive as they once were. Also, let's face it, they could never get these likenesses right anyway to create an "Uncanny Valley" long before that phrase existed.
The Hall of Presidents was closed to add our current president on my one visit to WDW, and I don't feel like I particularly missed anything by not seeing it. I'm not sure such an attraction has a place in a modern theme park, particularly one catering to a global audience. That said, I think I'd rather keep some version of the show than replace it with Hamilton, which I've also never seen but don't get the appeal of, especially for a theme park setting. Modern audiences want Disney, so if Hall of Presidents goes it either needs to be replaced by a Disney show or replaced by some other sort of attraction, because anything else is likely to be a loser.
I don't have a problem with a historical attraction in Liberty Square. It is completely appropriate. I see it every time I am there. I agree that the US has become more divided and Theme Park Fans are no exception. A pop culture musical is a lame idea. There are other options. Why not a "Hall of Liberty" with iconic scenes of great moments in American History. Re-use some of the animatronics for some signature scenes. Add new ones for Women's suffrage and the Civil Rights movement. There are many options and, hey, they have Imagineers!
Absolutely, redo the attraction get rid of the current president speaking or replace it entirely. A Hamilton show would be cool.
In it's current form -- it's pretty lame. Only good for escaping the heat into a nice air conditioned space.
Trump's role in it is equally lame and doesn't really evoke how he actually speaks. Maybe that's a good thing, but it just comes across so pointless and phony.
Why have people boo or cheer animatronics?
Hamilton is a great idea. Got to admit I'm not a huge fan, but it does have truly international appeal (which, let's remember, is a lot more important at WDW than at DL) unlike the current presentation. And it's one of the very few franchises I can think of that could genuinely draw a teenage audience without isolating families.
How you actually pull the thing off is another matter. But it seems like something Miranda would be up for getting actively involved with.
As somebody who studies colonial and American history, Hall of Presidents is one of my absolute favourite attractions. To have all 45 Presidents on one stage is fantastic and never fails to make me tingle. For Liberty Square, I would love to see an attraction dedicated solely to the Founding Fathers as they are the most quintessential people for the whole land and, ultimately, gave liberty to the people of the colonies and created the first democratic republic which has been the blue-print for independence ever since. This, for me, should be the centrepiece for Liberty Square.
The issue with Hall of Presidents is that post-Jackson, most of the 19th century Presidents were truly awful bar Polk and Lincoln.
Hamilton may be a popular musical but he certainly doesn't deserve an attraction based purely on him. There are far more deserving individuals - Washington, Jefferson, Franklin. Keep it to the collective of the Founding Fathers. They are the most varied and essential people for Liberty Square.
Hamilton would be just as controversial as HOP. Disney already has the perfect replacement and it's already been tested in Liberty Square. Replace HOP with the Muppets Great Moments in History, a show about the American revolution that would fit perfectly in Liberty Square.
Wait ... Disney still has a "truckload of money? "
Kevin hits the nail on the head...I'm an Orlando resident and WDW AP holder (what a year for that!) and I couldn't agree more with the Muppets having their own history show. Lord knows Disney needs a decent attraction starring the Muppets and that was a very fun, family-friendly show that would fit the bill perfectly.
I would love to see something about "Liberty" replace the current Hall of Presidents. I am picturing the Statue of Liberty and what it stands for: The sonnet was engraved on a bronze plaque and presented by philanthropist Georgiana Schuyler to be mounted on the interior wall of the pedestal in 1903. It reads:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame, "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
What stands for Liberty in this country more than the Statue of Liberty, and what better place to honor that than in Liberty Square! The phrase "Melting Pot" describes how this country was built by people from many shores with many backgrounds and cultures. This spot in the Magic Kingdom would be the perfect place to honor and proclaim that theme.
