SPECIAL: Two Park Traditions Continue Despite Park Closures

Despite the park’s closure, it’s heartwarming to know that two special traditions at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland are still continuing. The Disney World tradition is particularly touching. Catch all the details below.

First up, Disney Cast Member Leanne O’Regan shares more below:

Each day during these times of uncertainty, we are thankful for the dedicated cast members who are still here to ensure the magic of Disney stays alive at our Parks and Resorts. Today, we want to share #DisneyMagicMoments with you from Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro.

Josh shared on his Instagram account the daily flag raising as captured by the security team on duty:

“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. I hope this inspires you as well. We will be back. Thanks to all our incredible Cast Members who continue to maintain the magic until that day. Until then, please take care of yourselves and your families. We will see you soon.”

#OurFlagWasStillThere
#DisneyCastLife
#DisneyMagicMoments
#MagicKingdom

We are thankful for the incredible #DisneyCast who continue to maintain the magic every single day. Be sure to follow Josh on Instagram and check back here on the Disney Parks Blog for similar stories.

Over at Disneyland, Disney Cast Member Michael Ramirez shares details on a special tradition at Disneyland:

For more than six decades, Disneyland has been a source of joy and inspiration to all the world – particularly during challenging times. In this spirit, we’re bringing more #DisneyMagicMoments to you from the Disneyland Resort.

An iconic Victorian-style lamp glows every night from Walt Disney’s apartment in Disneyland park. Our President Rebecca Campbell reflects on its special meaning:

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Can’t Miss Entertainment at The Magic Kingdom

by Caitlin Corsello

Guests who enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation love to spend the majority of their time exploring the four theme parks, which are filled with amazing attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Of the four theme parks, the most popular by far is the Magic Kingdom, which is home to uniquely themed lands that aim to transport guests to different places in time and imagination. The Magic Kingdom features plenty of amazing attractions and experiences to enjoy as well as some unique entertainment that can’t be missed. From the perfect way to kick off a day in the park to interact with a barbershop quartet, there are some fantastic entertainment experiences that guests can’t skip when visiting the Magic Kingdom. Here are the seven can’t miss entertainment experiences in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

1 – Opening Ceremonies – “Let the Magic Begin”

Each day in the Magic Kingdom kicks off in a magical way thanks to an interactive and entertaining welcome celebration that officially opens the park. The opening show, “Let the Magic Begin,” opens the park 5 minutes before the posted opening time. A Royal Herald invites you to join Mickey and friends as they open the park in a magical way with some surprise guests. This stage show takes place at the Castle Forecourt Stage. The show sets the tone for a special day at Magic Kingdom.

2 – Dapper Dans

One of the most popular entertainment experiences in the Magic Kingdom is a barbershop quartet. The Dapper Dans can often be spotted around Main Street in matching shirts with white and colorful strips and dapper looking hats. The Dapper Dans pause frequently to serenade guests with songs from American history as well as classic Disney tunes. The quartet also uses Deagan Organ Chimes to add a whimsical musical quality to their performances that guests are sure to always remember!

3 – Main Street Trolley Show

During the mornings in the Magic Kingdom, a classic trolley often appears filled with the citizens of Main Street. The Main Street Trolley Show features the citizens singing and dancing up and down Main Street as they welcome guests to this magical place. No guest will want to miss this fantastic show!

4 – Casey’s Corner Pianist

At the end of Main Street on the left-hand side is a quick-service eatery that captures the spirit of classic baseball. Casey’s Corner serves up traditional ballpark options like hotdogs with both indoor and outdoor seating. Just outside the entrance to Casey’s Corner is an old-fashioned piano that is often manned by a pianist. The musician plays a beautiful mix of Disney classics, which guests are sure to love singing along to while passing by.

Check out a video of the pianist with this Instagram post.

5 – Flag Retreat

Each evening, the Magic Kingdom is home to a touching ceremony that occurs in Town Square at the start of Main Street. The Flag Retreat happens at five o’clock each evening and often includes the participation of a guest who served in the military. With patriotic songs playing, guests can stand by and salute as the American flag is lowered down the flagpole to be safely stored for the night.

6 – Citizens of Main Street

Guests who spend time wandering through Main Street and the stores featured there might bump into a colorful group of characters who help bring the land to life. The Citizens of Main Street feature the mayor and several others who are decked out in traditional 19th-century costumes with all the frills. Guests who pause to speak to these characters or enjoy their entertaining shows will definitely feel as though they have traveled back in time to the turn of the century.

7 – Main Street Philharmonic 

You don’t want to miss the Main Street Philharmonic marching down Main Street U.S.A. This 12-piece brass and percussion ensemble performs old-school marches, big band hits, and familiar classics. Listen for songs like “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” “76 Trombones,” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” When the band is ready to exit, they usually play the “Mickey Mouse Club March.” The Main Street Philharmonic marches on Main Street, U.S.A., and at Storybook Circus in Fantasyland. Check the Times Guide for schedule and showtimes.