Storytelling Elements
Liberty Square Architecture
Imagineers carefully designed the architecture of several buildings in the Magic Kingdom to provide a chronological and geographic transition from Liberty Square’s entrance from Fantasyland through Frontierland’s transition into Adventureland. The buildings found on that path provide a subtle yet distinct transition from the American East Coast of the early 1700s through the Southwestern United States of the late 1800s.
This transitional journey begins in Fantasyland. Many of the Disney films represented in Fantasyland trace their origins to early European stories and fairy tales. The Fantasyland attraction closest to the Liberty Square gateway is Peter Pan’s Flight. This popular attraction is based upon J.M. Barrie’s 1911 novel Peter Pan, which is notably set in London. The entrance from Fantasyland to Liberty Square represents a transition from London to the East Coast of Colonial America, symbolizing the journey taken by many early settlers across the Atlantic Ocean.
Columbia Harbour House, a quick-service restaurant that actually straddles both Fantasyland and Liberty Square, is the first building to the left as guests cross into Liberty Square from Fantasyland. It represents a New England waterfront tavern from the early to mid-1700s that is ready to serve hearty food and refreshments to sailors and passengers fresh off the boat from an exhausting maritime journey.
The stunning Dutch Gothic architecture of the Haunted Mansion continues this symbolic transition for guests. Buildings from New York’s mysterious Hudson River Valley during the early 1700s inspired the mansion’s façade. This is a time and place made famous by Washington Irving in his 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
And finally, toward the center of Liberty Square, stands the Hall of Presidents, its grand Federal-style architecture representing 1787 Philadelphia.
This chronological and geographic transition continues by virtue of the Diamond Horseshoe and Frontierland, where you will see architecture from St. Louis of the early 1800s through Monument Valley Arizona of the late 1800s. (More about Frontierland in chapter 8.)
The Imagineers summarized the variety of architectural inspirations for both Liberty Square and Frontierland in The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (2005):
Liberty Square brings in many elements of Colonial America to lend variety to the architecture. We move from Dutch New Amsterdam (the precursor to modern New York) at the entry from the hub to a Williamsburg Georgian style across the way at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. There is the flavor of New England along the waterfront near Fantasyland, encompassing the Columbia Harbour House. Turn toward Frontierland and the buildings become rougher-hewn replicas of structures from the old Northwest Territory.
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is a small quick-service restaurant in Liberty Square. It is the first building to the immediate right after crossing the bridge from the hub into Liberty Square, and offers delicious waffles, funnel cakes, cookies, and other treats. Many guests do not realize that this small dining location pays homage to both a classic piece of American literature and a 1949 Disney animated film.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was first published in 1820 by Washington Irving as part of a collection of thirty-four essays referred to as The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. It is set in the year 1790 and recounts the story of Ichabod Crane, a lanky, odd, and jittery schoolmaster who finds himself in the very secluded and mysterious village of Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow is located in an isolated valley near the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town in a bend of the Hudson River. It is a quiet place, yet strangely foreboding, with many rumored spirits haunting the otherwise quaint glen. Most notable amongst these spooks is the Headless Horseman, a Hessian soldier who was decapitated by a cannonball during “some nameless battle” in the American Revolution, and who now haunts Sleepy Hollow on grim rides in search of his lost head.
In the story, Ichabod finds himself competing with local brute Brom Bones for the hand of Katrina Van Tassel, the lovely daughter of wealthy landowner Baltus Van Tassel. After failing to secure the hand of Katrina at a harvest feast held by her father, Ichabod finds himself in a ride for his life being chased by the Headless Horseman.
What happens to poor Ichabod? That remains a mystery, as he disappeared that very night, never to be seen by the residents of Sleepy Hollow again. The only items left behind were a shattered pumpkin, Ichabod’s hat and saddle, and his wandering horse. Some say Ichabod moved away after being humiliated by Brom Bones in a cruel Horseman prank. But other residents laugh at that notion, knowing that Ichabod was taken by the Headless Horseman.
Disney’s association with Irving’s masterpiece began in 1949 with the release of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, an animation film package consisting of two features based on the 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, and Irving’s “Sleepy Hollow,” respectively. The film featured the work of famed Disney animators Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman, Milt Kahl, and Ward Kimball, as well as Mary Blair who was listed as “Color Stylist/Art Director.” Bing Crosby provided the masterful narration for the “Sleepy Hollow” portion of the film, along with the voices of Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones.
Disney’s twist on Irving’s tale provides a more fanciful, charming, and not surprisingly, humorous version, emphasizing Ichabod Crane’s propensity for gluttony and superstition, and has become a Halloween favorite for many families. The Disney animated version also ends in mystery, but strongly suggests that Ichabod has married a wealthy widow and is enjoying the fruits (literally and figuratively) of that relationship.