I would hate to see it removed. If they just want to use Lincoln's speech(es) fine, but to say that Disney "injected partisanship" by including modern presidential speeches is totally flawed in my view. The whole idea is to celebrate the fact that we have a presidency and that the person that fills it is chosen by the people and will have only limited power. If someone can't stand a current president, they can take solace in the fact that they will not always be in power, their power is limited, and we have the power to advocate for someone different. I have strong political views, but I don't think for a second that Disney is wrong to include words from the current presidents even when I might strongly disapprove of the president(s). It's about what the presidency stands for, not a specific president.
Robert - brilliant idea! And such good points about it currently being uncomfortable - and many great ideas from the above posts - including the melting pot idea and the Muppets. Perhaps - Lin Manuel Miranda could write something new and upbeat - tell some history that would be appealing to non Americans - and make it toe tapping fun.
Call me a bad theme park fan if you want, but I haven't actually watched a performance of the Hall of Presidents in over 20 years, and even in our most recent trip to WDW in January didn't bother taking my son in to see it. That decision was not political or have anything to do with the content and construction of the show. Instead, it was because there are far more entertaining and fun ways to spend time in the MK. Also, the one thing HoP had going for it long ago was that it was one of the few fully air-conditioned attractions at MK, but with so many new climate controlled spaces throughout the MK now available, that appeal is not as strong.
Frankly, the HOP is an antiquated concept, and is duplicated by the superior American Adventure at EPCOT. I do recognize that the attraction has a strong and dedicated fanbase, and while I'd hate to see it fall prey to the current "cancel culture", it's been on the ropes for decades. There are far better ways to entertain theme park guests with history (see Muppets and American Adventure), and Disney should consider all options when evaluating the future of the HoP.
Robert,
Interesting that you cite how conflicts of opinions/beliefs arise during the attraction and then you suggest Hamilton. The Hamilton cast in New York stopped there their production mid scene to address the Vice President about their beliefs, a couple of years ago. So the cast did exactly what makes for a uncomfortable moment in the HOP. I understand that the older people get in life, often politics or the discussion of, is more prevalent in their life, it's obvious you have reached that stage of life. Robert this use to be a site where I would go and take a mental break at lunch while at work, and now you have turned it into a political platform, veiled in theme park news. It is sad really, because I really enjoyed your past work. Looks like you are not too far way from an article titled "GET OFF MY LAWN"
I think B Goodwin is on the right track. Disney is adding the words of presidents that history has not yet judged (I know, some would probably argue that). It's a historical show, but includes the words of the modern President (not saying that because of who the current President is -- that has rung true for me ever since ANY current President has had a speech). It's basically a campaign speech, not statements that can be viewed through the lens of history.
For Barack Obama or Donald Trump to be cited as a high mark of American leadership when the full weight of their contributions is still up for debate, I think, is a mistake.
I mean, I have my (strong) opinions on these more modern Presidents, but the Hall of Presidents is not the place for that in my opinion (nor is this discussion, which is why I'm trying to be nonpartisan here). I would be happy for it to become "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, but with every other President looking on" as he gives his amalgamation of several different speeches used in Disneyland. Because it's still special to see every U.S. President on stage together, even if they are animatronic.
Look at what a big deal when the five living Presidents get together (and how rare that is under our hyper-partisan current state of being). I know it's different when they're robots, but...it's still neat to see. Let's just dump the campaign speeches from current presidents.
Hamilton I think would be a better replacement for Frozen out in DCA. The show is popular now but would probably need replacing in a few years and Disney would be back to square one again. And the land would be more limiting to new shows than the Hyperion. I like the muppets idea but hear me out: dinner theater haunted mansion full service restaurant! You already have Haunted Mansion, the HM gift shop and Sleepy Hollow treats. Forgo an American history land and let Epcot handle it. Colonialism is a problematic issue all around and is a weird choice for a magic kingdom fantasy park anyway. Let the land become a spooky but quaintly upstate NY little hamlet.
HOP was closed when I went there. However, given that Mr Lincoln is part of the Disney soul, I wouldn’t favour removing him completely.
