Former President Barack Obama’s basketball has been removed from its display case in the Hall of Presidents lobby at Magic Kingdom. The sudden disappearance of the artifact has guests wondering where it went and why Disney removed it. The basketball, which was adorned with the presidential seal and on loan from the Barack Obama Presidential Library, was displayed alongside a photo of Obama playing basketball and a plaque about his love for the sport. As of Wednesday, the basketball is gone.
The photo and plaque remain, with the photo moved to the basketball’s pedestal to fill some of the empty space. A photo of President John F. Kennedy with Macaroni, the White House pony, now occupies the space in the display cabinet.
Why It Likely Disappeared at Disney
The Obama Presidential Center is currently under construction in Chicago and set to open this summer. The basketball was likely reclaimed to move to the new center, where Obama said there would be a basketball court. Presidential libraries often loan items to museums and attractions, but eventually recall them for permanent display at their own facilities.
The timing is notable. Obama just made headlines catching an out-of-bounds basketball at Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, briefly putting his connection to the sport back in public consciousness.
What the Display Showed
The Hall of Presidents lobby features displays about the personal lives of U.S. leaders, showcasing artifacts and information that humanize presidents beyond their political legacies. The Obama basketball display was part of that effort to help guests understand presidents as real people with hobbies and interests.
The basketball carried the presidential seal, marking it as an official artifact rather than a generic prop. Being on loan from the Barack Obama Presidential Library gave it additional significance and authenticity.
The photo of Obama playing basketball and the plaque explaining his connection to the sport remain on display, maintaining some representation of that aspect of his presidency even without the physical basketball.
Hall of Presidents Status at Disney
The Hall of Presidents closed for refurbishment on January 20, 2025, following President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The attraction reopened on June 29, 2025, with Trump’s animatronic added to the show. This kind of update is standard; the attraction typically closes for refurbishment whenever a new president is sworn in.
During Trump’s first term, the show closed in January 2017 and reopened that December with his figure delivering a speech. After President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, the attraction closed and reopened in August with Biden’s animatronic and recorded message.
The lobby remained accessible even during the closure period, reopening in June 2025 to give guests access to exhibits, artwork, and air-conditioned seating in Liberty Square. The space provides a cool escape from Florida heat while showcasing presidential history.
Why the Basketball Mattered
Obama’s love of basketball is well-documented and was part of his public persona throughout his presidency. The basketball display connected guests to a recent president in personal, relatable ways beyond just political accomplishments.
Presidential libraries loaning items to attractions like the Hall of Presidents provides broader public access to artifacts that would otherwise be restricted. The basketball being at Magic Kingdom allowed millions of guests to see an authentic presidential artifact.
The basketball’s return to the Obama Presidential Library for the new Presidential Center makes sense from a collection management perspective. The Center will provide a permanent home for Obama-related artifacts. Displaying the basketball there ensures it remains accessible within the context of a comprehensive presentation of his life and presidency.
What Disney Guests Can See
The Hall of Presidents is currently operating with its full show featuring all presidents including Trump’s recently added animatronic. The lobby displays remain accessible with exhibits, portraits, and artifacts minus the Obama basketball.
The photo of Obama playing basketball and plaque describing his love of the sport remain on display. The Kennedy photo with Macaroni fills the visual gap in the display case while continuing the lobby’s focus on personal aspects of presidential lives.
For guests specifically interested in seeing the Obama basketball, it will presumably be on display at the Obama Presidential Center when it opens in Chicago this summer.
