*Master Script display the dates “June 14, 1975 - September 6, 1976.”

“I get red, white and blue at times.”
Walt Disney was always a notable patriot! In an interview he once said: “If you could see in my eyes, the American flag is waving in both of them and my spine is growing this red, white, and blue stripe.” According to one newspaper insert published July of 1955: “When World War II broke out, scores of highly trained Disney technicians streamed into every branch of the armed service, and the studio turned unreservedly to the service of Uncle Sam.”

Naturally, a portion of Disneyland was dedicated to Main Street, U.S.A. It was there that Disneyland has held Flag Retreat ceremonies since 1955. A decade after the first Flag Retreat Ceremony, Walt and company created the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln for the New York World’s Fair and soon brought the show to Disneyland. Disneyland has always hosted patriotic holidays. Most recent (in 1971), the “I Am An American” Ceremony in Town Square commemorated both Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays over a four-day weekend owing to the newly passed Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

Then, when Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom was finally realized at Walt Disney World in Florida, the Hall of Presidents and Flag Retreats kept the patriotic flame lit.

“A salute…a celebration…of our nation’s 200th birthday year at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.”

Two-hundred years after thirteen British colonies “engaged in revolutionary battle with England,” which led to their Declaration of Independence (on July 4th, 1776), Disneyland and its affiliates would commemorate this historic event by celebrating the largest American Bicentennial in the United States of America! In twenty years Disneyland had hosted some 135 million people. By the time the United States celebrated the Bicentennial of its Declaration of Independence, Disneyland would boast its second highest peak attendance for one day - 79,680 guests - during the Park’s “Celebration Summer,” on July 4, 1975!

Disneyland Ambassador Kathy Smith and Walt Disney World Ambassador Suzy O'Hara became VISIT USA Ambassadors, “visiting major cities around the globe, conveying their message of goodwill with numerous foreign dignitaries and encouraging travel to the United States. Upon their return to the continental United States, the two ambassadors” began their U.S. itinerary, during which time they called on the 50 governors, offering a personal invitation to them, and all the residents of their state, to visit either of the Parks and hopefully join in celebration.

Now, everyone loves a parade, and a week later, Disneyland (the “national treasure”) commemorated the American Bicentennial when the three-quarters-of-a-mile-long “America on Parade” stepped off in a Press Preview performance held Thursday, June 12th, 1975, from 6p.m to 10p.m. Encore performances were held twice daily (at 3pm and 10pm), starting with a public debut performance on June 14th, 1975 (a week after Walt Disney World’s version began, on June 7, 1975)!

PRE- PRODUCTION : The parade actually began development nearly two years before the pageant’s scheduled debut. American history, people, achievements, and life styles was researched for at least a year and then concepts of floats were drawn. Models and blueprints of the parade units were soon created with maneuverability and flexibility in mind. The floats also needed to be sturdy to last 15 months of operation.

The idea of People of America - “an entire new family of Disney characters was created to… make park guests, old and young alike, see the pageant as through the eyes of a child.”

Production continued under Tom Tancredi (Project Coordinator) and Jan Slezak (Parade Coordinator). Bob Jani (known for his later work on Fantasmic) directed. Peter Larkin provided float design. Barnette Ricci, Bonnie Cox, and Marilyn Magness choreographed the action.

Within the pages of “55ers: The Pioneers,” Ray Schwartz shared : “I'm helping to coordinate the Bi-Centennial 'America On Parade! The parts are coming in from coast to coast... Florida... California…New York...Las Vegas. I have to see that it gets assembled and operating. This is the biggest project that I've ever been involved in! We have quite a lot of modifications to do...for instance, most of the floats come separately from their drive units, which we must install. Then there is quite a lot of mechanical and electrical work to do in tuning up the units. There is painting and repair work to be done to floats that were damaged en route to the Park. In particular, an airplane on a float came in, that looked like it had made a crash landing, with the undercarriage pushed up into the fuselage... fortunately, the wings were not attached! The rehearsals are going on now and the routines and costumes are something to behold! People are going to be amazed!…..the SPLENDOR...the IMAGINATION and the UNENDING hours of painstaking work to make it all work. It gives us all such a sense of accomplishment to see the parade go down the street...even in rehearsal!”

