How Walt Disney World Honors September 11th

Every year when September rolls around, I get messages from people who feel a little strange about being at Disney World on the 11th. Is it okay to be in the parks? Does Disney acknowledge the day at all? I want to answer that honestly, because I think it is one of the more meaningful things about Walt Disney World, and it is easy to miss if you do not know where to look.

The short answer: yes, you can absolutely be here, and yes, there are places built for exactly the kind of quiet moment you might be looking for. 🤍

A little history

On September 11, 2001, Walt Disney World closed. Guests were calmly walked out of the parks, the gates shut, and the resort stayed dark for the rest of the day. It is one of only a handful of times in the company's history that has happened. Cast members who were working that morning still talk about it, and I think it matters to know that this place has its own memory of that day.

The Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom

This is the big one, and it happens every single day, not just on September 11th.

In the late afternoon (usually around 5:00 p.m., but always check the daily times in My Disney Experience), a color guard, a Disney band, and the Dapper Dans gather at the flagpole in Town Square at Magic Kingdom to lower the American flag. There is a Veteran of the Day who walks with the color guard and is recognized by name. There is the national anthem. Main Street goes still in a way it never does otherwise.

If you or someone in your party is a veteran or active duty, stop by City Hall in the morning of your visit and ask about being the Veteran of the Day. It is first come, first served and it is free. I have watched families completely fall apart in the best way during this ceremony.

A few things I would tell a friend:

• Get to Town Square about fifteen minutes early and stand near the flagpole or along the curb.
• Hats off, phones down if you can manage it.
• On September 11th specifically, expect the ceremony to feel weightier, and expect flags around the resort to fly at half staff when that has been directed nationally.

One detail I love: most of the flags along Main Street, U.S.A. are not official American flags. They are missing a star or a stripe on purpose, which means they do not need to be lowered and retired each day under the flag code. The one true flag is the one in Town Square, and that is the one the ceremony honors.

Also, take a second at the Main Street Fire Station. Engine Co. 71 is a genuine nod to firefighters, and it hits differently in September.

Where to go if you want a quiet moment

The American Adventure at [EPCOT](/parks/epcot). If you only do one thing, do this. Get there early enough to hear Voices of Liberty in the rotunda. Eight voices, no microphones, marble walls. Then walk through the Hall of Flags and sit for the show itself. It is the most reflective half hour on Disney property.

Liberty Square. The Liberty Tree, the thirteen lanterns, the bells. It is a small area but it is a good place to slow down.

The Tree of Life at [Animal Kingdom](/parks/animal-kingdom). Not patriotic, just peaceful. Find a bench on the Discovery Island trails and let the day be what it is.

What I wear that day

I keep it simple. Nothing loud. Usually a plain white or navy dress, my most comfortable sneakers, and either my simplest ears or none at all. There are lovely Americana ears in the parks if that feels right to you, and I have a few favorites over on the ears page. But honestly, no ears is also a completely fine choice on September 11th.

One planning note

If you have any say in your schedule, put Magic Kingdom on September 11th and build your afternoon around the Flag Retreat. Book a late lunch nearby, ride a few things in the morning, then plan to be in Town Square by 4:45. It makes the day feel intentional instead of accidental. If you are still mapping out your week, my itinerary and dining pages can help you shuffle things around.

Being happy here is not disrespectful. Standing still for a few minutes is a beautiful way to hold both things at once.