Celebrating July Fourth with Walt Disney

 by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 4, 2024

 

Walt Disney was a patriotic guy, and he served up lots of quotes reflecting his love for America. But there was a depth to Disney’s patriotism that captured what’s been best about the United States. 

The following five quotes that I selected came from two wonderful books of quotes from Walt Disney on all kinds of matters – i.e., Walt's Words: Quotations of Walt Disney with Sources by Jim Korkis, and The Official Walt Disney Quote Book from the staff of the Walt Disney Archives. Hopefully, these capture the depth of Walt’s love for and understanding of America, as we celebrate the nation’s July Fourth birthday.

 

Walt understood that parts of the foundation upon which America is built are freedom and optimism about the future. Walt was speaking to his own time and to ours:

 

“Once a man has tasted freedom he will never be content to be a slave. That is why I believe that this frightfulness we see everywhere today is only temporary. Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life.” (Korkis)

 

There’s a reason why people want to come to America, and that has been the case throughout our history to this very day. Even with all of our shortcomings and failures, America is, as Walt says in this next quote, about tolerance, democracy and freedom – and under freedom, it’s clear that people see opportunity, i.e., the freedom to make a better life:

 

“All men will want to be free and share our way of life. There must be so much that I should have said and haven’t. What I will say now is just what most of us are probably thinking every day. I thank God and America for the right to live and raise my family under the flag of tolerance, democracy, and freedom.” (Korkis)

 

Unlike many today, Walt understood that there is a price for freedom. Freedom, as they say, isn’t free. And having gratitude for those who have secured our freedoms is very American, as is helping others in their struggle for freedom:

 

“The liberties which we enjoy and take for granted didn’t just happen. They had to be won. Even today, there are parts of the world where the fight for freedom is still going on.” (Korkis)

 

Walt loved Abraham Lincoln, as should all Americans. Disney understood that the principles of the American Revolution weren’t fully realized until we fought a bloody Civil War, with Lincoln, flaws and all (as we all have), leading the way:

 

“Most Americans will agree with me that no man has had more of a positive impact on a nation than Abraham Lincoln has on our country. Yet I have always felt that too few people realize that Lincoln’s concepts and philosophies are as useful, as necessary, as applicable today as they were when he pronounced them a century ago. His analysis of freedom and its true meaning, his approach to justice and equality, his own courage and strength – all areas vital in the 1960s as they were during the mid-1800s.” (Korkis)

 

It's striking how often Americans need to be reminded that freedom of speech and the free exchange of ideas are parts of what makes America great. To those who lack faith in their own ideas and beliefs to the point that they wish to take away the freedoms of others, well, Walt Disney wisely would disagree:

 

“Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards, the things we live by and teach our children are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings.” (Archives)

 

Thanks Walt, and God bless, America!

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more.

 

Never miss any new book by Ray Keating by joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship with Ray Keating at

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship.

 

Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• The Alliance of Saint Michael novels – Cathedral and Subversion – are at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.raykeatingbooksandmore.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Celebrating July Fourth with Captain America

 by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 3, 2024

 

Since I was a kid, I’ve been a big Captain America fan. Captain America, a.k.a. Steve Rogers, not only tapped into patriotic little Ray, but, as I’ve written before, Captain America comic books planted in me a love of reading. That, of course, led to my own efforts as a writer.

So, here are some of my favorite quotes from Captain America for July Fourth, Independence Day…

 

“Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world – ‘No, you move.’” 

- Captain America, 

from Amazing Spider- Man #537 by J. Michael Straczynski

 

“As long as freedom may be threatened – Captain America must follow his destiny – wherever that may lead!”

- Captain America

from Captain America #100 by Stan Lee

 

“I will not tolerate – I will not allow – any talk of the necessity of necessary evil. I have spent my life on that line and every time I’ve seen someone cross it, death and horror and shame was what followed. So I refuse to entertain it.”

- Captain America,

from New Avengers (Vol. 3) #2 by Jonathan Hickman

 

“You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing.”

- Captain America

from The Avengers movie

 

“The price of freedom is high, it always has been. And it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not.” 

- Captain America

from Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie

 

“I fought your kind every day of that war, Zemo! You mocked democracy and said that free men were weak! Well feel this grip, Zemo — it's the grip of a man who loves liberty! Look into the eyes of your foe, and know that he will die for his freedom! The world must never again mistake compassion for weakness! And while I live — it had better not!”

