Disney Makes Change to “Patriotic” Magic Kingdom

If you’ve strolled through Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom recently, you may have noticed a bold new addition draped across some of the area’s most iconic buildings.

Disney has added large American flag banners to both The Hall of Presidents and Liberty Tree Tavern—just in time for the heart of the summer season and the patriotic celebrations that come with it. It’s the kind of visual touch that can stop you in your tracks and remind you that, even at The Most Magical Place on Earth, history still has a place.

But the bigger story might not be what’s happening outside the building—it’s what’s not happening inside.

A Patriotic Facelift While the Show Stays Dark

The new banners hanging on the columns of The Hall of Presidents are styled after the original 1777 Betsy Ross flag, featuring 13 white stars in a circle to represent the original colonies. They were added to the facade alongside similar flags at Liberty Tree Tavern, replacing the traditional bunting with something more historic in tone. It’s a nostalgic nod, and one that clearly speaks to the attraction’s emphasis on early American values and unity.

The outside of the Hall might be screaming patriotism—but step inside, and you’ll find the theater itself is still closed. The lobby quietly reopened earlier this summer for guests to walk through, but the main show is still on pause.

The Hall of Presidents has been closed since January 20, 2025—the same day President Donald Trump was re-elected and sworn in for a second term.

Traditionally, Disney temporarily shutters the Hall of Presidents during presidential transitions or inaugurations to update the show. Audio-Animatronic figures, voice recordings, and even segments of the narrative are often reworked to reflect the new (or returning) President of the United States.

Because Trump already had a figure added to the Hall following his first election, many fans have speculated whether Disney would simply dust it off and return it to center stage, or reimagine the entire scene. So far, Disney hasn’t made anything official, and the company has not announced a reopening date for the attraction—only that it will return “later in 2025.”

What’s Next for the Hall of Presidents?

Adding the banners might seem like a small decorative choice for the Fourth of July season, but it could also be Disney’s subtle way of signaling that the Hall of Presidents isn’t going anywhere. After all, in today’s political climate, any move to change or eliminate an attraction centered around American leadership and history could spark major backlash—no matter what side of the aisle you’re on.

That said, the Hall of Presidents has become a hot-button attraction in recent years. Guest reception has been mixed—some view it as a must-do piece of Disney history, while others skip it entirely in favor of thrill rides and character meet-and-greets. Still, there’s no denying it holds a unique place in Magic Kingdom’s lineup, especially as Disney begins cutting some other experiences like Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.

For now, the attraction remains closed with no reopening date listed. All we’ve got is the promise that it will return before the year is over and the fresh patriotic flair that now greets guests walking by.

With the banners in place and the lobby reopened, though, we might be inching towards its reopening sooner rather than later.