Disney Collaborates with Navy Welfare Association to Deliver Exceptional Experience for American Troops
Disney Honours U.S. Military with Special Events and Partnerships
On June 14, 2025, the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division Band marched in Disney's celebration of the U.S. Army's 250th birthday at Disneyland. The troops joined forces with Disneyland's Dapper Dans, the Disneyland Band, and Rear Admiral Richard W. Meyer for a flag retreat ceremony.
This event was part of Disney's ongoing efforts to support and honour American servicemembers. Throughout the year, Disney has hosted multiple events for troops, including a special flag retreat ceremony on the July 4 weekend.
Disney's relationship with the military stretches back to its founders, who served in World War I. Beyond entertainment, Disney has a history of producing military training films during WWII and the Cold War era, and ongoing collaborations with U.S. defense agencies.
In addition, Disney offers benefits and tributes to military personnel at its parks, such as free admission for military members and special pre-show tributes recognising Walt Disney's legacy and inspiring stories.
One of Disney's most recent initiatives was a partnership with the Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) organization to host secret screenings of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps for thousands of service members, including those stationed abroad at places like Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. These screenings included special elements such as a greeting from Marvel’s Executive Producer and secure transportation of the film to maintain the surprise.
Disneyland also gave 100 U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines a surprise day at Disneyland during Los Angeles Fleet Week. The highly-anticipated movie "Lilo & Stitch" made $218 million during its opening weekend.
The movie "Lilo & Stitch" has now joined the billion-dollar club. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige made a statement about the Fantastic Four's role in the comics and upcoming films, stating that they will be established in an alternate universe, separate from previous movies.
These initiatives demonstrate Disney's multifaceted approach to honouring and supporting U.S. military personnel through entertainment, cultural recognition, and direct morale programs.
- Disney's ongoing initiatives extend beyond entertainment, encompassing various sectors like movies-and-tv, general-news, and politics, as they partner with the Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) organization to screen Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps for thousands of service members, featuring special elements and secure transportation.
- In the realm of entertainment, politics, and general-news, Disney's movie "Lilo & Stitch" garnered significant attention, earning a spot in the billion-dollar club, while simultaneously offering tributes and benefits to military personnel, such as free admission for military members at their parks.
