Disney Celebrates U.S. Anniversary in Parks and at Sea
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(eap) On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, The Walt Disney Company celebrated the highlight of its “Disney Celebrates America” festivities this past Saturday. In the days and weeks leading up to the occasion, the company had already marked the U.S. independence with various initiatives.
“At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility – the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning,” said Robert A. Iger, former Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
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At the American Disney parks, festive decorations, special entertainment offerings and limited-time merchandise created a special “4th of July” weekend atmosphere. The program included performances by the a cappella group “Voices of Liberty” and the “United States Air Force Band of the West”, a flyover by the U.S. Air Force Reserve over the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT parks, the extended run of the “Portraits of Courage” exhibition honoring veterans after 9/11 at the „American Adventure Pavilion“ at EPCOT, and the traditional fireworks displays.
In addition, the debut of “Soarin’ Across America” was celebrated at Disney California Adventure Park on July 2. The new film for the flying theater attraction takes visitors on a virtual flight over some of the USA’s most impressive natural landscapes and best-known cities. “Each scene helps to create a portrait of what we believe makes America so special,” said Tom Fitzgerald, creative director and chief storytelling executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a tapestry of urban wonders, natural beauty, and iconic locations that celebrate the spirit of the nation and the 250th anniversary of the United States.” From July 16, guests will also be able to shorten their waiting time with a new National Geographic trivia game in the Disneyland Resort app.
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Guests on board Disney Cruise Line ships were also able to experience themed dining offerings and festivities. From Friday evening, Disney also presented a 24-hour broadcast of celebrations from across America on its media platforms (among others ABC, Disney+ and ESPN), concluding with the evening fireworks displays from Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
The Disney fireworks were part of numerous fireworks and drone shows held at various locations across the United States. One of the largest shows was staged in the capital, Washington, D.C.: During the roughly 35-minute show, which had been announced as the largest fireworks display of all time, more than 850,000 pyrotechnic effects were launched from several locations around the National Mall, West Potomac Park and the Potomac River. One of the largest drone shows could be seen in North Richland Hills, Texas. There, a total of 2,500 drones, operated under the direction of Sky Elements, created various U.S.-themed motifs in the night sky. ■