Given Ichabod’s notorious weakness for tasty foods of all shapes and sizes, a restaurant offering both sweet and savory items is a natural connection to “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Aside from this indirect reference, however, there are other direct references to Irving’s story in Liberty Square’s Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.
First, and foremost, the name “Sleepy Hollow Refreshments” is an obvious direct reference to Irving’s work. The sign for the restaurant facing the Liberty Square walkway also depicts the villainous star of “Sleepy Hollow,” the Headless Horseman, as does a posted menu board. And, for a time, the restaurant offered souvenir mugs featuring the pictures of both the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane.
Perhaps the greatest and most impactful tribute to Irving personally is one that is missed by most guests—the architecture of the building housing Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. In 1835, Washington Irving purchased a home near Tarry Town, New York. After spending many years working, renovating, and expanding this house, he named it “Sunnyside” in 1841. The façade of Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is a close representation of Sunnyside, including the stair-stepped peaks of the building’s roof.
The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell sits in a plaza across the street from the Hall of Presidents and adjacent to the Liberty Tree. During America’s bicentennial celebration, a replica of the Liberty Bell was temporarily placed on display in Liberty Square. This display became popular with guests and one of thebetter photo opportunities in the Magic Kingdom. Due to the positive guest response, Disney purchased a new replica of the Liberty Bell for permanent display in Liberty Square. The current version of Disney’s Liberty Bell appeared on July 4, 1989.
Thirteen flags that represent the thirteen original U.S. colonies surround the Liberty Bell. The base of each flag includes a plaque that designates when that particular colony ratified the United States Constitution. Another plaque conveys the significance of the patriotic display:
The Court of Flags
Thirteen proud and colorful flags fly high today to honor the original states which became united under our country’s first constitution.
A replica of the first national flag, used in 1787, symbolizes the joining of the states to form our first union.
These flags were originally displayed at the en
trance to Liberty Square from the hub. On Magic Kingdom’s opening day, the entrance to Liberty Square looked different than it does now. Instead of a guardhouse, brick wall, and wooden crates, a Court of Flags led to a replica of the old North Bridge, the site of the Battle of Concord, the first battle of the American Revolution. The flags were moved to their current location in the plaza surrounding the Liberty Bell in 1991. A brass plaque below the Liberty Bell reads:
The Liberty Bell
For over two Centuries, the Liberty Bell has
Symbolized Liberty to Most of America.
Cast from the same mold, this bell is
a “Second Generation” of
the Original bell that hangs in Philadelphia
It was cast for
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
in 1989
A wooden sign adjacent to the Liberty Bell provides a very detailed history of the original:
The Province Bell was the name first used to describe me. I was ordered from the English bell foundry of Whitechapel in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Assembly. I was to be part of the celebration which would commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn’s Charter of Privileges signifying the founding of Pennsylvania.
Soon after being brought to America from England it was decided to test me for tonal quality. For this purpose I was hung in the notch of a tree and struck. With the first stroke of the clapper I sang out a glorious note. However, with the second strike I cracked and then gave off a terrible sound.
Two Philadelphia metalworkers, Pass and Stow, melted me down, added more copper, and recast me. I was now an American bell although everything about me was the same as the first bell, including the inscription “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof” and “By Order of the Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania for the State House in Philadelphia.”
People now know me as the State House Bell. At first my only duty was to call the legislators to assemblies. However, as English rule became more and more intolerable I was used to summon people together to discuss and protest issues they considered unfair.
I was muffled as a symbol of protest and tolled slowly when the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765 were passed into law. I continued to toll for the First Continental Congress in 1774. The time I remember best was on July 8, 1776, when I summoned the citizenry for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was during this era of unrest that I became known as The Bell of Independence and The Bell of Revolution.
During the Revolutionary War I was wildly rung to signify each victory and muffled and tolled slowly to announce each defeat. The people could judge the success of the war effort just by the way I was rung. I became so important to the people that when Philadelphia was invaded by advancing British forces, I was taken to Allentown, Pennsylvania, and hidden in the floorboards of a church so the British wouldn’t find me. After a year in hiding, I was returned to the State House in Philadelphia. On September 3, 1783, I was rung joyously to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Paris which ended the war between Great Britain and the United States.
After eighty years of almost continual use, I was rung to mourn the death of Chief Justice Marshall on July 8, 1835, and cracked. In 1846, I was rung for the last time to commemorate George Washington’s birthday. Although I can no longer be actually rung, I still occupy a special place in American history. The Herald of Freedom and the Liberty Bell are the names by which I am best known today; and perhaps these are the names which best describe me, for when the freedom and liberty of the United States hung in the balance, my voice was used to rally the people to the cause of Liberty.
