>Yankee Doodle Disney*

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*With tomorrow being President’s Day, I am Second Chancing an article that first appeared on Memorial Day. Enjoy.

Our Country is great because of what we have done, what we are doing and what we can do. With that in mind, Thank you to all of those who have given their lives to make our Country what it is, Free.

Memorial Day is one of those days that gets the Patriotic juices flowing. The Flags go out on the Curb, the Red, White and Blue ribbon goes on the mailbox and the Patriotic Mickey Mouse Flag goes on the banner pole. I start thinking of America and how great we are. I think about our great lands and places I’ve been and besides Washington DC and the surrounding Areas, I think Walt Disney World has to be one of the most Patriotic places in the United States. People say Mickey Mouse is Americana and Disney is an American Original, but few know there is Unknown Patriotic Magic in Walt Disney World.

As you first enter the Magic Kingdom, you can find some of this Magic, by walking to the left of Main Street USA. Right alongside City Hall is the Engine Co. 71. This Firehouse is numbered after the year Walt Disney World opened, but that isn’t the Patriotic Magic. That comes from the patches that are on display from Fire Companies from all over the country. Even if you are not a fireman, or a family member of a fireman, this is a very impressive display and when you think of the Heroes that give their lives to save others, it is a kind of Magical Experience.

Of course, in the Magic Kingdom the most Magical Patriotic Experience is the Hall of Presidents. No matter what your Political following, this is an impressive show. It originally started as “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” at the New York’s World Fair in 1964. Then it was moved to Disneyland, and when Walt Disney World opened it was brought to Florida. This show has changed over the years with the addition of the Presidents as they were elected. The whole show took on a new look after President Obama was sworn in, and I believe the show is actually more impressive today than it has been in the past. It is a very moving

 portrait of America’s History. It is something that every first time Disney visitor should experience. My wife sheds a tear each time we see it.

Over in Epcot, the American Adventure is just as impressive, but deals with more of America’s history. Told by Ben Franklin and Mark Twain, this Adventure starts with the Mayflower and ends with recent history. There are appearances by 35 different characters throughout this 30 minute show. Not only is the show a moving Experience, but the room where the show takes place is pretty impressive also. There are 12 statues around the room. They represent the “Spirits of America”.

These Shows are not the Only Patriotic Magic in Walt Disney World. For example in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, there is a replica of the Liberty Bell. Liberty Square itself is a replica of a Revolutionary American town. If you take notice, The Liberty Tree has 13 lanterns hanging from its limbs. These represent the 13 colonies. Over in Epcot, the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps is a colonial cover band. They are a group of 4 musicians, with a standard-bearer, that play rousing American Anthems, around the American Adventure pavilion.

Probably the most Unknown Patriotic Magic in all of Walt Disney World takes place at 5pm daily, in the Magic Kingdom. This ceremony is usually helped along by a Veteran and The Walt Disney World Band is involved, it is the Flag Retreat (or the lowering of the Flag). If you get a chance be in the Magic Kingdom around 5 in the afternoon, take a stroll down to Town Square’s Municipal Park and catch something that will make you proud to be an American.

So, now that you know, on this Memorial Day, as you think about America, you can look forward to your next trip to Walt Disney World and some Patriotic Magical Experiences that the whole family can enjoy.