Creative History

[General Grizz]

Creative History

By Robert Johnson and Todd Pack | Sentinel Staff Writers
Posted November 11, 2002

The Hall of Presidents attraction at Walt Disney World opened in 1971, but a Disney official revealed last week that it's much older than that -- in his mind.

Marty Sklar, Disney Imagineering's vice chairman, said he first began brainstorming the Hall of Presidents in 1956 for the recently opened Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Other projects took precedent over the presidents, but Sklar kept thinking about how to create a hall and a show to go inside. "We never throw anything away," he said.

Robert Johnson can be reached at rwjohnson@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5664. Todd Pack can be reached at 407-420-5407 or tpack@orlandosentinel.com.


Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel

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I thought it was designed for the New York World's Fair for 1964. Well, maybe it was Disneyland.

 

[Tramp]

Interesting stuff, Griz...the existence of the Hall of Presidents nearly a half century later is testament to the great, pioneering genius of Disney's imagineers. Thanks for sharing this, Griz.

 

[General Grizz]

No problem. Found it in the CFB this morning, and didn't see it posted. Included was a picture of Marty Sklar.

I was just a little confused, because Walt was wanting the Mr. Lincoln attraction to be based on all the presidents, but time ran out. But I suppose it must have been Disneyland. Or the Sentinel could have made a small error, which is natural. But they're probably right, I'm sure.

Anyways, glad you enjoyed it!