Introduction

All of us who cherish our trips to Walt Disney World understand that every park is getting more crowded, and that The Magic Kingdom has always had the highest crowds of all. In order to stop those crowds from gravitating only to the "E Ticket" rides, pushing the wait times of those rides to untenable lengths, the Imagineers need to continuously innovate to keep the less popular attractions appealing. Sadly, that often leads to closures of beloved classics, and expensive replacements and overhauls.

The Hall of Presidents is a perennial favorite, but is rarely filled anywhere close to capacity. One addition to the "pre-show" waiting area could make a dramatic difference to this classic's ability to fill seats: a modern, lifelike animatronic featuring the incredible actor, songwriter and librettist, Lin-Manuel Miranda in his most famous role to date, Alexander Hamilton.

The Partnership

A partnership between Lin-Manuel and Disney is a natural fit: the former has contributed music to hit Disney movies such as Encanto, Moana, and Mufasa, and the pro-shot of Hamilton has been streaming exclusively on Disney Plus since it's release during the Broadway shutdowns of Covid. In addition to the benefits to the Disney Corporation, Lin-Manuel's mission of helping BIPOC Americans feel more connected to the history of the country that they belong to would be well-served by furthering the legacy and reach of this culturally important portrayal of the founding father. And at this critical time in our country, this would help bring a new generation of park visitors to witness the educational and inspiring message of the show.

The Art

While I leave it up the innovative minds of the Imagineers and Lin-Manuel to decide whether it makes more sense, in context, for this technological wonder to introduce himself as Hamilton, or as Miranda playing Hamilton, there can be no argument that this must be the first rapping animatronic, delivering a new and original composition by Lin-Manuel himself. Potential topics to explore are myriad, but might include the three branches of government, the importance of limiting the power of the President, the need to limit corruption in the executive branch, or a simple call to action inspiring young people to use their vote. 

This song would not only educate park visitors, but could be released to streaming services -- potentially with proceeds to benefit an established non-profit such as the UCLA or Rock the Vote! The song and the pre-show would undoubtedly gain significant traction on TikTok and other short-form media, effectively marketing itself.

The Petitionees

This petition is aimed at two distinct parties: one, the Disney Corporation, particularly the Walt Disney Company's Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle.  Two: the incomparable Lin-Manuel Miranda Himself. Without the enthusiastic participation of both parties, this incredible opportunity to delight, educate and inspire will never come to pass.

The undersigned humbly ask this: that both parties continue to do their part to give us all the spark of hope that sustains us in through the dark night of our country, that that spark may light a torch to guide us.

Lest we forget, it is a torch that is still held today by Lady Liberty herself, high above the city that a great writer once called "The Greatest City in the World." That torch was their to blaze a path through the night, welcoming the tired, the poor, the "huddled masses yearning to breath free."

It is that poetry that reminds us of a time when we welcome immigrants to our shores, believing that diversity would strengthen our nation, and this shows us the power of words to shape the soul of a people. It is that statue that still stands in uphold the principles on which our nation was founded, and this shows us that even a simple representation of a great person can lead, even when our flesh and blood leaders fail. Her presence and her words served us all for hundreds of years: guiding us, filling us with empathy and hope and a reverence for the truths of history. But today, her message falls, too often, on deaf ears.

...imagine if she could move her arms and rap, tho.