Posted on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 @ 06:48 AM
Over 1,000 Immigrants Become US Citizens at Disney World Magic Kingdom
On July 3rd, over 1,000 immigrants gathered on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disney World Magic Kingdom early that morning to become American citizens.
The following courtesy of Disney World press release & photo's courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
From more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 82, the immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a morning ceremony jointly hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Here is a video summary of the event, including the Oath, clips from Garcia's speech, and Mickey Mouse showing up for a unique photo opportunity in front of Cinderella Castle before leading the new citizens to the recently updated Hall of Presidents attraction:
USCIS's highest-ranking official, Acting Deputy Director Michael Aytes, presided over the ceremony on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle. The event featured a welcoming address by Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton, the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Actor Andy Garcia - a naturalized citizen himself - delivered a keynote address during the ceremony. Garcia, originally from Cuba, is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films as diverse as The Untouchables, The Godfather: Part III and Ocean's Eleven. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tampa-based Senior Airman Brenda Langdon of the U.S. Air Force, an immigrant from Columbia who became a United States citizen during the ceremony.
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Posted on Mon, Jun 29, 2009 @ 06:42 AM
Disney World Hall of Presidents featuring Barack Obama
The Hall of Presidents at Disney World's Magic Kingdom was recently given an overhaul, including new advanced audio-animatronic versions of US Presidents Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and our new President Barack Obama.
Here’s a look at George Washington and Barack Obama as seen in the attraction, followed by thoughts on the new show:
After visiting the attraction today, many people were quite impressed by not only these new animatronics but also the show as a whole. The previous version, which ran for roughly the duration of George W. Bush's terms in the White House, was, in opinion, on the boring side. It opened with a lengthy film and spent far too little time on the highlight of the show: "The Presidents".
In the new version, the show still features a movie and all 44 presidents "live" on stage, but it is all integrated together much more smoothly. The movie is comprised mostly of still photographs and paintings telling a brief overview of the history of US Presidents, beginning with George Washington's reluctance to take the office all the way through video of George Bush speaking into a megaphone post-9/11.
Actor Morgan Freeman replaces the previous narrator, Maya Angelou J.D. Hall. Morgan Freeman's narration is clear and concise, allowing the audience to focus on what is being said rather than how it is said. It's edutainment at its best.
Midway through the movie, the audio-animatronic version of Abraham Lincoln is revealed, seated alone in the middle of the stage. He smoothly stands up and recites the entire Gettysburg Address (the same recording that was used in the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland in California for many years). This is easily one of Disney World's most lifelike animatronics they have produced and the best representation of our 16th president that I've ever seen.
After the movie ends, the screens shift aside to reveal all of the presidents - some seated, some standing. The lights dim and the presidents are individually introduced by name, each giving a head nod toward the audience as they are illuminated by spotlights.
All of the animatronics look incredibly lifelike in person (much better than in the video above). The lighting is rather dim throughout the show and some people found it difficult to see well from the middle of the theater, so I highly recommend staying to the left as you enter the theater to secure a front row seat.
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, you will enjoy seeing him in person, even if only in audio-animatronic form. Any American will receive a strong sense of patriotism in seeing the newly-updated Hall of Presidents. Disney World has done a fantastic job replacing a once-boring show with an entertaining and informative presentation featuring state-of-the-art technology that is sure to excite Americans and international travelers alike.
The newly-updated Magic Kingdom Hall of Presidents officially opens on Independence Day, July 4, but has been running previews for several days. I highly encourage you to go see it. It is a treat for you and your family.
Still haven't got tickets to go to Magic Kingdom yet? The check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for your Disney World Vacations. And remember, 4th of July is just a few days away.
*Article & Photo's courtesy of Disney World & Orlando Attractions Magazine.