Music, as a basic ingredient of showman-ship, covers the Park. Personnel of the Walt Disney Music Library searched for tunes that would translate well through the music box or band organ blended with a Moog Synthesizer. In his Disneyland debut, Don Dorsey provided the musical arrangement of “The Glorious Fourth” by The Sherman Brothers, as well as traditional favorites like “Yankee Doodle” “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “Good Old Summertime”, “There Is No Business Like Show Business”, “This Land Is Your Land”, “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”, and “God Bless America”.

This Don accomplished in noticeably new and different styles, with custom-made punched-hole piano books (in Antwerp, Belgium), played on antique carousel organs (like the restored 1890 “Loudmouth Sadie Mae” found in the private collection of Paul Eakins, of Sikeston, Missouri). Don then superimposed synthesized effects and sounds over the arrangement. Don also developed “Mickey Track” - a computer-controlled system which controls the parade’s music along the route. This method of broadcasting taped music to separate parade units was developed just three years prior.

The result was a 30-minute limited parade, which ran twice daily (once at 3 pm in the afternoon, and once at 9 pm, before Fantasy In the Sky fireworks). Vacationland magazine (Summer, 1975) describes America on Parade as “a musical pageant…honoring America’s history, heritage, food, symbols, entertainment, recreation, and hair styles.”

A New York Times article by James T. Wooten (published February 19, 1975) elaborated on some of the specific American history showcased among the 50 parade units and their 150 eight-foot-tall “People of America”, this way :

”Included among the characters and the floats will be Columbus's discovery of the continent, the Pilgrims’ celebration of the first Thanksgiving, Benjamin Franklin, the Liberty Bell, a flat boat and a show boat, Betsy Ross and the first flag, a stagecoach and a Western town, suffragettes, schoolmarms, athletes, cheerleaders and cleaning ladies. Not incidental to the parades. according to Donald Taylor, chairman of the board of Walt. Disney Productions, will be a “salute to the great and memorable characters of the Disney imagination” namely, Dumbo, Goofy, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse.”

The 50 moving stages were built by different professional theatrical builders with a talent for constructing massive set pieces and floats. These firms were located “from sea to shining sea” - from “Pacoima, California to New York City. Other stages and settings were built in Las Vegas, Nevada and cities in Florida…Orlando, Deland, and Grant”. Some of the massive floats were too large that they required the assistance of a crane for their assembly. Two of every stage was constructed. Once completed, the stages needed to be shipped up to 3,000 miles away!

Pictured Above: ”The creation of America's 13-star red, white and blue flag is honored by Mickey and Minnie Mouse as part of Walt Disney's special salute to the nation's bicentennial celebration. Appearing as George Washington and Betsy Ross, the beloved Disney characters pay warm tribute to the 200-year-old symbol of America.”

TODAY at DISNEYLAND : Even before the United States celebrated it’s Bicentennial, Disneyland boasted its second highest peak attendance for one day - 79,680 guests, on July 4, 1975! Now, everyone loves a parade, so a week later, Disneyland commemorated the American Bicentennial with the three-quarters-of-a-mile-long America on Parade twice daily (at 3pm and 10pm), starting on June 14th, 1975 (a week after Walt Disney World’s version began)! The parade ran most days except for days of inclement weather, when it was (like some attractions) cancelled.

Guests were given a complimentary admission to The Walt Disney Story featuring Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, and also encouraged to visit America the Beautiful (through the magic of Circle-Vision 360). During the spring, South America was saluted, when vocalist Juan Mendoza also known as “El Tariacuri” appeared during Disneyland’s Viva Mexico Celebration from May 1st to 2nd. That very month, dress rehearsals were held daily (from May 27th-May 31st, June 1st, and June 7th-12th). The premier was held June 12th and June 13th, according to the “Master Event Script, Procedures and Itinerary” prepared by the Disneyland Entertainment Division.

The bigger than life panorama inspired “Disneyland’s Celebration Summer” from (July 22nd - August 2nd, 1975). American themed attractions were given special attention in the guide books and maps, and special stage shows and parades were scheduled. The thirteen original colonies were saluted by a variety of high school and college bands during the date of their admission into the union. These celebrations lasted for week-long periods, from July 6th to October 11th, 1975. The states included Washington D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and finally Rhode Island. Celebrity guests and performers made appearances when appropriate.

