BAY LAKE, Fla. – On any given day at the Magic Kingdom, guests line Main Street U.S.A. to catch a parade, watch fireworks, or take the obligatory photo op with a Cinderella Castle backdrop.
At 5 o’clock nightly, just within the park entrance, guests and cast members stand at attention for one of Disney’s longest traditions when the American flag is lowered, folded into a triangle, and then given to a veteran or the family of a veteran.
The Flag Retreat has been ongoing since 1971 and even dates back to 1955 in Disneyland to thank a veteran for their service.
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“Many times families are entering Disney or the Magic Kingdom. They’re hustling, bustling from one place to another. They’re trying to make it in time for their reservation,” said Serena Arvizu, Walt Disney World Ambassador. “There’s a certain special magic that happens when they walk onto Main Street and see the ceremony happening.”
Much like any production at Walt Disney World, the Flag Retreat is also a ceremony that requires meticulous attention to detail, as the park security honor guard, the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and the Main Street Philharmonic marching band are all involved. Typically, that veteran or active military member is a guest chosen at random, but on Veterans Day, Disney chose to honor four of their own — cast members, each representing the four main branches of the military.
Rosa Bates served 23 years before retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sgt. working as a military police officer. Rosa works with the EPCOT team as a construction planner. Her transition from the Air Force to the Walt Disney Company was like going from one family to another.
“Every time I see a flag retreat or hear the music that goes with it, I get tingles down my neck and down my back and in my arms, because it means a lot to me,” said Bates. “For those who have served before me, those who are currently serving and those who are going to serve in the future.”
Part of the magic of the Flag Retreat is that it’s done as a special surprise. Bates was nominated by her peers for the special Veterans Day ceremony. For those wanting to participate or have a loved one be honored, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- The selection process is done in the morning upon park opening.
- Rep your branch or anything that shows your passion for military service so you can stand out to cast members.
Disney SALUTE
On Veterans Day at the Magic Kingdom, many Disney cast members donned their SALUTE attire, which is a volunteer-run veterans employee resource group.
“Now that we’re celebrating 100 years of this company, we love looking back on our history that really began with Walt and Roy Disney, who both served our country during World War I,” said Arvizu. “Whether we’re celebrating Veterans Day or Military Families Month or really just any day here at Walt Disney World, I’m really excited and so proud to be able to honor them, recognize them for their sacrifice, and celebrate them.”
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