Obama visit, Hollywood Studios Fireworks, and EMH Changes

[sweetpee_1993]

Has a sitting president ever given a speech from the inside of MK before? If that answer is no, one would have to think that either Disney, the administration or both are looking to grab onto a history making event.

Isn't there something up with Disney trying to get some sort of tax breaks or something? There has to be some sort of politics involved in this. Why else would they go to such lengths if they haven't before???

From I can recall from the inauguration and a few other presidential events I've been to, security almost always includes metal detectors. For those going into the park that day, expect a LONG wait through security.

Well, it's not sounding like many people will be getting into the park to enjoy it for the day. OOohhh...I feel extra bad for people going thru the loooong waits only to find out their APs won't be honored. I would be a whole lot more than a squeaky wheel at that point! :lol:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I think this is an amazing opportunity for WDW to have a current President appear inside the park to make a speech. This could have been done at any number of locations around the USA, but to have it done in the Magic Kingdom is a real boost to WDW. It is probably a once in a generation opportunity.

The guests who are there can say they were in the MK on the day the president was. The reality of what they will miss will be Main Street from open until late afternoon. There is additional entertainment being added at the MK, along with additional hours at other parks and a special edition firework show.

I actually think this is a really great deal, I wouldn't mind seeing some more visits if this is what we get! LOL

I would also be willing to bet that if anyone is unhappy, a visit to guest relations would yield something.

But if cast passes and APs aren't being honored and 1-day 1-park tickets are being given parkhopping it sounds like they're going to try to limit entry in the park to very very little. So who gets to go enjoy the historic occasion? It'd be something if we were all free to go take part but, sadly, we're not.

 

[slappy magoo]

The plain fact of the matter is that WDW must look to the future to expand its tourist base. The European economies (i.e. Germany, France, Italy and the UK) are diminishing rapidly and are starting to become more of a burden to the tourist trade rather than an asset. WDW is now concentrating upon (and implementing large advertising budgets) for China, Japan, Russia, India and Brazil. Making visitor visas easier to get is just one aspect. The speech by President Obama is the kickoff for the new initiative. :wave:

And I hope it won't be considered partisan or overtly political to point out, no matter where Americans fall on the political spectrum, what can't be denied is that Obama remains a popular figure throughout much of the rest of the world.

I just can't help but remember shortly after 9/11, when tourism along with spending in general was taking its toll, and GWB made a statement that basically told Americans to go on with their lives. I believe he explicitly said something like "take the kids to Disney World." Of course, he didn't have to go to Disney World to make that point...

 

[njDizFan]

I think this is an amazing opportunity for WDW to have a current President appear inside the park to make a speech. This could have been done at any number of locations around the USA, but to have it done in the Magic Kingdom is a real boost to WDW. It is probably a once in a generation opportunity.

The guests who are there can say they were in the MK on the day the president was. The reality of what they will miss will be Main Street from open until late afternoon. There is additional entertainment being added at the MK, along with additional hours at other parks and a special edition firework show.

I actually think this is a really great deal, I wouldn't mind seeing some more visits if this is what we get! LOL

I would also be willing to bet that if anyone is unhappy, a visit to guest relations would yield something.

yeah I think it's a more than sufficient trade off. Missing a few shops for a chance to see the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. Politics aside how many people get a chance to see a standing PotUS.

 

[Master Yoda]

Isn't there something up with Disney trying to get some sort of tax breaks or something? There has to be some sort of politics involved in this. Why else would they go to such lengths if they haven't before???

That has to do with the state. I can not even imagine that this speech has anything to do with Disney looking to get tax break that they are perfectly within their rights to try and get. The only reason it was made an issue in the legislature and the press is because the Disney name was attached to it.

 

[wdwmagic]

But if cast passes and APs aren't being honored and 1-day 1-park tickets are being given parkhopping it sounds like they're going to try to limit entry in the park to very very little. So who gets to go enjoy the historic occasion? It'd be something if we were all free to go take part but, sadly, we're not.

It is true that they are certainly looking to limit entry, that is perfectly understandable when the main entrance to the park is going to be on reduced capacity. I have not heard of the AP block, but the cast blackouts make perfect sense. With a ll that said, there will still be 10s of thousands of guests in the MK at the same time as the president.

 

[wdwmagic]

yeah I think it's a more than suffiecient trade off. Missing a few shops for a chance to see the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. Politics aside how many people get a chance to see a standing PotUS.