America on Parade was also the highlight of a 1976 television special entitled “Walt Disney’s America on Parade”, which was filmed partially in Disneyland and partially in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The television special starred Red Skelton as “Freddie the Freeloader,” and featured the Kids of the Kingdom in many musical sequences and shows created just for this television special. During the summer of 1976, special performances helped to “Celebrate America during summer nights” including The Miracles, Louie Bellson & The Big Band Explosion, Tavares, Lionel Hampton & His Big Band, Bloodstone, Dorothy Moore, Buddy Rich & The Big Band Machine, and Papa Doo Run Run up to the final days of America on Parade, 1976!

America on Parade also featured a variety of marching bands from a high schools and colleges - representatives of states holding the original 13 colonies! The Fontana Junior High School Marching Band performed in America on Parade, and the Fontana Community Youth Band was present on July 4th, 1976. San Marcos High School (Santa Barbara, California) opened and closed the 1975 and 1976 Disneyland Bicentennial “America on Parade,” A standard group of performers during this event was the All-American College Singers! A special section of the parade (and its units) also paid tribute to Disneyland’s “20 Years of Happiness,” inviting guests to “come love it again”!

Disneyland press releases advertised “the British are coming,” on June 24th, 1976! Yes, it was “a real Brithish Celebration in a special salute to America’s Bicentennial …complete with authentic Highland Dancers, Piper Shows, and a special parade!” The last parade was scheduled to occur on September 6th, but actually occurred on Sunday, September 12, 1976, at 6:00 p.m. After the parade ended, a battalion of wooden soldiers marched with a special Christmas Unit of the holiday parade from December 13 to December 31 (of 1976).

According to Vacationland (Summer, 1975), it was predicted that there would be 1,200 performances of the parade. It was also predicted that “over 25-million people are expected to view the live production during the 15 months to September 6, 1976. (A Broadway show would have to play every night for 300 years to accommodate the same number of people.)”

Now, “let’s step back into history and take a look at the first 200 years with this musical celebration.”

According to The Disneyland Dictionary (printed October of 1959): “There are many flags flown in Disneyland - atop buildings, flag poles and many of Disneyland's boats. There are American flags of today and flags of our nation's historical growth, and flags of other countries. There are also Mickey Mouse flags and the official Disneyland flag.”

FACTS ON PARADE : “A gala Independence Day celebration at the turn-of-the century perhaps best typifies the spirit in which this colorful pageant should be enjoyed.” I would like to direct your attention to the bunting on the lamp posts in the Esplanade before the Main Street Station. These represent the 4,000 American flags which were flown at both parks - Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World included. At Disneyland, signs were themed to support the stories with respectful graphics, colors, fonts, terminology, the overall design of sign, materials (wood, metal, banners, etc.), and verbiage used on the signage. More than 7,000 yards of bunting material had been created for the event, featuring star fields prominent during c. 1900. These decorations were placed on more than 130 lamp posts on Main Street U.S.A. (in both parks) to contribute toward a feeling of carefree delight and unbounded patriotism.

From the heights of the Main Street Station Esplanade, Disneyland was all decked out for the American Bicentennial!

Red, white, and blue American bunting and drapery added color to the Double Decked Omnibus of Main Street U.S.A.!

Back in 1974, the Grand Canyon Car sat in the Backstage area, but thanks to the efforts of Disneyland Transportation Head Ken Kohler and Bill Cottrel it was transformed and rebranded. Soon, the car had been given a new paint scheme and interior décor, and Disneyland Railroad No. 1 was renamed the Bicentennial Special celebrating 200 years of American freedom, from 1776 to 1976. Its Lilly Belle observation car (or, Presidential Parlour Car) became one of the most sought after VIP attractions inside Disneyland, first experienced by Japanese Emperor Hirohito. Meanwhile Guests commemorated the magic through souvenir Fun Photos in costume.

Crowds of spectators arrive at Disneyland’s Plaza, securing a place where spectators achieve a panoramic (and unobstructed) view the passing pageantry of America on Parade.

The first float not only represents the Disneyland show, but the United States of America.

FACTS ON PARADE : This Opening Unit float is based on an illustration of Mickey, Goofy, and Donald, that was first featured on a July 1939 issue of “Mickey Mouse Magazine,” (a forerunner of the popular Walt Disney’s comic books and stories)! Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck ride atop three giant drums (this isn’t the first time Mickey Mouse has rode atop a big bass drum at the lead of a Disneyland parade). Mickey Mouse bears the 13-star flag of the United States, while Goofy beats “Yankee Doodle” on an old washtub, and Donald joins him on the fife. All three wear traditional drum and fife uniforms, beneath a giant eagle (with its wings spread wide). The cover was 36 years old by the time it was referenced for the America on Parade opening unit float.