The Hall of Presidents
No other Disney attraction is more closely connected to the land in which it resides than the Hall of Presidents, which opened with the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. Because of this strong connection, I have included the Hall of Presidents in the discussion of Liberty Square, notwithstanding the fact that the attraction is more than deserving of a standalone chapter.
The Hall of Presidents is a celebration of the office of the president of the United States and the challenges that we, as a nation, have faced and overcome throughout our history. It is also a continuing tribute to Walt Disney himself, as it is a representation of both the technological advancement he once dreamed of and the patriotism he often exhibited. Although the Hall of Presidents does not include a specific backstory, an argument can be made that the attraction itself is a critical component of the overall backstory for Liberty Square, with everything from the façade of the building to the actual show supporting that backstory.
THE QUEUE
The stately building façade for the Hall of Presidents uses Federal-style architecture reminiscent of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. It displays the date “1787” in large golden numbers directly above three second-story windows.
Guests can see a vintage colonial musket leaning against the glass of one of the building’s second-story windows. This is a nod to the “minutemen,” a colonial militia that needed to assemble quickly (in a minute’s notice) in the event of conflict during the American Revolution.
Another second-story window facing the Haunted Mansion displays two non-descript lanterns. This subtle Imagineering detail pays tribute to “Paul Revere’s Ride,” an 1860 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that commemorates the famous ride of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775. In the poem, Revere instructs a friend to prepare signal lanterns in the Old North Church to let him know if the British will attack, and to light “[o]ne if by land, and two if by sea.” Revere’s friend lights two such lanterns, signaling that the British were coming by sea.
A ground-floor window facing the Haunted Mansion displays a vintage ragdoll that most guests (the few who actually notice it) probably think was accidentally left behind by a child. In Colonial America, however, a doll in a window served as a signal to firefighters that the room included children.
A plaque of four interlocked hands on a nearby wall also notifies firefighters that the appropriate fireman’s fund fees have been paid by the building’s owner. During this era, the local fire brigade would attempt to put out the fire of homes insured by the fund. If a home was not insured…the brigade would watch it burn to the ground.
Upon passing through the entrance doors for the attraction, you enter a grand rotunda. Take the time to explore this elaborate holding area, as numerous paintings and authentic Presidential artifacts adorn the walls, including:
Dental instruments (a “steel scaler set”) of the nation’s first president, George Washington.
A gold and porcelain pocket watch once owned by John Adams.
Chess pieces that were given to President James Monroe while he was governor of Virginia. The gift was from Monroe’s friend and neighbor, Thomas Jefferson.
Abraham Lincoln’s leather portfolio, pencil holder, and his copy of The Works of Lord Byron (President Lincoln was a devout reader of poetry).
Teddy Roosevelt’s riding boots and riding crop.
Herbert Hoover’s fishing license and badge. President Hoover often went fishing to relieve stress during the Great Depression.
The cowboy boots worn by George W. Bush during his inauguration.
Various gowns worn by First Ladies.
THE ATTRACTION
For each showing of the Hall of Presidents, guests enter a massive seven-hundred-seat theatre. When the curtain lifts, three enormous projection screens are revealed. This screen system was initially developed by Ub Iwerks, the first animator of Mickey Mouse.
The theatre’s lights dim as a captivating film telling the history of the United States is shown, with Morgan Freeman as the narrator. Previous iterations of the show featured narrations by different members of the Disney company and later, following a renovation in late 1993, Maya Angelou.
The film itself is wide ranging, from the nation’s initial struggles, the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. The attract
ion’s star, Abraham Lincoln (in audio-animatronic form), then delivers a stirring rendition of the Gettysburg address.
Following Lincoln’s speech, another curtain lifts to reveal one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring scenes of any Disney attraction: a large one-hundred-foot-wide stage with every U.S. president sitting or standing there in audio-animatronic form. It is as scene that stirs patriotic emotion in almost everyone.
Every president is recognized in a very patriotic “roll-call.” Pay close attention during this portion of the attraction, as the presidents will nod, tap their feet, shift their weight, and in some cases even whisper to one another. In addition to these extremely detailed mannerisms, words are spoken by Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and the current president. The audio-animatronic figures themselves are intricately detailed, and many stories are told of guests actually believing that some of the presidents on stage are real people!
The overarching story of the Hall of Presidents focuses on the office of president of the United States, as opposed to any specific person serving in that position. Notably, George Washington’s act of leaving his office after two terms, as he refused to let the American people make him “king” of the United States, is emphasized. The attraction also focuses on the importance of presidential leadership in times of national strife, with references to Franklin Delano Roosevelt during the Great Depression, Lyndon Johnson following JFK’s assassination, Ronald Reagan following the Challenger tragedy, Bill Clinton following the Oklahoma City bombings, and George W. Bush in the aftermath of the tragic September 11 attacks.
The Backstories and Magical Secrets of Walt Disney World Page 8
