In the ever-entertaining circus of American politics and popular culture, even Disney, the land of fairy tales and fire-breathing dragons, can’t seem to resist getting drawn into the drama. For years, Disney’s animatronic display in the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom has been a spectacle of presidential history. But recently, a sharp-eyed audience noticed something peculiar—Donald’s robotic doppelgänger didn’t quite match up with his real-life counterpart. And oh boy, was it a sight to see!
For those who took a seat in the audience expecting to see the familiar likeness of the 45th President, they were instead met with a figure that seemed to have taken a left turn toward looking more like someone else. Rumor had it, this animatronic model bore an uncanny resemblance to Donald’s 2016 rival, Hillary Clinton. What was meant to be a tribute to years of presidential poise became the latest water-cooler topic.
When the animatronic curtain lifted to reveal this rubbery rendition, Disney fans and Trump supporters alike tilted their heads in wonder. Did Disney’s creators develop a sudden case of amnesia, confusing their political figures? Some whispered that the model was originally meant for Hillary, expressing their enthusiasm prematurely back in the 2016 election. Whatever the case, the internet found it hilarious—Trump’s stand-in appeared more like a Hillary sporting one of Donald’s hairstyles!
Fast forward to now, the winds of change seem to have blown through Disney’s enchanted kingdom. In a head-turning transformation, Donald’s likeness has been resculpted to achieve a truer representation. No longer was it the caricature that elicited laughter and memes but a piece that stands with a new dignity, possibly a nod that someone at Disney got a friendly reminder about getting things right this time.
Interestingly, while Disney was busy perfecting people made of bolts and wires, fans noted another curious change. The current Presidential animatronic, modeled after Biden, stood looking more muscular and articulate than some would argue he does in real life. With Disney working its wand to make their robotic figures resemble their actual counterparts more closely, viewers have been left wondering about whom they might wave their wands at next.
With ongoing efforts to adequately represent all figures in the Hall of Presidents, Disney might find fewer critics and more fans ready to hop on board for a ride through history—or at least through a hallway furnished by robots. One can only sit back, grab some popcorn, and look forward to the entertaining magic Disney might conjure up next time someone walks down that Hall of Presidents.