“Early one dawn in 1492, Christoper Columbus daringly set sail on unknown seas to find a new passage to the East Indies. This courageous voyage brought him to the shores of the New World!”

Everything about America On Parade (from the backdrops to the “People of America”) were created to tower over guests and Main Street.

DEBBIE REMEMBERS DRIVING THOSE CUSTOM FLOATS :

“I was hired as a float driver for America on Parade. Originally I was hired for the radio, part of the inventions section, but we ended up switching around a lot. I drove the Discovery ship, the 2nd one in the parade (a lot). I had to lie on my stomach on something like a padded slanted board and steer with handle bars that were underneath me. There was a throttle on the handlebar…just like a motorcycle… I looked out the portholes in the bow…Brakes were at the bottom of the ramp…To brake, I had to slide down the board, because I was really to short to reach.

It was my first job and the people I worked with were wonderful. Even though most of us were pretty young, it did feel like we were part of something unique and special. It was a fun work environment, so I remember it fondly.

Many others (like Debbie) would submit written or typed inquiries about employment, swiftly receiving letters similar to the following.

Below is one Inter-Office Communication announcing the addition of new Division Captains among the Summer staff. The Summer staff was largely comprised of Seasonal Employees who were employed for a specific period of expanded activity at Disneyland (such as the summer, Christmas and Easter seasons). Seasonal employees would not become permanent employees unless transferred to the permanent employee group by the supervisor in charge of the activity in which they are working.

FACTS ON PARADE : These massive toylike structures were more than twenty feet in height on average,so each one had to be flexible in order to maneuver down the parade route.

“When the pilgrims first settled in the ‘New World’, only aid from the Native American Indians helped them survive, and in gratitude, they set aside a day of Thanks Giving.”

“Starting a new life wasn’t all fun. Hard work and discipline were required…and being locked all day in the stocks,…”

“…or plunged into chilly water on the dunking stool served as discipline for those who were ‘mischievous’.”

According to “THE DISNEY THEME SHOW: an introduction to the art of Disney outdoor entertainment; Volume 2”: “What we create here is a storybook realism… an essence of realism and authenticity... more utopian in nature, more romanticized, more like what guests imagined it would be. All the negative, unwanted elements are carefully programmed out, while the positive elements are not only retained but in some cases even embellished for better entertainment.” This guiding principle has affected Disneyland Show since the beginning and can be seen in this colorful America on Parade float.

“One man who played a part in the development of these soon-to-be-called ‘United States’ was Benjamin Franklin. This man carried the word from the colonies to the King of England, that this new land - America - wanted its independence!”

“When he returned from England with the King’s denial, the colonists knew that they would have to fight for their independence.”

“Let freedom be heard…”

“…and let the Liberty Bell ring out across the land!”

Each performance of America on Parade features some Anaheim high school or college band as part of the finale. The participants received academic credits and work-experience payments for complimenting the parade’s “People of America” cast. Here the flag bearers carry the United States flag (right), the American Revolution Bicentennial flag (center), and another flag (left).

On the “note” of Independence Day, let’s take a moment to remember July 4th, 1976 at Disneyland!  As mentioned above, the parade’s patriotic theme (“The Glorious Fourth”) was written by The Sherman Brothers. An adapted musical arrangement was then provided by Don Dorsey. Finally, these were memorialized in souvenir “songbooks” which were distributed to guests on the final day (July 4th, 1976), so that they could share in the festivities along the parade’s route!

The cover featured an illustration of Mickey, Goofy, and Donald, similar to one that was first featured on a July 1939 issue of “Mickey Mouse Magazine”, (a forerunner of the popular Walt Disney’s comic books and stories). It also referenced to design America on Parade’s opening float. As such, this same iconic illustration was utilized on a variety of packaging - saltwater taffy boxes, popcorn boxes, hotdog wrappers, as well as wax and styrofoam cups to name a few.

The back of the songbook also featured a special quote from Walt Disney, memorializing his own patriotic sentiments!

“A woman patriot - Betsy Ross - hand-sewed the first American flag in June of 1776 in Philadelphia at the request of America’s first general George Washington.”

Facts On Parade : Betsy Ross’ rocking chair is a towering twenty feet high!

“Pushing across the frontiers into the west, pioneers made their way in covered wagons. New land was being explored. America was expanding.”

