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A parade float is lit up with L.E.D. lights ad the banner reads "To Honor America". Photo is taken at night, in front of Cinderella's Castle.

TO HONOR AMERICA: Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade marches through the Magic Kingdom this summer, twinkling with approximately half a million lights. The patriotic finale float was created "To Honor America" with its giant American flag and the national symbol of the American Bald Eagle. Photo: Courtesy of Disney. Gene Duncan, photographer

This post a part of the Disney Blog Carnival!  See more entries by visiting Dismarks.com.

You may have already heard that The Main Street Electrical Parade is coming/returning to Walt Disney World on June 6, 2010. You may have even changed your reservations this summer to make sure you don’t miss it before it leaves to head back to “the left coast” on August 14, 2010. Another great time to go to Disney is July 4th, any year. Sure, it is crowded. Yes, it is hot. No, there as not as many deep discounts on hotel prices as could be found in say, the last week of January (or, ironically, on August 15th, when Value season starts).
Disney does a nice job of honoring the contributions of soldiers, veterans, and patriots of the past, all year long.
A few don’t miss events to show your love of America, whether you are born and bred, a visitor from abroad, or somewhere in between:

  • Grab some American fare at Epcot’s Liberty Inn Publick House.  While American food may mean pizza and nuggets de chicken to you, this counter service cafeteria serves foods kids, or unadventurous dads know (such as a BBQ sandwich) and Sam Adams beer.  Air conditioned, large, and if you sit outside, A.J. from The Disney Food Blog hints that you may catch a concert in the evening or Voices of Liberty singing Yankee Doodle, a capella, in the pavilion.
  • Disney has a flag retreat ceremony, each evening, at Magic Kingdom.  Your family could be selected to participate, particularly if you get guest services fast enough, and have good reason to be selected.  Enjoy The Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet, and hear the trumpets blast during this tribute to America.
  • You probably know about The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom, recently renovated and still one of the most educational ways to rest your feet, but if your home state is one for the 13 originals, try to find your state flag in the courtyard, just outside.  Yes, Maryland, I’m talking to you.
  • The best way to say, “Thank You” is with free, or inexpensive tickets.  Active or retired military personnel are eligible for special offers, including discounts on rooms of up to 40%, or park ticket packages for $99.  The Affordable Mouse tracks discounts of all kinds, each week, so make sure you are not missing out on a better deal, like free dining, by saving a few dollars on park tickets, by checking in.  Her services are free to clients.  Keep in mind, some patriotic holidays, or busy days, have black out dates for deals.  Plan accordingly.
  • On site, but not “on-property” is a resort for military families called Shades of Green.  Since we are in the metro D.C. area, lots of Moms and Dads work “for the government” or “at the airport,” and ‘nuf said.  These families are often eligible to use Shades of Green, as well, including those who are under contract with firms working for the Department of Defense, uniformed members of the Public Health service, and Coast Guard civilian employees.  Shades of Green is very close to The Polynesian, so when you are planning on getting from point A to point B, use The Poly as a landmark.  Family members separated from their loved ones who are deployed may enjoy sending emails or messages to those who could not join them from attractions like Mission Space at Epcot, where you can create a video and send it anywhere on planet Earth.

    • Visit Independence Day, or go on the fourth of “when you want to,” to avoid lines and crowds.  It is up to you.  The fireworks will be there, when, and if, you want to see them.