Behind The Magic: Why Disney Doesn't Follow U.S. Flag Code on Main Street USA.
Main Street USA | Magic Kingdom Park
Did you ever notice how many flags and buntings there are throughout Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom Park? In this fictional town, modeled after Walt Disney’s childhood home of Marceline, Missouri, we see red, white, and blue just about everywhere. You may even see the mayor, fire chief, the Dapper Dans, Main Street Philharmonic, and other characters interacting with guests on the street. The entire town has come out to celebrate. Why all the excitement? Because it’s the 4th of July on Main Street USA. In Fact, everyday is the 4th of July, even in March!
Maybe that explains why we have a parade every afternoon and fireworks each evening, hmm.
Every day is the 4th of July on Main Street USA.
With so many flags presented all over Main Street USA, how does Disney honor the U.S. Flag Code? Here’s a secret: most of the flags we see, are not official U.S. flags, they’re props. They don’t have 13 stripes and are missing a few stars. These fake flags do not need to be taken in during inclement weather nor do they need to be illuminated at night allowing Disney to tell the same story consistently every day. It gets a little confusing during Halloween and Christmas but that’s another article.
The flags on Main Street USA are not official U.S. Flags, they’re props.
Flag Retreat at Walt Disney World
Speaking of flags on Main Street USA, since opening day at Walt Disney World, there has been a flag-lowering ceremony in Town Square every day. Yes, this flag is official, that’s why it’s lowered each afternoon. The ceremony often invites an honorary veteran to assist with the flag retreat.
It’s a very touching and moving ceremony, one that is truly a must-see event at the Magic Kingdom. The ceremony will start with a child volunteer who recites the Pledge of Allegiance with the help of the Dapper Dans. The Main Street Philharmonic will be there to play “God Bless America” and the National Anthem. I promise you won’t regret taking the time to go see it.
How do you get selected to participate in the Flag Retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom? First, you should be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Go to City Hall on Main Street USA first thing in the morning and mention that you would like to volunteer for the Flag Retreat. Here’s a great article on AllEars.net written by a veteran who participated in the event. He walks you through the entire process.
Have you participated in this the Flag Retreat at Walt Disney World? If so, share your story below!
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Behind the Magic: Secrets of Walt Disney World
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