“The great Mississippi River - commercial highway, romantic waterway, inspired many legends in American history. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn lived and played along the mighty river banks.”

“Along the shores of this great river, carefree tunes could be heard from the colorful showboats filled with people enjoying the festivities of a romantic Mississippi!”

While we wait for the steamship stage to approach, we are serenaded by the familiar tune of “Waitin’ For The Robert E. Lee”!

Some of the overhead props for the “Mississippi Steamboat Unit” (or “Showboat” Unit) were repurposed from the “Cinderella’s Ball Unit” of the “Main Street Electrical Parade”.

“America began moving faster, and faster!…More rails were being laid.”

“Thousands of people surged westward, hoping to carve their fortunes from the dusty hills!”

“Men and women together, would shape the nation’s destiny.”

“Phonographs brought the symphony orchestra into every home.”

FACTS ON PARADE :  More than 100 musical moving stages were created for the pageant!

“Not to be outdone by television, the movie industry has created even wider screens and bigger sounds for movie fans who flock to the neighborhood theatres to see the latest in extravagant productions as well as old favorites like The Three Little Pigs!”

“The Circus comes to town, still dazzling spectators from coast to coast, giving us all a chance to step into a world of fantasy. America loves to be entertained, and America knows how to please her audiences.”

“The United States of America - from the beginning, discovery, contribution, achievements, to this very moment of the 200-year celebration of our independence!”

A parade unit representing a local Yorba Linda school helps Celebrate America!

The narrator of the 1976 souvenir Walt Disney Production concludes : “God bless America! May Liberty’s flaming torch, and our great symbols of freedom shine like beacons, and inspire all mankind to live together in peace and harmony!”

FINALE : “In the Spirit of ‘76, Walt Disney Productions proudly presented America on Parade - a salute to America’s 200th birthday - Two centuries filled with challenges, achievements, and world contributions.“ In the end, Disneyland’s America on Parade would feature 50 floats, more than 200 performers (150 of which performed as eight foot tall “People of America”), augmented by high school and college marching bands, parading a total of 603 times.

Roy Williams (the “Big Mooseketeer”) previously made an appearances drawing funny faces and signing his autograph for fans of both the Mickey Mouse Club and Walt Disney’s cast of licensed characters. Now, one of the last Press photos taken of Roy at Disneyland, is this photograph taken during Disneyland’s salute to America’s Bicentennial Celebration (pictured above). Roy’s appearance coincided with the Disneyland’s America on Parade American Bicentennial celebration. You may recollect that the Fantasyland Theater was concurrently running a Cartoon Festival of classic Mickey Mouse short films at this time, in an effort to acquaint a whole new generation with the timeless characters. Roy Williams continued to make artistic contributions toward employee publications, and quick drawings for guests, until his passing on November 7, 1976.

The America on Parade Float “Spirit of ‘76” Driver prepares his float to “step off” and head down the route.

Pictured : Far away from “step off,” a procession of floats from the “Phonograph,” “Radio,” and “Transportation” units await showtime, in a Backstage area near the Parade Float Warehouse and Distribution Center!

America on Parade Float Driver Debbie remembers : “The parade went from [its a] Small World to Main Street [U.S.A.] in the afternoon, parked in the back and went the other direction for the evening parade. Days when there was only one parade we had to wait until closing to get the floats back to the warehouse. We always worked a split shift.”

Among the guests to enjoy America on Parade were attendees of Family Fun Nights at Disneyland.

There were quite a few V.I.P. guests of note, including the historical visit of their majesties Emperor Hirohito and the Empress of Japan, who visited Disneyland on Wednesday, October 8th, 1975.

Robert F. Jani (America on Parade Director) personally thanked all participating Cast Members for their individual and group efforts and involvement in this lively representation of America’s national history. His sincerest gratitude was partially expressed through these special personally signed message cards, in addition to Certificates of Appreciation! Many of the “people” on parade were local high school students!

Presented in celebration of our nation's 200th birthday year at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World (from June of 1975 to September of 1976), America on Parade has been preserved in this publication produced for Cast Members. According to the introduction: ”The following information on America on Parade and related topics has been compiled by Walt Disney Productions as a quick reference index to facts, figures and other valuable information pertaining to the Disney organization's Bicentennial activities.”

America on Parade was a Good Show - supporting a positive Disney image! Naturally, “Celebrate America ‘76” immediately followed Disneyland’s celebration of the American Bicentennial. Since then the patriotic celebration would become a tradition for a few years.

