Abraham Lincoln uncovered

It’s Abraham Lincoln like you’ve probably never seen him, rather exposed. We encountered this skinless animatronic Lincoln at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. A massive downpour forced my poncho-clad family to seek shelter in a Walt Disney museum – what a find! Yes, I found a way to turn Disney World into a Nerd Trip.

The museum, more properly called “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream,” features memorabilia from Walt Disney’s life and work, including the original Audio-Animatronics Abraham Lincoln figure from the 1964 New York World’s Fair! I must confess that I think it’s a little creepy.

According to the display, there were some technical delays, but once Animatronic Abe got going “it was a sensation, a truly breathtaking new form of animation.”

Imagineering workshop and Animatronic Abe’s programming console

Next to Animatronic Abe, there is a display about Abe’s control room (aka “Imagineering Workshop”) and programming console. Each knob controlled an individual motion as well as lighting and sound effects.

I am sure there is a much fancier control panel now. There probably isn’t even a control panel, it’s probably all on a computer or iPad. You can find an updated Animatronic Abe at the Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom, where we visited the following day.

George W. Bush’s presidential cowboy boots

With my four-year-old nephew on the trip, I knew we would probably not have time to see the full Hall of Presidents presentation (I don’t think my other family members would be too into it either). However, I did get the chance to visit the entrance hall and its displays of presidential memorabilia, which ranged from Rutherford B. Hayes’s top hat and Lyndon Johnson’s electric toothbrush to George W. Bush’s inaugural cowboy boots, complete with presidential seals.

There is also some first lady memorabilia, including dresses from Laura Bush and Martha Washington. The lobby also has some nice presidential portraits and fine federal decor. Check out some of the pics below.

You can also check out the “On the Map” page for more details about admission, bathrooms and concessions, also known as our Nerd Trips “ABCs.”

Remember if you need a museum fix in the midst of Disney World in Florida, take an excursion to the Hall of Presidents or the Walt Disney museum at Hollywood Studios. Plus, both places are air-conditioned.

Martha Washington’s dress, Walt Disney World, Hall of Presidents

Hall of Presidents, Walt Disney World Florida (January 2015)

Presidential portraits, Hall of Presidents

Presidential seal carpet at the Hall of Presidents – it’s behind a round fence so you can’t step on it.

A selfie with Abe at the Hall of Presidents