NYT: Animatronic Obama Going to Disney World with High-Tech Style. Debuts July 4th.

[flpoljunkie]

May 22, 2009
Animatronic Obama Going to Disney World With High-Tech Style



By JACQUES STEINBERG

LOS ANGELES — Barack Obama was standing on a riser inside a warehouse here, delivering an inspirational speech about the blessings of freedom, when his left index finger began to twitch uncontrollably, unnerving his aides.

The nation’s 44th president was in obvious distress. At least it looked like him. But with silicone skin and a tangled nest of wires for veins, this Obama was a 21st-century reproduction.

More specifically, it was an audio-animatronic representation of the president, as imagined by the Walt Disney Company, and assembled with the direct involvement of the White House staff — and of Mr. Obama himself. The president supplied not just his measurements, but he also recorded that speech (which was initially drafted by a Disney writer) — and yet another recitation of the oath of office, this one in Disney high-definition sound.

In that Hollywood building here, the life-size, three-dimensional figure was being put through its final tune-up, its chin rising and hands gesturing in response to technicians, in preparation for shipment to the Hall of Presidents exhibit at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/us/politics/22obamatron.html?ref=politics

[liberal N proud]

1. Fantastic

Now if I can ever afford to go to Disney World again, we can visit the Hall of the Presidents again.

[onehandle]

2. Anyone can get in free on their Birthday.

It's a current promotion. Not sure how long that will last.

[liberal N proud]

3. You still have to travel to Orlando

And my birthday was in March.

My daughter who live in Tampa did go on her birthday.

[Clio the Leo]

4. Ok .... NOW I want to go to Disney World!!! NT

[HopeOverFear]

5. Me too!! That is fucking cool!

[Clio the Leo]

6. lol and check out the shoulders on that thing!

Looks a bit more like "The Rock" than "Barack."