President Obama to visit Walt Disney World

by Leah Zanolla
Jan 17, 2012

The President is going to Disney World! President Barack Obama will be at Walt Disney World on Thursday to give a speech, which, according to a White House official, will "unveil a strategy that will significantly help boost tourism and travel, an important sector in the U.S. economy." The location hasn't been released yet, but several steps taken by Disney show that it is likely to take place at the Magic Kingdom. The park's hours have been reduced that day, and entertainment is being added at the other three parks in an effort to draw the crowds away from the Magic Kingdom. A special fireworks show will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and all three other parks (Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) will have evening Extra Magic Hours for resort guests that night.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the President is coming to town to discuss visa reform and making travel to the U.S. easier for foreign visitors. Specifically mentioned were the nations of China and Brazil, whose residents tend to frequent the Orlando theme parks. A pilot program is being developed that would allow these countries to use videoconferencing for visa interviews, which would significantly speed up the process of obtaining a visa for foreign travel. This is of specific interest to Disney, as this program would have the possibility of increasing attendance at their theme parks.

President Obama won't be in town long; his plane lands at 11:40 am and departs again at 2:15 pm.

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• Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 - 9:40:38 AM