Disney Honors Heroes During Military Appreciation Month

Military Appreciation Month: How Disney Honors Our Heroes

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn day to honor and mourn military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Disney recognizes these fallen heroes at its parks and various locations by setting up tables of remembrance. These tables symbolize and honor brave service members who never returned home. Each year, Disney places these tributes at locations like Disneyland Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and backstage at Walt Disney World, to respectfully remember their service and sacrifice.

Related – Busch Gardens Honor Military Appreciation Month with Free Park Admission to Active-Duty U.S. Military, Veterans and Their Families

Here are just a few of the aspects of the Missing Hero tables:  

• A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those who will never return. 

• A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those who have sacrificed all. 

• An inverted glass is symbolic of those who cannot toast with us at this time. 

• The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table. 

“The Missing Hero Tables we display at this time are meant to be a strong visual symbol of those who are no longer with us, that those who see them may stop for a moment to reflect and hopefully show appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy due to the great sacrifice that these many heroes have given for us,” explained U.S. Navy veteran and Disneyland Resort main entrance operations manager, Nick Filippone. 

May is National Military Appreciation Month, and Disney is honored to salute military service—whether they be guests or cast members—in many ways. Here are a few of the ways Disney has recognized military heroes and their families throughout this past month. 

Magical Sail-abrations at Disneyland for LA Fleet Week 2025 

Disney had the opportunity to once again host Sailors and Marines in port for Los Angeles Fleet Week—a salute to members of the U.S. Sea Services held over Memorial Day weekend each year—by surprising 100 service members with a day at Disneyland Resort! 

The Sailors and Marines had the chance to “celebrate happy” during the Disneyland 70^th Celebration by enjoying time inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey’s Toontown and even experience reserved viewing for the “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular!   

Most notably, cast members and guests alike had the chance to honor their valiant service with a special Flag Retreat ceremony in Town Square, accompanied by the Disneyland Band and The Dapper Dans. 

Military Spouse Appreciation Day  

At Disney, the unwavering strength and support that military families provide to their loved ones in the U.S. Armed Forces is recognized. For Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 9, Disney highlighted military spouse and planDisney panelist, Carrie.

Carrie was able to discover the joy of Disney vacations with her family thanks to the various discounts and promotions offered at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort for eligible U.S. military members.  

“Disneyland Resort has truly become a home away from home for me and our kids. Obviously, we love coming to celebrate—making up for lost time when Dad’s here—but it’s also a place we choose to go when we’re having a hard time, and we just want to get away for a little bit,” explained Carrie.  

Nods to Service Across The Parks 

The parks are full of small details, rich history and hidden nods to service, including former President George W. Bush’s Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit in EPCOT.  

Beyond the portraits, there are also nods to veterans who helped build the parks, such as Disney Legend and U.S. Navy veteran, Rear Admiral Joe Fowler, who is among nearly 25 Disney Legends who helped shape the parks as we know them today.  

You can find his name at “Fowler’s Harbor” along the Rivers of America in Disneyland park or even ride the Admiral Joe Fowler ferry across the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World.  

Flag Retreats from Coast-to-Coast  

Flag Retreats have become a proud tradition at the parks on both coasts. Every day, as the flag is lowered on Main Street, U.S.A., we take time to salute the heroes who stand up for our country. Disney has continuously honored countless service members, veterans and their families throughout the years and it will continue to be a representation of our enduring salute to service.  

These ceremonies have created incredibly special moments where we have and continue to honor and recognize our military service members in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom–something Disney has been doing since Disneyland park first opened almost 70 years ago.

Creating Happiness Year Round 

There are so many ways Disney brings joy to guests, and Disney takes pride in over 100 years of enduring salute to service. Disney is grateful to not only recognize heroes within its parks but also through charitable giving and relationships with organizations like the USO, Blue Star Families, Fisher House, and Student Veterans of America. Additionally, Disney supports veterans through hiring initiatives such as Heroes Work Here.

Eligible U.S. Military members even have access to discounted tickets and resort stays year-round. For ticket purchases, visit your nearest participating U.S. military base ticket office or Shades of Green.

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