Disney statement on the Hall of Presidents and the inclusion of a speaking role for Trump

Disney has today moved to clarify its position on the Hall of Presidents, and to dispel some of what it calls inaccurate reporting from various media outlets.

Here is the statement posted to the official Disney Parks Blog. 

"Since the Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971, The Hall of Presidents has brought together a one-of-a-kind look at the office of the President of the United States through film and the magic of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics technology. Despite some media reports to the contrary, President Trump will have a speaking role in The Hall of Presidents, like every president since 1993. We have been working closely with the current White House — just as we have with previous administrations — and the president’s recording session has been scheduled. The attraction will re-open in late 2017.

Whenever we refurbish one of our attractions, we take the opportunity to consider a broad range of enhancements. In this case, The Hall of Presidents is getting a new show, and a complete theater upgrade including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system. The multi-screen viewing experience you may have seen in prior versions of the attraction is returning with an even wider vantage point of our country’s history."

Disney also took to Twitter, and specifically named an inaccurate report.

"The Vice report is inaccurate. As we have stated, President Trump will have a speaking role in the Hall of Presidents like every other president since 1993. We have been working closely with the White House and the president's recording session has been scheduled. We have repeatedly stated that the attraction will re-open in late 2017."