Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty's Leaders

Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty's Leaders Review

With the latest in animatronics (this attraction introduced the technology in 1971) this show tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and "We, the People." Producers re-shot the accompanying film in high-definition video and added more than 130 images culled from the National Archives, Library of Congress, and other collections. A digital soundtrack, LED lighting, and narration by Morgan Freeman further enhance the experience. The film covers 220 years of U.S. history and emphasizes anecdotes about presidents who've reached out to people in times of strife. Both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln grab a bit of the spotlight, the latter by delivering his famous Gettysburg Address.

The best part of the show is a roll call of all 43 U.S. presidents. (Fun fact: Obama is officially the 44th president because Grover Cleveland is counted twice due to his having served nonconsecutive terms.) Each chief executive responds with a nod, and those who are seated rise (except for wheelchair-bound Franklin Delano Roosevelt, of course). The robots nod and whisper to each other as the roll call proceeds. During Obama's turn, he takes the presidential Oath of Office (recorded in the White House by Imagineers) and delivers a speech about the American Dream. Anyone interested in presidential artifacts will enjoy the wait in the lobby area, where First Ladies' dresses, presidential portraits, and even George Washington's dental instruments are on display. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible; enter through a door on the right. Reflective captioning available; equipped for assisted-listening devices. Visit anytime.