In honor of Patriot Day, I asked Cindy of Super Heroes and Tea Cups, and Walt Disney World blogger extraordinaire, to share tips for celebrating the day at Walt Disney World. Make sure you check out her educational resources for each of the Pavilions:
- Educational Resources for EPCOT’s American Pavilion
- Educational Resources for EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion
- Educational Resources for EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion
- Educational Resources for EPCOT’s China Pavilion
- Educational Resources for EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion
Most people know that Walt Disney World is a place to find fun rides, amazing shows, and an incredible variety of hotels and restaurants. But did you know that Walt Disney World is a place where families can celebrate patriotism every day?
Photo credit: mrkathika / Foter / CC BY-SA
Both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot feature attractions that highlight American history and patriotic traditions. All of these attractions are appropriate for all ages and are perfect for families.
The Hall of Presidents
At the Magic Kingdom, in the heart of Liberty Square, is The Hall of Presidents. This picturesque building, designed to look like Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, houses a theater that contains one of the original attractions at Walt Disney World.
This attraction features a multi-media presentation of photos, films, and music as well as Audio-Animatronic figures of all 43 United States Presidents. Key moments in United States history are highlighted and a few presidents (including whomever is the current president) make speeches. The Hall of Presidents is a great snapshot of American history.
Photo credit: / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat Ceremony
Every day at 5 pm, Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom hosts a flag retreat. A veteran is chosen from among the many park guests to be the special guest for the ceremony. Patriotic music is played, the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, and the flag is lowered with all due reverence. The flag retreat ceremony is not advertised as much as the other traditional shows at Walt Disney World, but the touching ceremony is a sight to behold and usually stops people in their tracks.
Photo credit: Scottwdw / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
The American Adventure
World Showcase in Epcot houses eleven countries from around the world, with the American Pavilion at the very center. The American Adventure attraction can be found in the main building in this pavilion. The interior walls of the building contain quotes from famous Americans and paintings of life in America over the years.
Much like The Hall of Presidents, this attraction is a multi-media presentation with Audio-Animatronic figures. The scenes in the 30 minute show depict moments from American history, from the American Revolution to World War II. A few brief scenes from more recent years have been added to the end, including scenes of rescue workers from 9/11. The American Adventure is unbelievably moving, and it is not unusual to see adults quietly wiping away tears as the lights come up.
Photo credit: Jeff Krause Photography / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Voices of Liberty
No trip to the American Pavilion in Epcot is complete without stopping to listen to the Voices of Liberty. This eight member a cappella group wears costumes from the 1800’s and performs traditional patriotic songs. The acoustics of the rotunda of The American Adventure make their performances even more special!
Photo credit: ymmat / Foter / CC BY
Have you ever experienced any of these wonderful attractions and celebrated patriotism with your family at Walt Disney World?
Photo credit: Joe Shlabotnik / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
Travel Resources for Families
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I love this! When my now 9 & 10 year old boys were 3 and 4 we spent six months in Orlando with Disney Passes. I would have loved to have taken this kind of approach with them then, though they may not have been quite ready to absorb all of it. We are planning to do the trip again for three months next year. Pinning this so we can do this!
Wendy recently posted..Sweet & Salty Fruit Bowls for Talk Like a Pirate Day
Awesome! Have a wonderful time!
Disney does a fabulous job of celebrating Patriotism! After reading this, I feel the need to plan a Disney trip! We haven’t been in years! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday with our readers.
Shirley Wood recently posted..Faux Prime Rib Dinner
LOL Thank you, and thanks to Cindy, too!
This is great to know. We are planning a trip to Disney in a year – the first for my son who is 4.
Cristy recently posted..Comment on Glitter and Gold First Birthday by Barb @ A Life in Balance
What a great age for visiting Disney!
Disney world is so appreciative of our country & our military personnel. We are hoping to take advantage of their heroes discount this spring.
Wonderful! I can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Enjoyed this little refresher course on the patriotic things at Disney World. We especially love EPCOT. We haven’t been in many years but are thinking about visiting later this fall. I’ll make sure to watch for the flag retreat, as that is the one thing on your list that we have never seen.
Stopping by from Coffee & Conversation, and wishing you a lovely week!
Kym recently posted..Cooking and Curriculum Connections
Wonderful! I still remember visiting Epcot in high school. – Barb
What a wonderful time – my most recent trip didn’t we happened upon the flag ceremony, and so glad we did!
STeph recently posted..Can Signing Smart Benefit My Child on the Autism Spectrum?