A Visit with President Lincoln at Disneyland Park

Michele Himmelberg

by , Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

In honor of Presidents’ Day weekend, let’s take a patriotic “visit” along Main Street, U.S.A., to explore an attraction that honors one of our most beloved American presidents, Abraham Lincoln. (If you can’t make it to Disneyland park this weekend, I hope you enjoy this virtual account of the attraction.)

As you come through the main entrance of Disneyland park, veer to the right and enter Main Street, U.S.A. Look to the right and find the marquee on the Main Street Opera House, home to one of the park’s iconic, innovative attractions, The Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

History comes to life as the show unfolds. A film composed of dramatic paintings depicts President Lincoln’s life, from his humble, rural upbringing to the White House. Real photographs of the Civil War transport you to another time. For the grand finale, Honest Abe rises at center stage and delivers some of his famous oratory.

Walt Disney celebrated the opening of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln more than 45 years ago, introducing guests to the early wonders of an Audio-Animatronics figure. Today, the attraction has been refined with some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics technology available. Walt Disney Imagineers updated the show in 2009, giving President Lincoln features and expressions that are remarkably lifelike.

In this video, watch for the detailed movement in Lincoln’s eyes and lips.

In this video, Imagineer Brian Scholz explains how they enhanced the show for a new generations of guests. Tell us how Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln may have inspired you.

Comments

  • I agree Eliel, the ambiance in the lobby is wonderful.

  • I enjoy visiting this attraction. It reminds me of the challenges Walt Disney and his crew faced when trying to put this show together. It also inspires me to keep my dream alive too. The ambiance in this lobby at Disneyland seems to have a magical quality about it for me that I can’t quite put into words.

  • I love this attraction. My husband and I saw it last year and felt very emotional and touched by the whole thing. There is definitely a sense of reverence during the show, and in the area preceding it, with the capitol and paintings of Lincoln. I love how patriotic Disneyland is, and how much respect and admiration they show for our great country. Thanks for sharing!

  • What a wonderful, American attraction that pays respect to the great emancipator. I have enjoyed this attraction from the time I can remember. This attraction inspired me to do a twelve page book report on Mr. Lincoln, while I was in the sixth grade. Today, I bring my wife and children to experience what I hVe experienced for many years. As I enjoy the performance, my eyes well up with tears each time, as I remember my childhood, watching this show in awe by my mothers side.

  • I saw Lincoln in 1980 and he seemed so real I wanted to shake his hand and say Thank You he inspired me in so many ways. A must see

  • The Lincoln figure is awesome! Such life-like movements in the face. I’m really glad that they brought back the classic show with new technology.

Comments are closed.