For over a century, The Walt Disney Company has proudly supported, honored, and celebrated veterans and military families — including the thousands the company is honored to call its employees.
That’s why every day at Disney is Veterans Day.
And, this Veterans Day, Disney is shining a spotlight on just a few of those heroes who make magic for the company across the country.
Transitioning back to civilian life after a career in the military can have its challenges, and for the heroes highlighted in this spot, Disney offered an opportunity — not just for a new career, but also a chance to be seen, to feel supported, and to find purpose again in a place that respects where they’ve been and what they’ve sacrificed for their country.
Here’s a look at how Disney is honoring veterans through various activations and celebrations across the country.
In October, Disney worked with United Service Organizations (USO) to invite veterans to field screenings of 20th Century Studios’ Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere in Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
“Thanks Disney for tickets to the screening!” a U.S. Marine Corps service member who attended the Dallas screening said. “I have always been obsessed with ‘The Boss’ and it was a great date night out with my wife. We appreciate the support!”
ESPN also has been incorporating show integrations across its television, digital, radio, and social platforms to honor veterans — including those that work at the preeminent sports network.
As part of ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown programming on November 9, ESPN hosted its first ever in-studio, live audience — comprised of ESPN and Disney veteran employees from across the U.S. Armed Forces, along with Veterans from Disabled American Veterans and Blue Star Families. The show honored our Veterans throughout with special shoutouts of ESPN and Disney veteran employees in the audience, and involved Veterans in the audience to be a part of show segments including “You Got Mossed” with ESPN NFL Analyst and NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Randy Moss.
Through ESPN’s annual America’s Heroes Veterans Week tribute, ESPN aired special programming, including the 10th Peraton Armed Forces Classic college basketball game to kick off ESPN’s Veterans Week recognition. Additional Veterans Week programming will include The Pat McAfee Show live from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina, and special features in College GameDay, Monday Night Countdown, Monday Night Football, SportsCenter, and throughout ESPN’s college sports coverage.
Disney Experiences honored service in a variety of ways, including sharing exciting news about discounts and special America 250 offers for U.S. military service members and retired veterans to experience the wonder of Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line in 2026.
Disney Parks and Muppet Studios also shared a message from none other than our favorite patriotic Muppet, Sam Eagle. The message was recorded at The American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
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Flag ceremonies have been a daily tradition at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort since their openings in 1955 and 1971, respectively. The daily flag retreat ceremonies offer a heartfelt moment each day where the Disney community, guests, and cast members come together to pay tribute to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Today, as part of an annual Veterans Day tradition, Disney parks honors cast members who served in uniform at special flag retreat ceremonies.
At Magic Kingdom, Disney will recognize four cast members as “Veterans of the Year” who have the honor of representing all Florida-based Disney employees who are veterans. The special salute will continue later at the Disneyland flag retreat ceremony where more than 150 cast members who are veterans will march down Main Street, U.S.A. before participating in the ceremony there.
In Burbank, Disney also invited service members from Naval Base Ventura County (Port Hueneme) in collaboration with the USO to a special visit at the Walt Disney Studios lot, including a tour of the Walt Disney Archives and Walt Disney’s personal office, followed by a taping of ABC and Hulu’s Shifting Gears.
Disney’s respect for the U.S. Armed Forces dates back more than a century, beginning with founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who served their country during and after World War I. Disney is proud of its long legacy to support and honor our veterans. To learn more, visit Disney.com/Veterans.
