Hall of Presidents:
For a healthy dose of patriotism and American spirit, be sure to visit the Hall of Presidents, an attraction exclusive to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The classic 24-minute show begins with a widescreen film called We the People. Starting with the Declaration of Independence, it uses montages of paintings to illustrate the creation and perseverance of the Constitution during times of prosperity and crisis.
We the People is followed by the highlight of the show, the introduction of the 43 American Presidents. Each is represented by a full-sized, Audio-Animatronic doppelganger who acknowledges his presence with a slow nod as his name is read.
The Hall of Presidents recently underwent some changes as George W. Bush was added to the lineup, whose amazingly lifelike animatronic delivers a short speech recorded by the President himself. President Lincoln has retained his traditional leading role and continues to be featured with his own speech reflecting on the challenges to the constitution through time, and how they were overcome.
Some guests dislike this attraction, considering it boring and out of place in the otherwise carefree Magic Kingdom. Others love it for its excellent animatronics and the patriotic message it conveys. Small children usually do not understand what is being talked about, and tend to get bored very quickly.
Since the Hall of Presidents virtually never fills to capacity, it is sufficient to arrive 5 minutes prior to showtime (every hour and half hour), although you may want to spend a few extra minutes to examine the official Presidential portraits featured in the rotunda.
Following the 2008 Presidential Elections, a rehab will be required to add the 44th President’s animatronic to the show.
American Adventure:
The American Adventure’s feature attraction by the same name is a very popular and patriotic show about the history of the United States, from the arrival of the pilgrims to late 20th century. Narrated by stunningly lifelike Audio-Animatronics of Samuel Clemens and Benjamin Franklin, the show uses wide-screen film montages, many animatronics, and stirring music to recreate some of the most defining moments in American history, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Independence War, the Great Depression, as well as the displacement of the Native Americans, the debate about slavery, and the birth of the National Park system. While this is by no means intended to be an unbiased and complete history lesson, the production is excellent and thought-provoking.
Unfortunately, some of the displayed events are only hinted at or vaguely described without actually being explained in context, assuming a degree of background knowledge of the US that many foreign and some domestic visitors do not have, occasionally leaving them a bit in the dark. Nevertheless, audience reactions to the American Adventure are generally very favorable, making this a must-see for every Epcot visitor. Although this is easily the most popular attraction in the World Showcase, it is rare that you will have to wait in line for the more than one show, since the theater’s capacity is very large.
