Hi Jason,
Thanks for visiting planDisney! Please extend my deepest gratitude to your friend for his service to our country. He truly sounds like a walking history book! I'd be honored to help make his trip as special as possible.
I have family members who are veterans, and one thing I always recommend is participating in the wonderful Flag Retreat Ceremony. Every day, Disneyland honors veterans from various branches of the military as the flag is lowered for the day at the Main Street, U.S.A. flagpole. The Disneyland Band plays during the ceremony, and I often see veterans connecting with each other afterward. The timing of the Flag Retreat can vary slightly, so be sure to check the
Hours and Events Calendar on the Disneyland app or website for the exact time on the day of your visit.
While there’s no guarantee of special recognition, here are some recommendations that can help make the experience extra memorable:
1. Visit City Hall
Stop by City Hall in Disneyland Park and ask for a complimentary “First Visit” button. Cast Members and fellow guests often go out of their way to share kind words when they see that it’s someone's first trip!
2. Bring Veterans Gear
Encourage your friend to wear any veteran-related gear, such as a service cap or jacket. I frequently see guests expressing gratitude when they spot a veteran in the parks. It’s a heartwarming way to foster connection.
3. Arrive Early for the Flag Retreat
Cast Members begin preparing the area around the flagpole early by setting up benches and clearing space for the band. This is a great opportunity to speak with a Cast Member and share your friend's story; they may be able to offer a bit of extra magic.
If you happen to visit California Adventure, I highly recommend trying to get a photo of your friend with Captain America. Can you imagine these two living legends in one photo?! You can use the
Disneyland app to track character appearances in real time. Just tap the map icon and select the “Characters” tab at the top. For easier browsing, switch to List View in the bottom-right corner. This allows you to quickly see who’s appearing and where; it really cuts down on guesswork!
I hope this information is helpful, Jason! If you have more questions or need help planning any other part of your visit, feel free to reach out to me or one of my fellow planDisney panelists. We’d love to share more tips and sprinkle a little pixie dust on your vacation.
Have a magical trip!
– Melinda