President Barack Obama will go to Walt Disney World during his planned visit to Orlando on Thursday, the White House confirmed today. During his visit to Disney, Obama will “unveil a strategy that will significantly help boost tourism and travel,” said a White House aide.
The president’s remarks are to take place at Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella Castle. Obama’s comments are said to promote “We Can’t Wait” (for Congress), a series of strategies focused on the economy and jobs.
Although details of Obama’s talk have not been revealed, the Disney setting is suggestive. Magic Kingdom clearly evokes Florida (and national) tourism, not to mentions established a visual association with optimism and “dreams come true.” Walt Disney World Resort is a destination for more than 45 million visitors annually.
Update, Jan. 19: President Obama reveals new tourism initiatives at Walt Disney World.
The Orlando Sentinel suggests the talk may address making travel to the U.S. easier for international visitors s through visa reform. Certainly such a change would be of interest o Disney, as its parks attract large tour groups, including those from Brazil and China, each year.
Also not known is the visit's exact itinerary Air Force One is expected to arrive at Orlando International Airport shortly before noon, with the president staying in Central Florida for approximately three hours. The event is scheduled to start at 12:35 p.m.
Speculation about Obama’s appearance at Walt Disney World had spread among the Disney fan community over the past several days with the announcement of the president’s visit to Orlando and Disney’s change in park scheduling.
Because President Obama’s visit will affect security and crowds, Disney has made several adjustments to the theme parks’ schedule. Many changes attempt to attract guests to Walt Disney World’s three other major parks.
Extra Magic Hours have added to Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. EMH adds extended operational hours for guests staying at Disney Resorts, thus attracting larger crowds to those parks.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has also added a special fireworks show, “Rock the Night,” to take place at 7 p.m.
At the Magic Kingdom, the traditional afternoon parade will take place at 3:30 p.m., pushed back from its traditional 3:00 p.m. time slot.
Guests visiting Walt Disney World on Thursday, Jan. 19, should expect delays in traffic and heightened security, both of which could result in delays in touring the parks. Some areas normally open to guests, such as walkways and attractions, may be temporarily closed.
Guests may not be able to see President Obama's remarks. Inside the Magic reports Main Street, U.S.A. will have restricted access during the president's visit, open only to those with an invitation.
New Times Guides for the Walt Disney World theme parks for Jan. 19 will be printed and distributed beginning tomorrow.
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