FROM: Wandering the World with Wally Published Mondays

All American Adventure

For Memorial Day, Wally decides to put his stalker problems behind him and celebrate the glory of America by wandering through Disney World in search of patriotic adventure. He finds it, and leaves a red, white, and blue trail for you to follow.

- by Walter Octavius March, May 30, 2011

KUNGALOOSH!

And Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day gets my patriotic juices flowing, and so I plan to wander the World, looking for examples of patriotism in the parks. Would you like to come along? Splendid! Grab your red, white, and blue shirt, and let's go!

Patriotism in Epcot

Let's head first to Epcot, where we'll find the impressive American Adventure, a 30-minute show about the history of the United States as told by audio-animatronic Ben Franklin and Mark Twain. Thirty-five different characters appear during the show, which opens with the Mayflower and ends with recent history.

Not only is the show a moving experience, but the auditorium where the show occurs is quite impressive, too. If you look around the room, you'll see 12 statues, representing the 'Spirits of America'.

Of course, my favorite is the Spirit of Adventure.

Wasn't that inspiring? Let's not dawdle, plenty more to do...

Ah, what a beautiful day, and listen: I hear the Fife and Drum Corps approaching! Let's stay and listen for a few minutes.

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy, Yankee Doodle Do or Die, hmmm hmm hmmm hmmm...

I'm sorry, my friend, but that song always makes me want to sing.

Should we now head over to the Magic Kingdom in search of more patriotism? We'll jump on the monorail and switch at the Ticket and Transportation Center.

Patriotism in the Magic Kingdom

Ah, here we are at the Magic Kingdom, where we find some patriotic magic as soon as we set foot into the park.

Right alongside City Hall is the Engine Co. 71. They numbered the Firehouse after the year Walt Disney World opened, but that isn't the patriotic magic. No, my friend, that comes from fire company patches on display from fire companies across the country.

Even if you're not a fireman, or a family member of a fireman, this is a very impressive display, and when you think of the heroes that give their lives to save others, it is indeed a magical experience.

Do you see one from your home town? Mine isn't up there either, but they do have one from my county.

Shall we move along? Very well: let's head to the Hall of Presidents.

Did you know that the Hall originally started as Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the New York's World Fair in 1964? Then it was moved to Disneyland, and when Walt Disney World opened, they brought it here to Florida.

As each new President is sworn in, the shows changes slightly. It is a very moving portrait of America's History, and something that every first-time Disney visitor should experience.

As we're leaving, let's explore Liberty Square, one of the most patriotic places in Disney World.

For example do you see that over there?

It's a replica of the Liberty Bell that was actually cast from the mold used for the original Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

Liberty Square itself is a replica of an American town from the Revolutionary Era.

If you take notice, the Liberty Tree has 13 lanterns hanging from its limbs to represent the 13 colonies.

The Daily Flag Retreat

Oh, what time do you have? Just about 5:00 PM? Very good! We need to get to Town Square on Main Street.

What's that? No, we aren't leaving, but if we don't hurry, we'll miss the ceremony. Don't worry about what ceremony - you'll see when we get there.

And here we are now! Good. it's just starting. This is probably the most Unknown Patriotic Magic in all of Walt Disney World, even though it happens every day at 5:00 PM.

Notice the man over there? He is probably a veteran, since the ceremony is usually attended by a veteran. If you also notice, the Walt Disney World Band is involved.

It's the daily Flag Retreat!

I'm moved every time I see it.

It is definitely something that will make you proud to be an American.

Do you know what would be the perfect dinner on this All American Day? A hot dog! Will you join me at Casey's Corner for a dog?

Oh, what's that, you have a reservation at 'Ohana? Very good, then, you enjoy your meal.

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy, Yankee Doodle Do or Die, hmmm hmm hmmm hmmm...

Until next time, KUNGALOOSH! And keep your eyes open for Adventure!

More: WANDERING THE WORLD WITH WALLY