Abraham Lincoln's Vacation

Abraham Lincoln's Vacation
2005-2006

Since Abraham Lincoln* first appeared at the 1964/65 World's Fair in New York City, he has been working almost continuously. In 1965, he arrived at the Opera House in Disneyland® where guests have been able to share a few great moments with that honored man for the last forty years. During that time, he only took a working vacation to share some moments with guests at Walt Disney World® in Orlando, Florida!

An advantage of stepping out of the pages of history is that one can be in several places at the same time. President Lincoln appears regularly at the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom® in Disney World. He also appears around the country in classrooms, libraries and other places where he brings history to life talking to children.

Mr. Lincoln had earned so much vacation time he decided to use some of it. On February 21st, 2005, President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the Main Street Opera House and then left California on a much deserved vacation. In the meantime, Disneyland celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a special exhibit and film called Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years. During his time off, cast members of the Disneyland Opera House are enjoying the postcards that Abe has been sending from his travels.

Since President Lincoln belongs to all of us, these postcards, and their messages, are posted here for your enjoyment. President Lincoln plans to return to Disneyland sometime after the conclusion of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Check back every once in a while. We never know where Mr. Lincoln will turn up next!

Click on each picture to see the full-size image and narrative.

* Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. He is one of the most celebrated presidents in U.S. history. His face is on our 1 cent coin (the penny) and on the $5 bill. He was very much admired by Walt Disney, who has a child would dress up as President Lincoln and perform his historic "Gettysburg Address". When Walt was commissioned to create an audio-animatronic human figure for the 1964-1965 World's Fair, he chose Abraham Lincoln. The attraction was sponsored by the State of Illinois. The merging of synchronized sound, animation and electronics, created a moving, talking figure so life-like, people thought they were watching a human actor.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln should return to the Opera House at Disneyland soon, but due to popular demand, "Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years" starring Donald Duck and Steve Martin will remain for awhile longer. In the meantime, President Lincoln continues to enjoy his time off and we hope to see him return soon... rested and well traveled!