The Double Decked Omnibus (decorated with red, white, and blue ribbons and bunting) carries the All-American College Singers down Main Street U.S.A. to “Celebrate America”!

The Celebrate America event and Celebrate America Parade returned February 10, 11 & 12, 1979. It was heralded as the “red, white, and blue Parade of American Music” with “a rousing grand finale, including daytime fireworks”. Disneyland’s Celebrate America Parade starred the Walt Disney’s Cast of Characters, Disneyland’s Cast of entertainers, in addition to school marching bands and representatives of other organizations. Another monumental lineup of performances were arranged - The Miracles (June 19 - 25), Louie Bellson & His Big Band Explosion (June 19 - 26), Tavares (August 1-6), Lionel Hampton & His Big Band (August 1 - 7), and Papa Doo Run Run (July 31st - August 1 ; September 4th and 5th), Bloodstone with Dorothy Moore (August 29 - September 3rd), and Buddy Rich & The Big Band Machine (August 29 - September 4).

“You Deserve a Medal Too” - Disneyland’s Celebrate America Parade returned again over the next few years, even saluting the U.S. Olympic Team for four consecutive weekends (during February 19, & 20, 26 & 27, and March 5 & 6, and 12 & 13, of 1983), from 9a.m. to midnight. During these dates, Disneyland donated $1.00 per ticket sold to the U.S. Olympic Training Fund. The “Discover America” promotional contest offered each guest the opportunity to win prizes - Disneyland Passports (no expiration date) or Olympics pins, redeemed at the Carefree Corner on Main Street U.S.A.! This was dome through the use of rub-off game pieces, and prizes were redeemed at Carefree Corner!

The year 1984 C. Robert Moore (former of the Disneyland Paint Department) who was previously chosen to officially sign, Walt Disney’s signature, and had designed the Walt Disney commemorative stamp in 1968, now created the Sam the Eagle mascot for the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Chip ‘n Dale lead the head of Disneyland’s Celebrate America Parade down Matterhorn Road!

Grand Marshall Mickey Mouse rides aboard one of four Disneyland Horseless Carriages with curved-dashes, built especially for V.I.P. guests! Behind Mickey Mouse, marches the Cavaliers - a Youth Organization affiliated with the local Elks Lodge of Whittier!

Mariachi San Marcos (appeared continuously in Frontierland, Thursday thru Monday) and also marched in the Celebrate America Parade alongside the Three Caballeros!

A marathon of Walt Disney’s cast of characters March today, wearing medals in honor of the visiting United States Olympians!

The parade would return again during 1984, in the form of Olympic Spirit Weekends (March 3 & 4, 1984). United States Olympians (and medallists) from various years, were on hand to meet and greet guests (and autograph photos) at several locations around Disneyland (including the Small World Mall Area. A “We the People Ceremony” (narrated by a famous U.S. Olympian) took place twice daily at the Main Street Train Station, both the Flag Raising Ceremony and a Flag Retreat Ceremony occurred once a day at 9:30a.m. and 5:15p.m., and the American Gazette Parade ran twice a day (at 12:00 and 5:30p.m.).

All guests were eligible to win an all-expense paid trip for two to the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Three other First Prizes included a trip to Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. As the slogan “You Deserve a Medal, Too” declared, guests were awarded limited commemorative solid bronze medals (one-of-a-kind Disney collectables) with their Olympic Spirit Passport purchases during this event! The admission tickets were attached to the backs of Adult Passports ($10.00) and Child Passports ($7.00). Other merchandise (like Olympics pins featuring Walt Disney’s characters, and a limited lithograph by Charles Boyer) commemorated the event!

“School Marching Bands on Parade” - Though it was Disneyland’s most well known salute to America, America on Parade was not the first patriotic celebration produced for Disneyland (e.g. the “I Am An American Ceremony,” February 19, 1972, starring high student trumpeters, flag girls, choruses and bands performing patriotic songs as America the Beautiful, God Bless America, I Am An American, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and the Star Spangled Banner). Over the next few years, the tradition of exclusive patriotic parades and shows continued.

“Honor America” (on February 9 & 10, 1980) was celebrated during the 25th anniversary year. The American Gazette Parade (pictured above) also featured a variety of marching bands from a high schools and colleges. This American Gazette Parade was held twice daily - at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. during 1983, and later during Disneyland’s 30th year celebration in 1985!