Wilderness Lodge Flag Raising Ceremony

[MainStreetFireman]

My family has scheduled its first trip to WL and we are very excited!

I have heard that there is a flag raising ceremony every morning at the Lodge. Can anyone give me details on this? I understand that there is no guarantee that your family will be selected, but how do you get your name in the mix? Also, should I bring my FD dress blues to WDW, or is it more casual?

TIA for your help.

 

[eliza61]

My family has scheduled its first trip to WL and we are very excited!

I have heard that there is a flag raising ceremony every morning at the Lodge. Can anyone give me details on this? I understand that there is no guarantee that your family will be selected, but how do you get your name in the mix? Also, should I bring my FD dress blues to WDW, or is it more casual?

TIA for your help.

I believe they still have the flag raising ceremony (at least they did in August). When you check in, ask at the front desk to be the flag family. It is definitely a casual affair as most people begin their day afterwards. We tried one day but the family was already selected and then we couldn't seem to get our hinies out of bed in time for the rest of the days.
Have a great trip, WL is our favorite & thanks for being a fireman, that makes you a pretty special individual.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Once you check-in, you can ask to be a Flag Family.
2) If they are full during your trip, you can go "Wait List".

3) You meet at the Concierge Desk at approx 8:00am
4) You are taken to the roof.
5) You raise the flags and hear Flag Stories.
6) You can also take lots of pictures (you can see all four parks).
7) Four days a week, you get Ranger Stan, other days a Concierge does it.

NOTE: Rules -
. . . must be a WL guest on the night before your ceremony
. . . limited to six family members
. . . must be able to climb STEEP stairs, as roof is not handicap accessible
. . . must respect the flag
. . . sometimes small kids or babies are not allowed by CM (safety, if not behaved)
. . . will be canceled for rain or high winds

 

[MainStreetFireman]

thanks for being a fireman, that makes you a pretty special individual.

Thanks to both posters for their info, and thank you for your kind words.

I don't know where you live in New Jersey, but it is a state with many proud and dedicated volunteer community fire departments. If your town is one of them, I am sure they would welcome you stopping by to volunteer at any level. It is a pleasure and honor to serve one's community.

 

[Family24]

Hi - Two years ago in January we were the flag family. When I checked in we asked at the desk and we had 3 possible choices that week. Our family then was my husband, me, son - age 8 and daughter 4. Our kids were at the perfect age especially our son. To see them raise the flags was quite an experience. You can video tape and they give you plenty of time to take pictures. Our guide was Stan and he was great. He was an older gentlemen with lots of stories. The flag raising took about 30 minutes and was well worth it.

 

[MainStreetFireman]

Thanks for the info. My DKs (and DW) are already excited about the possibility. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the reality.