Disney adds robotic Obama to attraction

An audio-animatronic model of US President Barack Obama,the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created,has made its debut in Orlando’s Disney World as part of American Independence Day celebrations. Obama,the first black-American President is surrounded by his 42 predecessors at Walt Disney World’s newly revamped ‘Hall of Presidents’ in Orlando,Florida. Disney formed a team of what it calls “Imagineers,” each trained in various disciplines such as artistry,design and engineering,to update the attraction that was established in 1971. “The magic of the show is actually being able to see all of the presidents throughout history on this stage together,” CNN quoted Eric Jacobson,senior vice president of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering as saying.

Disney calls the new President Obama figure “the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created.” “We’re very proud of the technological advances that allow this to make him come to life so realistically,” Jacobson said. The group traveled to the Washington,D.C.,to record Obama’s voice for the show. They also worked with White House staffers to make sure his wardrobe,hair and mannerisms were portrayed as accurately as possible.

While the ‘Hall of Presidents’ has been around for nearly 40 years,Disney officials said refreshing the attraction during this moment in history will make the exhibit remain relevant for new audiences.