Flag lowering at Magic Kingdom

[Shelly888]

Any info we need to know? I thought it would be nice to take our boys.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Flag Retreat will be listed on your times guide.

 

[yulilin3]

The Flag Retreat is done everyday at 5pm. At Town Square

 

[Shelly888]

Awesome, thank you! So we just show up? Does it get crowded? Would it be rude it eat ice cream? Maybe ice cream after?

 

[yulilin3]

Awesome, thank you! So we just show up? Does it get crowded? Would it be rude it eat ice cream? Maybe ice cream after?

it doesn't get crowded, we like watching from the train station you just have to be to the sides because the Main Street Band does a song first and then goes downstairs.
I don't think it's rude to eat ice cream, they do sing the national anthem and I stop for that but there are plenty of people that keep walking. It's up to you. The whole thing lasts about 10 to 15 minutes

 

[Shelly888]

Great, thanks so much!

 

[TheBigErn]

well worth the effort to watch

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any info we need to know? I thought it would be nice to take our boys.

It's a very nice ceremony to witness.

About half way down on this thread I made some years ago about one day of a dad/daughter trip my daughter and I did are photos from a Flag Retreat. The serviceman is the dad of one of my friends from here on the dis.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/a-...e-and-more-disers-pictures-lots-sound.719694/

 

[Nancyg56]

The Flag Retreat is one of the nicest daily events in the MK, IMO. I try to be there at least one time every trip, and no matter how many times I view it, I am still very much moved.

In regards to ice cream, I would wait, but that is just me. I don't think it would be wrong for your kids to have their treat during the ceremony, but remember that the Anthem is played, so I think how you handle this depends on what you have taught the kids to do when they are present at that time. I would drop my ice cream if I tried to stand with my hand over my heart while holding a cone in the other, but kids are generally more agile than I am! LOL! If you want to get an idea, watch it on Youtube.

 

[Shelly888]

Very nice pictures and review Dan. I think we will hold off on the ice cream and give the ceremony our full attention. Both boys are scouts and they have been involved in official retirement and flag burning ceremonies, so they get it. There will be plenty of other opportunities for ice cream I think my 12 year old would probably scoff at the idea of enjoying a cone during the anthem!

 

[11290]

FR is best viewed Sunday thru Thursday when the Main St Philharmonic is a part of it. Friday & Saturday is their days off and other than the Dapper Dans, the audio track is just "canned" audio (not as good IMHO)
.

 

[thelittlemermaid2]

Flag retreat is actually something that is very cool, and I think its a shame more people don't stop to watch it. Eating ice cream would be totally fine though. I hope you like it!

 

[Mome Rath]

My family and I were there shortly after 9/11... the whole park in view of the flag came to a complete halt and everyone was silent, except for the crying. Really moving. Definitely worth doing.

 

[disnut8]

About 15 minutes beforehand, go sit on a bench facing the train station. Yes, your back will be towards the flag. Just trust me on this. After you see what you will see, you can simply turn around and watch the ceremony. Trust me on this.

 

[11290]

The Flag Retreat is done everyday at 5pm. At Town Square

Once the flag pole gets moved over by City Hall to accomodate the Christmas tree in Town Sq. the time changes. Best I remember it goes to 4:45 but best to check the times guide for sure. Seems like last few years with Castle lighting, MiSi went out early and FR had to be moved up. Not sure what the times are now as I'm not working until a bit later this month nor what decorations are in place with the taping schedule changes.

 

[Lesverts]

it doesn't get crowded, we like watching from the train station you just have to be to the sides because the Main Street Band does a song first and then goes downstairs.
I don't think it's rude to eat ice cream, they do sing the national anthem and I stop for that but there are plenty of people that keep walking. It's up to you. The whole thing lasts about 10 to 15 minutes

Last time I was near the ceremony, I was just entering Market Street when I realized that the Star Spangled Banner was playing and a lady in an ECV looks at me and says, what are you ***** French? I was completely embarrassed to not have even noticed the Flag Retreat happening, since I try to be respectful to American patriotic regalia/military salutes. But I was also really taken aback by this lady. So I responded Oui as I walked past. She was cursing at me for a bit after as I walked away. Then I noticed all the other people walking around and didn't feel as bad, but still just a bit. I grew-up in a family that was heavily involved in our local legion, so respect for these kinds of ceremonies was always expected.

 

[yulilin3]

Once the flag pole gets moved over by City Hall to accomodate the Christmas tree in Town Sq. the time changes. Best I remember it goes to 4:45 but best to check the times guide for sure. Seems like last few years with Castle lighting, MiSi went out early and FR had to be moved up. Not sure what the times are now as I'm not working until a bit later this month nor what decorations are in place with the taping schedule changes.

The schedule is out until Nov, 26th and it says 5pm

 

[stitchrulz]

We were at the Magic Kingdom on a 9/11 anniversary several years after the 2001 terror attack and made a point to attend the retreat that day. We got there a bit early and were able to get a couple of seats at the train station. The cast members lined up, waiting to do their part, then it began to rain pretty heavily and rumbled thunder. But, those cast members stood there in parade rest stance, getting drenched until the decision was made to cancel it. They received a round of applause from the crowd as they marched off. Not the memory we expected, but one we'll never forget.

 

[11290]

The schedule is out until Nov, 26th and it says 5pm

Is the tree up yet?

 

[yulilin3]

Is the tree up yet?

No it's not. But should be up by the first mvmcp next week. I'll keep a look out