Originally Posted By Socrates Now that I'm caught up here, I do remember taking a WDW backstage tour about late September 1992 and hearing our guide say they had already procured an AA figure for Bill Clinton, who at that time had a clear lead in the polls. When asked what they would do if Bush rallied and won reelection, our guide simply shrugged and said "Then we'll make him a pirate." Socrates "The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."
Originally Posted By brotherdave I think that they just used the 'face' from the mold of one of the presidents to help save costs, I just don't remember which one. I believe that this was done for other AA attractions at EPCOT. Just like Ferretafros, I'm also curious as to what will happen to the 'speaking' Bush AA? I can't imagine that Disney would just turn the more complex and costly AA into a limited movement 'manequin'. Would they possibly remove the more complex equipment and use it in the new AA for Obama or possibly Washington? Did they possibly do this from Clinton to Bush? Or do they just build completely new and not utilize the former AA's full capabilities?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I suspect the latter. Stripping down and rebuilding 2 units could possibly be more expensive as I suspect it is the man time that make AA's more expensive than the parts.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris Okay, sorry but I CANNOT resist. Bush should be retired to a chair at the side where we see him reading the book about the goat. But he MUST be holding the book upside down. Okay, THERE, I said it! Now before you feel the need to come on here and berate me for being all mean and nasty to the prez-dent, just laugh. You'll feel better for it.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <For all the emotion and effort we have poured into this thread, I only hope people are banging down the doors to this attraction when it re-opens. lol. - Anatole< my fear is that they will-- and somewill be standing and cheering during the presentation - and others will be hissing and booing. I don't want to be there for either which is why I wish they would have stuck with their previous idea to not have the sitting president speak.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Now before you feel the need to come on here and berate me for being all mean and nasty to the prez-dent, just laugh. You'll feel better for it. << No I will feel better when people quit coming on a forum about WDW, and feel it is necessary to make political comments. Why don't you try it BOB. I bet you'll feel better.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> my fear is that they will-- and somewill be standing and cheering during the presentation - and others will be hissing and booing. I don't want to be there for either which is why I wish they would have stuck with their previous idea to not have the sitting president speak. << I agree. Having any sitting President, regardless of his party affiliation, give a speech is asking for disruption. So many people can't help, but drag their political views with them everywhere they go. Even at a classical historic attraction at WDW.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Okay, sorry but I CANNOT resist. Bush should be retired to a chair at the side where we see him reading the book about the goat. But he MUST be holding the book upside down. Okay, THERE, I said it! Now before you feel the need to come on here and berate me for being all mean and nasty to the prez-dent, just laugh. You'll feel better for it.< not me- I'm tired of it intruding into every part of life. The problem is where does it stop. For you a shot at Bush is funny,for someone else maybe they have an internunder a desk center stage - someone else may have have a peanut farmer leering at women, or a president yelling I amnot a crook. All funny on SNL - I really want none of each any more tied to WDW - one of the least escapes left for many of us.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris "No I will feel better when people quit coming on a forum about WDW, and feel it is necessary to make political comments. Why don't you try it BOB. I bet you'll feel better." I guess that's the Australian in me. We tend to not take things too seriously and I PERSONALLY always try to look for the humourous side of things. Frankly, we look at this whole deification of the president as something quite odd. It is almost a national pasttime in Australia to make fun of our leaders. I kinda figure you guys have a lot more material to work with. ; )
Originally Posted By avromark You know I'd like to see what it would be like if the US had a Westminster Parliamentary system with multiple parties Just think how many more people you could comment on. If they can have Tommy Edison's last breath sealed in a test tube, anything is possible
Originally Posted By MPierce >> guess that's the Australian in me. We tend to not take things too seriously and I PERSONALLY always try to look for the humourous side of things. Frankly, we look at this whole deification of the president as something quite odd. It is almost a national pasttime in Australia to make fun of our leaders. I kinda figure you guys have a lot more material to work with. ; ) << I am certain everything you say is a truth for you. I just don't know how many times it has to be said that this is a forun for discussions on WDW, not politics. You will find all the political humor, and visious attacks awaiting you in WE. I really don't care what you think about our President or our President-Elect or P.M. Rudd. If I did I would be over in the WE forum. Which is where I strongly suggest you take any further political discussion. I just don't know how many more times that has to be explained to you.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Well, it sounds like Obama is coming to Disneyland West now as well . He will be installed, along with George Washington, with Lincoln when they finally reopen that attraction for the 55th aniversary. It doesnt sound like 100% confirmed yet according to MiceAge where I read it, but sounds like an idea with growing approval, so this will be cool if it happens. Obama will be competing with Jack Sparrow and Buzz Lightyear for number of appearances in a Disney theme park. Who knew that would happen lol.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I still believe with the country split 54-46 at best - it is a bad idea. I like George Washington and Lincoln speaking -maybe add FDR - but a current sitting president - regardless of who it is too controversial for my "disney" experience....sorry.I don't want to hear cheering or booing in there,and I can guarantee we will hear both
Originally Posted By MPierce While certainly historic, I just don't see how President elect Obama is ready to be put on the same level as President Washington or President Lincoln. I agree with vbdad55. No sitting President should be singled out for a speaking role period.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney I hear you guys, but I still have to disagree. The president is the president regardless who voted for him or her. I'm pretty sure there are a few Lincoln detractors lol (there was definitely one...sorry lol), I think people are missing the point in it all. A touch of the past to interact with the very real present. That said, if he wasnt added that would be fine too, but I just think its a historical point of view to see the President who helped ended slavery to stand there with the by product of his actions today if nothing else. Plue, Obama has constantly said, including his acceptance speech, Lincoln presidency is partly what guides him now, so hes a fan as well .
Originally Posted By vbdad55 ^^^ If this was a Smithsonian exhibit I would agree with you - this is an entertainment center. You can't tellme there won't be yahoos booing - as well as goofs cheering also. I am not at WDW for political debate.... Let me ask this question did you like Bush speaking ? Unfortunately the Clinton and Bush presidencies both controversial to some - and they made their feelings knownduring the show. I did not attend last visit for exactly that reason. I think that after the Clinton booing and cheering - it should have signalled the end of the sitting president speaking. it's just my opinion, doesn't make me right - or wrong
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <I still believe with the country split 54-46 at best - it is a bad idea. I like George Washington and Lincoln speaking -maybe add FDR - but a current sitting president - regardless of who it is too controversial for my "disney" experience....sorry.I don't want to hear cheering or booing in there,and I can guarantee we will hear both> Agreed. Plus, when we see the actual President everyday on television and the news -- an animatronic President is always going to pale in comparison. Sure, the Andrew Jackson and William Howard Taft and Rutherford B. Hayes animatronics look fantastic -- we don't see their pictures. But when the animatronic President Bush stands up and starts talking -- it's just bizarre and weird. But then Disney says you can't have a Walt Disney animatronic.
Originally Posted By MPierce It's always very interesting to see all the Presidents like that grouped together in one room. I still think it's prudent to leave the speeches up to the past Great Presidents. I'm afraid a few narrow minded people will continue to ruin the presentation for everyone.
Originally Posted By DAR I don't think Audio Animatronic Obama could prevent me from falling asleep at the HOP.
