Happy Veteran’s Day Mouseketeers. We hope that this holiday finds you and your loved ones well. Susanne and I had a kick-ass show prepared for you, but we had an unfortunate scheduling conflict as I (Erika) had to travel out of town. However, we did a lot of research and we wanted to bring you all the information we collected for the podcast, I mean, how can we let good content go to waste? Especially when the information benefits those who have served for this country. That’s right Mouseketeers, on this blog you will find four awesome topics all about Veterans. NOW ON WITH THE BLOG…
SHADES OF GREEN
Shades of Green (SOG) is an exclusive resort on Disney property for military members and family; however, twice a year, in January and September, SOG offers military veterans the opportunity to stay on the property through their Salute to our Veterans program.
Reservations are subject to availability, and the SOG website keeps the details pretty vague, but if you have proof of an honorable discharge and a current copy of your DD-214 form, you will be able to stay on property during the two months this offer is available. The special promotion gives veterans a price point known as the Category 3 Rate (side note: we tried to get in contact with SOG staff to explain this pricing tier to us, but no one has contacted us back, so if anyone can clarify what that means, we would appreciate it).
Additionally, Veterans can sponsor up to 3 rooms at SOG. Room rates are based on occupancy, and the assumption is 2 adults will stay in a standard room. Suites are available for larger parties of 4 or more, and each additional person over 18 will be an extra $15 charge. Veterans can also get their discounted park tickets directly through SOG and have all their plans linked to their My Disney Experience (MDE) account.
To book a reservation for a room – you can contact the SOG reservation line at 888-593-2242. Inquiries on tickets can be made by calling 407-824-1403.
DISNEY VETERANS
Disney Studios has definitely had its share of employees who served in the military. In the early days of the studio getting up and running, Walt almost lost his dream due to the majority of his Imagineers being drafted in the war. It was a treacherous time for our beloved Walt, but he understood the importance of serving our country, as he himself once tried to enlist and even falsified documents to age himself a year in order to serve. Talk about a rebel. That spirit of patriotism was never lost on Walt, but we will get into that a little later in the blog. For now, we want to share with you two notable Disney figures who were veterans.
Roy Disney, Walt’s older brother served in the United States Navy from 1917 to 1919. He became ill with tuberculosis and was discharged from duty. It was during his recovery in a Veteran’s hospital that the idea for Disney studios came to fruition having signed a deal with cartoon producer Margaret J.Winkler for a series of six animations that included live-action. Walt lead the creative side and Roy ran the books; Disney Brothers Studios was born.
Francis Xavier Atencio is best known for this work imagineering all of our favorite frights on the Haunted Mansion. His legacy is well respected among those who know their park history, and he is remembered fondly in recent iterations of Haunted Mansion memorabilia and books. Atencio served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1941 to 1945 during World War II as a photo interpreter. He worked his way to the rank of Captain in the 2nd Photo Tech Squadron. While stationed in England, he was part of a team responsible for analyzing aerial surveillance.
WALT’S PATRIOTISM
It seems like so many “perks” are given to active military members, don’t get us wrong, each person who currently serves in the military deserves every bit of recognition and break we can give, as they put their lives on the line to protect us all. Veterans often are thanked for their service, and that’s kind of where it ends; but not for the Disney family. They have continued Walt’s legacy of patriotism (remember, he tried to sneak into service by falsifying his birthdate), by offering free admission YEAR ROUND to The Walt Disney Family Museum. Not only do veterans get this perk, spouses, and dependents of retired military members get to see the museum for free too with valid ID.
Aside from SOG, if you wish to visit any of the Walt Disney World parks, there are special discounts and packages available for veterans year-round. It’s just a small thank you from the Walt Disney Company for those who serve and protect this country.
EXPERIENCES FOR VETERANS
For this last topic, we felt it necessary to cover one of the most moving experiences for veterans and park goers alike; the Flag Retreat Ceremony. At 5 PM (1700 hours), the color guard at the Magic Kingdom makes its way to the flag pole in the center of Town Square on Main Street. A member of the Main Street Philharmonic plays Retreat solo on the trumpet, which is typically played when the American Flag is lowered. Veterans and active military alike are often seen saluting as the flag gently makes its way down the pole. Once in hand, the Philharmonic plays “God Bless America” and everyone who participates in the ceremony sings along. While the song plays, the color guard folds the flag. Once it is neatly folded, a veteran who was chosen as a special guest to participate in the ceremony is presented with the flag, and they get to keep it. This happens, EVERY SINGLE DAY. Let that sink in for a moment.
How special is that for someone who has given so much for our country? It honestly brings tears to my eyes each time I see this ceremony, as the veterans who are honored are always so different, whether, in age, military branch represented, etc., but what remains the same each time I have seen this happen is the stoic manner in which each veteran respects the flag handed to them, and the pride they feel participating in this very special moment at the Magic Kingdom.
If you are a veteran visiting the park, make sure to add this ceremony to your list of experiences. You won’t regret it.
Finally, Susanne and I would like to thank each and every veteran who has served. We can’t possibly know you all, but we appreciate you all for your service, for your commitment, and for your love of this great nation. We wish you all a very happy Veteran’s Day, and thank you for all you have done and for being part of our podcast family.
SEE YOU REAL SOON!