Walt Goes to Washington: Finding Disney in DC is a new book that explores the many ties Walt Disney, and the company he co-founded, have with Washington DC, the capital of the United States of America. From Walt’s connections with U.S. Presidents over the years,… Read More »New Walt Disney and Washington DC book fills void in Disney scholarship
A few years ago Garner Holt productions took over production of audio-animatronic figures from Walt Disney Imagineering. They’ve been creating amazing humanoid robotic figures ever since. Their latest takes the cake for realism. This expressive talking animatronic of President Abraham Lincoln is a special effect… Read More »Garner Holt creates most lifelike audio-animatronic of President Lincoln yet
Update: video of President Obama as he records his lines for the show. “I [name] do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution… Read More »The Hall of Presidents Transformed
Here’s some great news. An updated ‘Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln’ will return to Disneyland later this year. The move comes in conjunction with work to move the Disney Gallery to a new home in the current ‘Bank of Main Street’. If that’s what it takes to get Abe Lincoln back on stage at his rightful place, then so be it.
It will be very nice if Disneyland brings back the Audio-Animatronic Mr. Lincoln during the Bicentennial celebration too. Five years away was just too long. However, there is no date announced for his return, just ‘this year’.
To all of you who sent in letters and comments to Disneyland Guest Relations, thank you.
Update: OC Register quotes Disneyland spokesman who says this will be a significant change from the last version. That version only drew lackluster results from fans of the old show and new audiences alike.
Disneyland’s full press release below the cut:
Previously: Will Obama’s Win Return Lincoln to Opera House, Lincoln’s Bicentennial and still no Lincoln, and Two years later, no Lincoln.
Those who have been paying attention, and there are a lot of us, know the “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” attraction has been missing in action since the Opera House closed down to retool for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary. It was supposed to be ‘temporary’, but it’s been four years and counting since this tragedy was perpetrated on this very special attraction. And it’s time that we fans demand President Lincoln’s return to the scene.
The good news is that the suits at Disneyland might even listen to us. Not because our power as fans has suddenly changed, but because change has come to the power that runs our country. President Obama has expressed his admiration for Abraham Lincoln countless times in his speeches and writings. He used the Lincoln Bible during his swearing in ceremony just a few days ago. Additionally, Steven Speilberg is working on an Abe Lincoln movie with Liam Neeson in the title role. Disneyland might be looking to capitalize on this renewed focus on Lincoln.
It sounds like plans are in progress to do some work at the Opera House and finally remove the 50th Anniversary exhibits. Included in those plans will be a relocation of the ‘Disney Gallery’ store from the exit area of the Opera House into a newly expanded ‘Bank of Main Street’. That certainly makes some sense, since you need a bank loan to pay for some of those collectibles. But I will miss the authentic feel of having a bank right in Town Square.
Finally, 2009 marks the 200th Anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. If fans of the attraction wrote Disneyland saying they’re looking forward to a return of the nation’s 16th President to the Opera House and are planning on making a visit once that has happened, it might spur them into some faster action. Click below the cut for the address to send your letters and please remember that civil letters that let them know they’ll get more of your money if Lincoln is brought back work better than angry missives.
Read More »Will Obama’s win return Lincoln to Disneyland’s Opera House