The preshow interior is nice. The Teaching Owl animatronic (voiced by Hans Conreid) is gone. In it's place is a wide screen film (not a "big" wide screen film. but, a wide screen film) with a new look at the "Walt Disney Story." Very well done. Then it is followed by the usual film of Walt and Blaine Gibson talking about the Lincoln life mask, etc.

The area where the old office was (one of the offices actually was left - the one taken was the one that held the map of the Florida project) is now a splattering of Disneyland Concept drawings and related materials. The various display shelves have yet to be fully completed - they seem similar to what was already there.

After the Walt film, you walk down to the other end of the lobby (where the model of the Captiol Building/White House - whichever - is). You are given a pair of Binaural Sound headphones. Yup - the same ones used in the sound show at MGM - wireless puppies you place on your head - and, quite comfortable too, I might add!

The music builds up underneath and a film is finally shown (on the wide screen that used to have the Walt Disney Story showing on it.) . This time it is hosted by Matthew Brady - the Civil War Photographer. Eventually he tells you that you are a Union Soldier (I forgot the name used) and are arriving at his studio in Washington for a portrait session before going off to join the troops.

Upon entering the theatre - it is beautiful - there are many of Brady's photo portraits on the walls above the entry and exit doors - the stage has an antique camera of the proper vintage on one corner - an empty chair on the other - and Brady's assistant bids you welcome.

Through the wonders of this sound system, you hear Brady and his asistant walking around - you even get a haircut (shades of MGM!) and then your portrait taken. Brady then invites you (the soldier) to join hinm as he travels to the White House to take Lincoln's Picture.

The film screen is revealed and Brady introduces you to several characters - as well as a pesky fly that seems to alight in your ear. You meet the President's Secretary, Frederick Douglas - who is discussing equal pay for Black Soldiers with Lincoln - and, finally, a personal meeting with the President.

Following that the scene switches to a battle field...the battle is waged around you. Apparently you have ben hit by enemy fire - and wind up in a field hospital with one of your legs amputated. The President arrives here and gives a small speech to the troops - recognizing you and weeping over the terror of the horrible war.

The Screen goes dark, the curtain rises - Lincoln is standing before his chair on a sparse stage - between two columns.

This is an unbelieveable Lincoln! His skin tonality (much more lifelike), his movement range, everything. Just rather weird listening to his speech through the headphones, however. And, yes, it is a whole new voice for Abe - but, one that is well done. Lincoln presents the Gettysburg Address. At the end of his speech, the sky (once more) fades into the American Flag and (wonder of wonders!) The Battle Hymn Of The Republic rises from underneath the final scene - Lincoln seated in silhouette.

This show is great. It beats the Florida modifications all to heck and back. In fact - as much as I enjoyed the previous Lincoln, this one is outstanding. Well done and kudos to the team that has developed this.

Michelle Smith can be reached using the Talkback form below or by emailing her at [email protected].

The Fabulous Disney Babe's column is posted every Friday and when ever else she has something to say. For more on Michelle's background, see her first column. She also offers The Fabulous Tour: Disneyland Secrets and Stories. Click here for more information.

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