Yep. I would even take closing Main Street on my trip to get a special edition firework show at another park. LOL

 

[RSoxNo1]

I would imagine we wouldn't have the Disney security going through bags either but full on metal detectors as well.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

That has to do with the state. I can not even imagine that this speech has anything to do with Disney looking to get tax break that they are perfectly within their rights to try and get. The only reason it was made an issue in the legislature and the press is because the Disney name was attached to it.

I thought it was a state thing (yes, our residency is in Florida so it does in a way pertain to us on that side of things) but then with politics things get so interconnected and convoluted all over the place you just sit back wondering what the trickle-down motives might be.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

It is true that they are certainly looking to limit entry, that is perfectly understandable when the main entrance to the park is going to be on reduced capacity. I have not heard of the AP block, but the cast blackouts make perfect sense. With a ll that said, there will still be 10s of thousands of guests in the MK at the same time as the president.

There is absolutely nothing posted on the Hub about any AP blackouts, so I'm not sure where that information is coming from. As for cast blackouts, it only applies to their Main Gates (which they use to admit friends and families). They will still be allowed to enter using their cast I.D. or complimentary tickets, but Disney is "strongly encouraging" that they visit one of the other parks that day.

 

[wdwmagic]

Live Feed online and on Resort TV at 12:15pm
http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions...-be-streamed-live-online-and-on-resort-TV.htm

 

[erstwo]

I have to say, all politics aside, I would love it if the President came to WDW during one of my vacations! It would be such a fun story to tell once I got home.

I get to go to WDW much more often than most, but I'd like to think I'd be excited about it even if it messed up my MK day plans. If it did upset me though, I know Disney would try to make it right.

What fun for everyone there this week! I know my kids got a kick out of just seeing the Presidential helicopters and motorcade at the shuttle launch. They'd love it if we saw it again!

 

[wdwmagic]

So what route do you think he is going to ake to get onto Main Street? Which route will the cars take, where will they park?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I understand your points and I can see where you are coming from but(from a parents perspective), 20 years from now what do you think would have a larger impact on your child: Seeing the President or having an ADR with Pooh. I would be thrilled that my kids got a chance to see the President, whoever it was.

True. And, hey, I'm a homeschoolin' mom so any opportunity I have to infuse history or other significance into any day I'm all-in. But hasn't it been stated that the only way you'll have a chance to be anywhere near the area to see the president is if you have an invite from the White House? It's not likely many people will see much of anything unless they watch the live feed via tv.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

So what route do you think he is going to ake to get onto Main Street? Which route will the cars take, where will they park?

My first thought is the service area that's behind the Art of Animation, etc. on the right when you enter the park. It's open and accessible for surveillance and multiple vehicles to maneuver about. From my limited, fuzzy memories the other side seemed more closed-in. Travel thru the utilidors from the main entry behind the back of the park would bring him close to all the construction mess and then there'd be having to travel via cart all the way to the Main Street access areas. I wouldn't see that as easily cut & dry.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

But if cast passes and APs aren't being honored and 1-day 1-park tickets are being given parkhopping it sounds like they're going to try to limit entry in the park to very very little. So who gets to go enjoy the historic occasion? It'd be something if we were all free to go take part but, sadly, we're not.

It is true that they are certainly looking to limit entry, that is perfectly understandable when the main entrance to the park is going to be on reduced capacity. I have not heard of the AP block, but the cast blackouts make perfect sense. With a ll that said, there will still be 10s of thousands of guests in the MK at the same time as the president.

I think that if any AP's are blocked then it would be seasonal ones that are subject to blackouts.

 

[wdwmagic]

I think that if any AP's are blocked then it would be seasonal ones that are subject to blackouts.

I have no info at all about any APs being blocked, just the cast Main gates.

 

[wdwmagic]

Pirates League, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Crystal Palace, and Cinderella’s Royal Table are all still operating as normal on Thursday

 

[wdwmagic]

The Barber Shop is expected to reopen at 2:30pm, with the afternoon parade using the full route starting at 3:30pm

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I have no info at all about any APs being blocked, just the cast Main gates.

That was what someone posted earlier in the thread, but I was hesitant to believe it as well. The same post said Main Street would be closed until 5, which didn't sound right considering we know the parade is at 3:30.