A brand-new Disneyland is coming to the United Arab Emirates—and it’s sparking discussion for more than just its stunning location. Meanwhile, one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic historical attractions quietly closed its doors again earlier this year and remains shuttered.
The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom—located in Liberty Square and originally opened in 1971—is currently undergoing refurbishment. The show has long been a cornerstone of Disney’s tribute to American history, featuring a full lineup of Audio-Animatronic U.S. presidents and a thoughtful narrative exploring the nation’s evolution. Since the 1990s, each new president has been added to the show, including Joe Biden in 2021 with a pre-recorded speech and newly crafted figure.
Now, following Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024—where he defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris—the attraction is again being updated. Trump becomes only the second president in history, after Grover Cleveland, to serve non-consecutive terms. Fans are waiting to see how Disney will portray the 45th and 47th President, whose policies on immigration, gender, and women’s rights have drawn significant controversy.
Despite the heated public discourse, the length of the current closure aligns with previous transitions. After the 2016 election, Disney closed the attraction in January 2017 and reopened it that December with the first Trump figure. The Biden update followed a similar months-long pattern in 2021.
The official Walt Disney World Resort site currently notes: “The Hall of Presidents is currently closed for refurbishment. Please check back here for updates.”
Interestingly, as the attraction awaits its next chapter, Trump has offered enthusiastic comments about another Disney milestone: the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi. Speaking from the United Arab Emirates, he said, “Disney. I see that new theme park is going to be incredible. Bob Iger was in my office the other day, and he was showing it to me. It’s going to be incredible.”
The new park, revealed earlier this month, is the seventh global Disney resort and will be developed by Miral under a licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company. Disney CEO Bob Iger described the destination as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” The indoor resort will be situated on Yas Island, home to other attractions such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will also be located just an hour away from Trump International Golf Club, Dubai. While specific franchises for the park have not yet been confirmed, early reactions have been mixed, with some critics questioning the choice of location.
Still, for theme park fans, the focus remains on how Disney will continue honoring its traditions while engaging with contemporary realities. The Hall of Presidents offers guests a chance to see American history come to life through powerful storytelling, a rotating roster of presidential figures, and rare historical artifacts dating back to the 1700s—all curated in the theater’s lobby space.
Walt Disney’s vision of celebrating American ideals through immersive entertainment is still alive in the Hall of Presidents, even as it adapts with each passing administration.
As Disneyland Abu Dhabi begins to take shape and the Hall of Presidents prepares for its next chapter, audiences around the world are watching how Disney balances legacy with global expansion.
How do you feel about the Disney and Donald Trump connections? Let us know in the comments down below!
First of all, President Trump is only controversial to the lunatics on the left (the same group that allowed themselves to be lied to about biden’s mental capacity which WE knew in 2019 but the democrats denied out of the hatred for President trump) Hopefully they will make biden realistic by having him mumble incoherent statements and wander around in circles. This demented fool had the codes to our nuclear weapons. As far as “the controversy surrounding President Trump, there are only 2 genders. My car thinks it’s a Porsche but it still is only a Honda. The immigration policy is about people coming into the country illegally. Therefore they are illegals who broke the law. Lastly, please tell me what he has done against women’s rights??? Take a look at his cabinet and appointments. I see quite a few very strong Republican women serving our country. Stop the typical liberal talking points or I will say adios to this blog. This seems to be a theme with whoever is producing this. Stop with the political insinuations because half of your audience may disappear. By the way, I have been going to Disney since it opened. Probably over 100+ times through the years. My wife and I had our honeymoon there. I think that qualifies me as a serious Disney fan. Again, keep the ignorant political insinuations out of this. Disney is an escape, not another source of political division. Honor that. Tampa, FL
Just check your politics at the gate and be a kid again.