ended up going to Disneyland , the attraction set the foundation for an opening-day experience at Walt Disney World : The Hall of Presidents .
As Wes described it , “ Dad was the principal designer ” for The Hall of Presidents .
“ He did most of the famous presidents … Washington , Jefferson , Adams , really all the early presidents , Lincoln , Teddy
Roosevelt , Franklin Delano Roosevelt ,” Wes told me . Meanwhile , Blaine ’ s assistants sculpted the remaining presidential figures .
Even into his retirement , Blaine continued to direct the sculptures for every president through George W . Bush . He then consulted on the sculpture for Barack Obama before passing away in 2015 .
Blaine ’ s career at Disney resulted in some of the most iconic figures at the Disney Parks . His animatronic sculptures , statues , and figures can still be seen at the Magic Kingdom . If you get the chance , I recommend downloading Imagineer Podcast Episode 86 to learn more about Blaine ’ s life and career in my interview with his son , Wes Gibson .
BACKGROUND : The Hall of Presidents is continually updated as new Presidents are elected . PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP