Discovering the Patriotic Side of Disney

When I have the luxury of heading to Walt Disney World for a solo trip I find myself just wandering the parks and experiencing the magic at a really slow pace.

As I think back one of my most memorable solo afternoons was at the American Pavilion in Epcot.  I spent time exploring all the exhibits and talking to many of the Cast Members working there.

My absolute favorite thing to do any time I am in the World Showcase is going to watch the Voices of Liberty.  Even if I do not have time to go to The American Experience I still stop by to hear their 15 minute show.  This day I actually was there long enough to catch them twice!

They did many songs from the American Revolution era I had never heard before and they sing so beautifully you cannot help being moved.  But honestly I think my favorite time to see them is during Christmas when they add caroling to their list of songs.

The highlight of this visit was not the Voices of Liberty but the Drum and Fife Corp.  I have seen them before but this day it seemed to be a bit different.  A bit more patriotic.  You could tell the Cast Member leading the Corp believed the part he was playing and really wanted everyone to play a part.

They started off by having everyone sing the Star Spangled Banner.  The crowd stopped, men took their hats off, and everyone put their hand over their heart.  Then they did a medley of patriotic tunes and asked the kids to come up to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.  About 10 kids ranging in age from 6 to 12 came up and they all knew the words.  In times where many schools don’t even teach the Pledge of Allegiance anymore this was quite touching.  The Corp then finished up with all of us singing God Bless America.  It reminded me of when I was a kid and we did these things on a regular basis.  Guess it shows my age, but I miss the patriotism.

After the Corp had finished I went up and thanked them for the show and leading us all in song.  They had noticed me because I was taking photos and asked if I had any good shots.  They told me how much they loved their job in the Corp and it always touches them when others join in.

Once the Corp had left I did some touring of the pavilion.  I met up with a Cast Member who showed me around and highlighted some of the ‘special’ paintings. (I don’t want to spoil it so you will have to ask them yourself)

He also pointed out all the silhouettes on the wall around the pavilion.  These silhouettes are not just props.  On the day the pavilion opened all the Cast Members working that first shift went over to the Magic Kingdom and had their silhouettes created. These are the silhouettes you see hanging on the walls now….

I spent a couple of hours that day exploring the pavilion and I could have spent a couple of more.  It was a great afternoon that helped me remember why I am happy to be an American.

Check out more of my solo adventures on our Trip Reports Page