Welcome, Linda!
What an honor it is to answer your beautiful question regarding the poignant and special daily Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom Park. Thank you for your families' service to our great nation and for loving our military so deeply. My husband is also a Veteran, and our family has many routines and rituals which honor this continued tradition of service in the United States. I can understand the importance of wanting to participate in this unique ceremony at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Selection to participate in the ceremony itself certainly involves pixie dust and unfortunately there is nothing we can provide to give you and your sister an advantage in being chosen. The Magic Kingdom Entertainment team works hard to select a Veteran at random from the many Guests each day, typically at park opening time. Please see this answer for another Guest a few years ago with a few tips but please know nothing is guaranteed. Anyone may enjoy this experience by joining in the ceremony daily – I suggest you plan to arrive at the flagpole on Main Street, U.S.A. by 4:40 P.M. to ensure you have a great viewing spot and can feel immersed in this dignified ceremony.
Walt Disney was a staunch patriot and his love for Americana is proudly on display in the theme parks – something that truly sets this vacation destination apart and brings a personal touch for those of us with these special connections to our military. If you and your sister share in some of these experiences while wearing your favorite patriotic attire or perhaps a custom tee honoring your spouses, I know you’ll have a memorable day together. Here are just a few of my favorite patriotic experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort:
Magic Kingdom Park: Liberty Square Riverboat, the Liberty BelleThe Hall of PresidentsLiberty Tree Tavern and the Liberty Tree itself
Main Street Philharmonic at Main Street, U.S.A.
EPCOT:
The American Adventure PavillionVoices of LibertyThe
Electrical Water Pageant is a distinctly patriotic nightly parade on the Seven Seas Lagoon, a beautiful way to end the evening if you’re able to see it from the monorail-area resorts or piers.
I know this isn’t the answer you were hoping for, but I do hope you can have a special day together in the theme parks. May the joy together and new memories made in this special place honor the wonderful service and memory of your loving spouses.
With gratitude,
Amy