But someone said muppets... Ladies and Gentlemen it’s time for great moments in history with our guest star Mr Lincoln yaaaaay... it’s time raise the curtain, it’s time to light the lights.... it’s time for Mr Lincoln on the muppet show tonight!
Start serving alcohol (yes, I am caving on the booze issue) close HOP, build an outdoor tavern/restaurant with a stage for colonial themed soliloquies, comedy, music, etc. Give me Muppets, and a little Adventurers Club.
Not being from the US our family has never been to that attraction nor would we ever go. Like Robert mentioned earlier there's far more interesting things to do in the parks. Personally I think its a waste of space and could be used for something much better. I doubt many international visitors go to this attraction but I understand why it's there and why it's popular for locals.
If they want to keep it I think they should just stick to historical presidents instead of more recent ones. Would be less controversial for sure.
Ridiculous. Get rid of it because of partisan bickering? GROW UP! and have respect for the office. This is a great attraction and I NEVER miss it no matter who speaks. It would be great to return to the original where Lincoln spoke BUT Disney has a habit of "cut and pasting" Lincoln's words to change the meaning to their liking. Have him deliver one of his speeches in whole and what could be more appropriate than perhaps his 2nd inaugural address about binding the wounds of the country. You know the With Malice toward NONE and Charity toward ALL! We certainly have that backward these days! And as far as the people from other countries who never visit it - I find that interesting - I've always been told we Americans were self centered. When I travel I NEVER miss a chance to learn about the country I'm in! Oh and finally Hamilton is the most overrated show ever. Hamilton was a brilliant guy but certainly not perfect so why he deserves more adulation than other founders is WAY puzzling. And secondly the scolding of the Vice President (manners much) and their "whites need not try out" (discrimination much) turned me off right from the start. Not the way to mend this country. It CAN be done!
What a stupid stupid idea this has nothing to do with a good idea just you trying to insert your political bias this country has gone through enough with radical ideas like this our presidents are much more important and stupid stuff like this has no place in our country another horrible idea
I think that if they are going to remove a president it should be Obama.... Trump is the best we’ve ever had
Either respect Liberty Square for its historical significance to the modern-day America by giving it attractions of reverence to the inspirational leaders and those who sacrificed everything or get rid of the land all together. Cheapening it with, say, the Muppets is an absolute disgrace and highlights so much of what is wrong with society today. Embrace Liberty Square for what it ultimately stands for or replace it with another kiddies land packed with Disney IP to keep the corporate bosses happy.
The medium of themed entertainment has evolved. HOP no longer fits. Shut it down.
I really don't understand this article. You say that HoP should be replaced because it is politically divisive. Then you suggest replacing it with Hamilton, which is even more divisive. It's like replacing a cooking fire with napalm.
I think the solution is to go back to the days when only Lincoln spoke. Or if the attraction must be replaced, then do it with something that reflects America, not one sliver of it.
TampaMom (Newbie) jumps right in: "I really don't understand this article."
I Respond: Then maybe don't comment on it.
Plum Guy writes: "Either respect Liberty Square for its historical significance ... "
I Respond: Um ... "historical significance"? Really?
The article presents an interesting idea, and very trendy, but not necessarily a great idea for this venue. I love the idea someone mentioned of Founding Fathers and the beginnings of America which is educational for kids but also a reminder to adults that today current criticism of our founders pales in comparison to their accomplishments.
I also really like the idea of Great Moments in History with Sam the Eagle as spokes symbol, perhaps using a mixture of projection and puppetry (like Muppet*Vision) as well as some animatronics. Great moments and founding fathers could be presented and would appeal to youngsters and families as well as adults.
2Relax writes: "The Hamilton cast in New York stopped there their production mid scene to address the Vice President ..."
I Reply: Swing and a miss. They addressed the amazing mannequin man at the end of the performance after the bows.
Grumpy Duck writes: "You may not be aware of this Robert, but love of Hamilton is not universal..."
