The Flag Retreats Make a Return To Disneyland and Walt Disney World
We are very pleased to announce on Independence Day that the flag retreats will be returning to Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
For decades, Disney Parks have recognized the country’s active-duty military and veterans with this important ceremony.
The flag retreats serve as the perfect way to give offer sincere gratitude to those who serve and defend our nation.
Magic Kingdom brought back the flag retreat on July 1st.
In this ceremony an active-duty military member or veteran is selected among the park’s daily visitors.
During the flag retreat, today, guests gathered in Town Square to watch and pay quiet respect as a US Air Force veteran joined cast members in the square.
Members of Magic Kingdom’s security team are also on hand.
The team son hand respectfully lower the flag.
It is then taking down Main Street U.S.A during a special processional.
The ceremony included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Guests were also taken through renditions of “God Bless America” and the “Star Spangled Banner.”
The Dapper Dans were also there to lend their vocal talents.
The Main Street Philharmonic marching band is also involved in this moving tribute.
Amy veteran Eileen Underwood, Magic Kingdom’s senior security manager had this to say about this momentous occasion, “It has been an honor for our security cast to keep our flag flying every day over Magic Kingdom since the park first opened in 1971.”
Underwood continued, “We were thrilled to resume our daily flag retreat ceremonies to honor our country and those who serve around the world in defense of our freedoms. It’s a special moment for all our guests that really reaffirms the feeling that this is truly a magical place.”
Our MickeyBloggers Greg and Elyssa where there to capture this time honored tradition.
It’s special moments like this that really make a visit to a Disney Park so magical.
The flag retreat went on hiatus when the theme parks shut down last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
When the parks opened several months later, Magic Kingdom kept the flag ceremony on hold due to social distancing concerns.
However, over the past few weeks we’ve really seen Disney ease up on COVID restrictions.
Masks are no longer required at Walt Disney World.
There are no longer temperature checks.
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Social distancing is also no longer being enforced.
All of these combined meant that Magic Kingdom could bring back the time honored ceremony.
We are so happy to see that it returned in time for Independence Day.
Though all of our pictures are taken from Walt Disney World we are pleased to report that the Flag Retreat has also returned to Disneyland.
The ceremony there resumed when Disney reopened the parks on April 30th.
They led the way for Walt Disney World to be able to thank veterans for their service, sacrifice and dedication in protecting the country.
Over at Disneyland Resort, Navy veteran Nick Filippone, senior production manager for the main entrance at Disneyland said that he felt an overwhelming sense of pride regarding this, one of the park’s oldest traditions.
Filippone continued, “I was so proud to see our Disneyland security and entertainment teams once again present our beloved flag retreat ceremony in Town Square from the very first day we were able to welcome Guests back.”
Nick continued, “We have been honored to continue Walt’s patriotic legacy with keeping the American flag flying throughout the park’s closure showing that no matter what else was happening, we could maintain this element of our heritage.”
During your visit to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, we ask that you take some time from the hustle and the bustle to check out this poignant ceremony.
It takes place at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland theme parks each day.
You can check with Guest Services to find out when the ceremony is happening each day.
Alternatively, you can pick up a Times Guide as you enter the parks which should list the starting times for any special events happening at the Magic Kingdom that Day.
Lastly, Disney Institute is running a special program for employers.
The 2021 Veterans Institute summit will take industry leaders through steps designed to build or enhance an organization’s hiring, training and support of military veterans and spouses.
The Summit will take place at the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World from September 13-14, 2021.
Registration for the event is now open.
You can find out more details about registering for this important event here.
Also attendance at this event is complimentary meaning that there is no fee.
We also wanted to take just a moment to pay tribute to all of the military heroes that actually work at Disney.
This includes those currently standing watch around the world.
Thank you so much for your service and Happy 4th of July!
Readers are also encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog.
We’ll be coming to you LIVE from the theme parks each and every week.
Happy Independance Day MickeyBlog readers!
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