Report: Obama to Visit Walt Disney World Thursday (Updated)

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Recently the White House confirmed that President Barack Obama would be visiting Orlando this upcoming Thursday, January 19, 2012, to speak on the economy. All was quiet on the rumor fronts until today when a flurry of entertainment and operational changes found their way to the internet this evening, leading many to assume it meant the President would be visiting Mickey Mouse when in town.

Among the changes are evening extra magic hours being offered at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but not at the Magic Kingdom. In addition, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature a special fireworks display at 7 pm titled ‘Rock the Night!’ All of this, it is suggested, is to drive guest traffic away from ‘the event.’

But whatever it is, here’s what it’s not. President Obama will not be at Walt Disney World, at least not in the evening, nor even the afternoon. For starters, Obama is due in New York City on January 19 before 4 pm, when the Obama Victory Fund 2012 will be holding a fundraiser in his honor. Shortly after that, a concert featuring India Arie and Al Green at the Apollo Theater held by Gen44 NYC.

While Barack is expected to attend both events, First Lady Michelle Obama is not mentioned to appear at either event and while she hasn’t been confirmed to be in the Orlando area on January 19 either, it is plausible that the birthday girl (January 17 to be precise) could be visiting the Magic Kingdom with daughters Sasha and Malia. Michelle is no stranger to the Walt Disney Company given their joint efforts with a healthy living campaign as well as Disney contributing to Obama’s Joining Forces campaign, supporting the families of the U.S. Military.

Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be taking over the Magic Kingdom for ‘the event,’ but #44 just isn’t likely to be the one.

CORRECTION/UPDATE: According to the Orlando Sentinel, a White House aide has confirmed the President will be visiting Walt Disney World to promote tourism.