I Respond: So what?! Was 'Avatar' universally loved? Nope. And yet they line up for two plus hours for "Flight of Passage" (which many people have called the themed entertainment industry's 'Hamilton'). 'Hamilton' is a powerful IP ... I don't see it working at MK, but this nonsense about it being divisive is just dumb.
The Two Bits, Ackerman and Florean posts NAIL IT!
I'm not so sure that this is the right time to go with Hamilton...
https://www(dot)dailywire(dot)com/news/cancel-hamilton-trends-as-leftists-demand-disney-pull-musical-that-glorifies-slave-trader
@CJ_MCO (who just joined our community TODAY to, it seems like, get into some trolling), yeah, Disney is gonna cave on this. From What's on Disney+: "Last Friday, Disney added a recording of the Broadway show “Hamilton” onto Disney+, resulting in a huge boost in the number of users of Disney+ over the weekend. According to new data from app store analytics firm Apptopia, there was a huge jump in the number of downloads for the Disney+ app on mobile devices, as between Friday and Sunday, there were over half a million new downloads (513,000+) globally, excluding India and Japan. The report estimates that 266,084 of those downloads were in the U.S. This marks a rise of 46.6%, when compared to the previous four weekends in June."
TH: You do understand it's possible to visit this site without creating a user? Therefore it's possible all of those you've mocked for being "new" have been to and read the articles on the site for a long time. Perhaps they are just now feeling compelled to join the conversation. Maybe expand your way of thinking?
As for CJ_MCO's post...Why is citing an article about how people feel about something trolling? You seem to be the king of citing articles to support your argument. The attack is unwarranted. Stop being such a miserable old man.
@AndrewL: This HOP thread was featured on the Google News homepage and suddenly there are newbs showing up saying R. Niles is "ridiculous", claiming the article is "stupid", pimping "Trump", etc.
Possible? Yes. Probable? Please.
TH: What about your response to attacking someone for citing an article defending their point?
You appear to be the antagonist to many who try and voice their opinion on this site. New or old, but you do seem to love to point out the "new" users. Perhaps you are the troll here?
@AndrewL: First of all I did not "attack" anyone. The new user drops a link claiming there are some people demanding that Hamilton be "canceled". My post NEVER criticizes the the poster for citing an article.
I mean, if I were attacking hm I might've done something like calling him "a miserable old man."
(See what I did there?)
Rather I express skepticism that Disney will acquiesce to that demand because the film is so popular. He advanced a point and I countered. I did not "attack" the poster (personally or otherwise) at all.
I do however, take exception to people who refer to Robert Niles' perspective as "stupid" or "ridiculous" on their first day as a member of the TPI community.
@TH: LOL oh ok.
(Chuckle)
Stay Healthy & Stay Safe
@AndrewL: spot on! I have been following this site since approximately 2010 and only recently joined (2020) only to wonder if that was a good decision.
I am learning that the way to avoid the politics is to scan the number of comments at the bottom of an article. 0 to 10 = apolitical, 10 to 20 = maybe political but most likely a hot story, 30+ = political hot potato with the comments being less of a discussion and more of a lecture with shouting from the audience.
I still come here to see if anything new is happening within the theme park world but I am reading the subjective articles less and less. I understand that this is Mr Niles site to direct as he sees fit and I am not here to troll him or others... I like that he constantly is adding new content (more so than other sites) but wish he kept it apolitical. People in the comments will have their own take, but when the article directs them towards politics then the articles's core becomes murky. Really, Mr Niles, I am a fan of your theme park insight, just not your political insight (and I mean no disrespect in writing that).
Regarding the subject at hand: I agree with leaving HoP as it is or returning it to the original Lincoln only speech. I do not agree with replacing it with Hamilton or the Muppets.
KCWZ: "I have been following this site since approximately 2010 and only recently joined (2020) only to wonder if that was a good decision."
Me: There ya go, Aye-El! That makes a total of one.
I'm kidding, of course!
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I love the show..its a brilliant civic lesson in american history. I can see this being done instead of HOP....there wouldn't be the daily worry of whos gonna boo and cheer whos who..lol