[DisneyDriver]

Disney's U.S. Theme Parks Join ``Operation Tribute to Freedom'' to Pay Special Tribute to U.S. Troops on July 4

____Entertainment Editors/Feature Editors/Business Editors/Calendar
____Editors

____ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 3, 2003--

Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort Announce Bi-Coastal Salute

____Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. today announced a star-spangled celebration planned for July 4th that will honor American men and women in uniform "from sea to shining sea."
____Disney officials said Main Street, U.S.A. at both theme parks will simultaneously turn red, white and blue with patriotic pride as Walt Disney Parks & Resorts join in the U.S. Department of Defense's "Operation Tribute to Freedom" initiative. The nationwide program encourages Americans to show appreciation for the U.S. armed forces, both home and abroad, with acts of support. (More information about "Operation Tribute to Freedom" can be obtained online at the Defense Department's site, www.defendamerica.mil.)
____"On the day we celebrate independence, it is fitting for us to join the Department of Defense's 'Operation Tribute to Freedom' initiative to show our gratitude and support for those who continue to fight for the freedoms we are so fortunate to enjoy," said Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Our coast-to-coast salute will honor American armed forces and their families, stretching from sea to shining sea."

____Here's a glance at the simultaneous events that will take place at both parks:

____At the Disneyland Resort in California: A marching band, Disney characters and a color guard will escort a parade of members of the U.S. armed forces down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park. Patriotic music and a shower of red, white and blue confetti highlight the ceremony that will include Disney cast members and theme park guests.
____At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida: Hundreds of Magic Kingdom cast members will create a giant patriotic banner on Main Street, U.S.A. as thousands of guests wave flags to join in. Members of the U.S. armed forces will lead the procession to the park's Town Square. Joined by Mickey Mouse, Disney entertainer Billy Flanagan will perform "God Bless the U.S.A." as the 250-foot red, white and blue banner is unfurled, the stars and stripes extending the length of the famous street. The mid-afternoon celebration will climax with patriotic pyrotechnics bursting high above Main Street and near the park's famous centerpiece, Cinderella Castle.
____Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' involvement in the Department of Defense's "Operation Tribute to Freedom" is part of a larger Walt Disney Company effort to show support for U.S. troops at home and abroad.




--
Active U.S. military personnel enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney's U.S. theme parks and discounts aboard Disney Cruise Line during "Disney's Armed Forces Salute," which will continue through Dec. 19, 2003 for Disney theme parks and through Dec. 18, 2003 for Disney Cruise Line. For more information and specific offer guidelines, military personnel may call 714/956-6424 (Disneyland Resort); 407/939-7424 (Walt Disney World Resort) or 888/325-2500 (Disney Cruise Line). Information can be also obtained online at disneyland.com/military and disneyworld.com/military.

--
In addition to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the scope of Disney's efforts includes several initiatives through ABC, ESPN, The Disney Channel, Disney Consumer Products and The Walt Disney Studios. The Walt Disney Company and ESPN are USO World Sponsors, providing more than $1 million in financial aid, in-kind support, outreach and marketing efforts on behalf of the USO and its programs. In May and June 2003, Disney presented "Armed Forces Sneak Peek PremEARS" at various military bases.

--
In addition, DisneyHand has donated more than 200,000 videos and DVDs to families and personnel on U.S. military bases around the world and provided a combination of first-run movies, library classics, and ESPN The Magazine for troops. And, ABC-TV's Drew Carey, star of "The Drew Carey Show" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and former member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has visited and entertained troops several times over the past two years.

--
The Walt Disney Company employees continue the tradition of running Disney's Operation Uplift, through which employees send messages of support and thanks to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen.

__________________

Lanyards are hidden hidden. Turn them on in your options

"...and you'll want to stow away cameras, purses, hats, and of course...these little
beauties!"



Click here to become a Talk Disney Premium Member