U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines Enjoy Surprise Disneyland Day Ahead of Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, Disneyland transformed itself from the “Happiest Place on Earth” into a vivid showcase of American patriotism as 100 U.S. Navy sailors and Marines were treated to a day at the renowned theme park. The visit coincided with Los Angeles Fleet Week, providing the service members with a memorable stop while in port. The honored guests were given exclusive access to beloved attractions, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey’s Toontown. The festivities culminated in a special flag retreat ceremony, featuring performances by the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet and the Disneyland Band. Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet, also participated in the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of such moments for military personnel and the surrounding community.
“How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to actually get to participate in the events that are happening at Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth?” Meyer remarked. “To be able to come here, share that with the public, participate in the events, get to see some of the cool new things at Disneyland, and really get to show off the Sailors and Marines to the community—it’s really a chance to do that and I think that’s what made this a really special day.”
Disney’s strong ties to the military are rooted in its history, as both Walt and Roy Disney served in World War I—Walt as a Red Cross ambulance driver and Roy as a Navy petty officer. This longstanding commitment is echoed throughout the company’s culture and is particularly evident at its parks. For over 70 years, Disneyland has held daily flag retreat ceremonies, a tradition dating back to the park’s opening in July 1955. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ritual continued uninterrupted. At the time, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared on social media, “While our world looks very different today, one thing endures...the American flag still flies over Walt Disney World. I’m inspired how our Security Cast Members continue to raise it each and every morning at Magic Kingdom while they are on duty protecting the magic. It's a symbol that we’re still here and will not falter.”
Ariel Elias, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and category manager at Disneyland, commended the company’s ongoing commitment to honoring veterans.

• “Disney really embraces our veterans, and it’s been part of the DNA of the Disneyland Resort,” Elias said. “You see it everywhere you go—from the flag retreat to Veterans Day to Fleet Week—it’s always at the forefront of what we do here every day.”

The support goes beyond ceremonial recognition. Disney runs several initiatives dedicated to veterans, including the Heroes Work Here program, which focuses on hiring, training, and supporting veterans and military spouses. Since 2012, the company has donated more than $20 million to organizations that assist veterans and their families.
As Memorial Day served as a poignant reminder to honor those who served, Disneyland’s tribute offered both celebration and reflection—creating lasting memories for the sailors and Marines, and reaffirming the park’s deep-rooted connection to America’s armed forces.