Disney Parks Honors Veterans with Special Veterans Day Tributes

This Veterans Day, Disney is proud to honor the courage, service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans and those who continue to serve in uniform through special moments of recognition.

Our admiration for military service goes all the way back to Walt and Roy O. Disney. Roy served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, while Walt volunteered with the Red Cross and drove an ambulance in France near the end of the war. Today, we are proud to carry that legacy forward by honoring those who serve and the families who serve alongside them.

From a patriotic salute featuring one of The Muppets’ biggest fans of America to meaningful flag retreat ceremonies and special offers, here are some of the ways Disney Experiences is commemorating Veterans Day this year.

Every day, at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort, guests can experience one of our most meaningful traditions: the Flag Retreat Ceremony. It’s something we’ve proudly done since each park first opened its gates.

On Veterans Day, that tradition takes on even greater meaning. Once a year, on Nov. 11, these special ceremonies recognize Disney cast members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At Disneyland park, more than 100 veteran cast members will proudly make their way down Main Street, U.S.A., toward Town Square, accompanied by the U.S. Marine 1st Division Band and a Marine Corps Color Guard, before gathering on the Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station steps to be recognized for their service.

At Magic Kingdom Park, four veteran cast members selected by Disney SALUTE, our veteran-focused employee group, will represent different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces during a special ceremony in Town Square.  The cast members being honored this year representing all veteran cast members working at Disney businesses in Florida include U.S. Army veteran Eileen Underwood, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Robert Doiron, U.S. Air Force veteran Michele Imperial, and U.S. Navy veteran Eric Tidwell.

These ceremonies provide a meaningful opportunity for guests and cast members to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

“After my service, Disney allowed me to make a meaningful impact for guests and a career that I would continue to be proud of after serving,” said U.S. Army veteran Eileen Underwoord, Senior Security. Manager in Magic Kingdom Park. “I’m grateful to Disney for honoring veterans and all service members across the nation.”

Guests can also commemorate Veterans Day with this year’s special military-inspired merchandise collection, available at select locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort while supplies last.

Featuring Mickey Mouse and patriotic designs inspired by the branches of the U.S. military, this year’s collection includes a T-shirt, Spirit Jersey, mug, and baseball cap.

This collection is available at select locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including the Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park, Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Creations Shop at EPCOT, Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and World of Disney at Disney Springs.

At Disneyland Resort, the collection will be available at the Emporium in Disneyland park, Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure park, and World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District. Theme Park admission and reservations may be required, where applicable.

Guests can also discover Disney’s salute to service through the My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland app. On Veterans Day, each app will feature a special Veterans Day greeting on its home screen connecting guests to a dedicated page highlighting ways each resort honors military service. Download the app to see more!

As a salute to service this Veterans Day, special artwork featuring patriotic Muppet Sam Eagle saluting all veterans was created for Disney cast members who have served in their honor continuing an annual tradition dating back more than 20 years.

Our salute is also about showing up for the people and organizations that serve military families every day. Throughout November, Disney VoluntEARS have been joining nonprofit partners and military families for events designed to bring a little extra comfort, joy, and connection to U.S. military service members and their families.

On Nov. 3, Disneyland Resort cast members joined forces with the USO to assemble more than 3,300 care kits for deployed U.S. military service members. This was followed by Walt Disney Imagineering employees assembling an additional 1,200 USO care packages on Nov. 10. Together, these efforts created meaningful ways to show appreciation and support for military communities during the holiday season.

Also on Nov. 3 in Florida, Walt Disney World cast members, Disney SALUTE members and Disney culinary teams visited Fisher House Orlando at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona to help decorate the house for the holidays and prepare a special meal for guests and staff as part of an annual tradition.

Fisher Houses provide a welcoming place for military and veteran families to stay while a loved one receives medical care. It makes this annual visit especially meaningful, giving our cast an opportunity to bring a little Disney holiday magic to families who may be spending the season far from home.

Disney’s ten-year relationship with the Fisher House Foundation extends beyond the holidays, with Disney VoluntEARS supporting locations across the country including in Long Beach and Los Angeles through meaningful opportunities to give back to military and veteran families.

On Nov. 4, Disney teamed up with Blue Star Families to welcome military families from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms to Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, for a first-of-its-kind celebration with Pixar Animation Studios animators and the Coachella Valley community.

The families stationed at the largest Marine Corps training base in the world explored the Parr House which was inspired by the iconic home of Mr. and Mrs. Incredible from the Disney-Pixar animated classic Incredibles 2, and met Pixar animators who drew their favorite characters. Families were also treated to lunch, arts, and crafts, and received a visit from everyone’s pal… Mickey Mouse.

Our appreciation for U.S. military service members and their families extends throughout the year, including special offers designed to help military families spend time together and make lasting Disney memories.

Looking ahead to 2027, eligible U.S. military members and retired veterans can take advantage of special offers across Disney destinations, including:

Eligibility requirements, restrictions, availability, and applicable dates vary by offer. Visit the Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and Disney Cruise Line websites for complete details.

To our nation’s veterans, we wish you a very Happy Veterans Day. We are deeply grateful for your service and sacrifice, today and every day!