- Captain America, 

from Avengers #6 by Stan Lee

 

Thanks to all of the comic book artists and writers who worked on Cap in his stand alone book and part of the Avengers, and got me interested in Captain America, including Cap’s creators Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. God bless, America!

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more.

 

Never miss any new book by Ray Keating by joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship with Ray Keating at

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship.

 

Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• The Alliance of Saint Michael novels – Cathedral and Subversion – are at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.raykeatingbooksandmore.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Special Fireworks Shows Set for Disney World

by Beth Keating

Theme Park Life

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 28, 2024

 

If you’ll be lucky enough to be in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for the Fourth of July, you’ll get to experience a unique fireworks show that only happens for two nights a year.

“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” happens on July 3rd and July 4th, 2024, at 9:20 p.m.  The soundtrack accompanying the show overhead is, as you’d guess, a very patriotic one, and the castle will be lit up in red, white and blue finery as well.  A DJ will be on the castle forecourt during various points in the evening, and the atmosphere is high-energy.

The fireworks seem even more over the top than the normal “Happily Ever After” shows (which will not take place on those evenings), and if you find yourself staying at one of the monorail loop hotels (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian), you can usually catch the fireworks from your hotel as well.  If you aren’t staying there, be aware that the security at the hotels on those evenings is especially tight, and only hotel guests with reservations are generally permitted on those beaches to catch the show.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Over at EPCOT, a special nighttime spectacular will also take place on July 4^th at 9 p.m.  Immediately after EPCOT’s nightly show, “Luminous,” a special holiday tribute fireworks display called “The Heartbeat of Freedom” will wow guests.  And you get two shows back-to-back!  On your way out of the park, you’ll also have a chance to view Spaceship Earth and the surrounding gardens sparkling in red, white and blue lighting.

During the day at EPCOT, drop in to the American Adventure pavilion to listen to the music of the “Voices of Liberty.”  They are phenomenal, and one of our favorite things about visiting World Showcase.  In the rotunda of the American Adventure, you can also see the newly installed portraits of servicemen and women done by President George Bush.  The paintings, “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” are on loan to Disney for a limited time.

If you don’t plan on sticking around at the parks during the nighttime shows, be sure to keep an eye out during the day for Mickey and the gang, dressed in their patriotic “Spirit of ‘76” costumes!

 

__________

 

Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Get The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution by Ray Keating. More information at

https://raykeatingbooksandmore.com/shop/ols/products/disneyplanner.  A PDF version is available here.  And please listen to the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast.  

Celebrating July Fourth at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

 by Ray Keating

Lifestyle

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 4, 2023

 

Happy Independence Day!

Yesterday, my wife and I decided to take in the July Fourth celebration at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. There were dance parties, plenty of bunting, and of course, fireworks. And the fireworks show was spectacular, including in terms of its scope. And we felt a calling to the Hall of Presidents for July Fourth as well (despite the dicey history that invades the movie on occasion). Enjoy the video above, which provides a flavor of the festivities.

Also, we went to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café for the soothing sounds of Sonny Eclipse and a burger. Sonny was fine. My burger was, well, the worst I’ve ever had at Disney World. I’ll try to make up for that today, with hot dogs and far better homemade burgers while watching baseball. Can’t get much more July 4th than that. 

 

God bless America!

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael novels; and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? 

 

Consider books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. You can order the latest book in the series – Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Get the signed books here, or paperbacks and Kindle editions right here.

 

• Order The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle editions and paperbacks via Amazon here and signed books here. And don’t forget the first book in this growing series, i.e., The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks at RayKeatingOnline.com or paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions at Amazon.com.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel. Signed paperbacks and/or paperbacks, hardcovers and the Kindle edition at Amazon. 

 

• The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from the Christian faith.

 

• Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  –  signed books  or at  Amazon.

 

•  Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know is available at  Amazon  in paperback or for the Kindle edition, and signed books at  www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Walt Disney on the Blessings of America

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #80 – Walt Disney on the Blessings of America – Walt Disney was a patriot in the best sense of the word, and offered some rather profound insights on being an American.

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

July 4th: Walt Disney and America on Parade

by Ray Keating

Feature Story

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 4, 2020

On July Fourth each year, we Americans celebrate the birth of our nation. Independence Day marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Disney traditionally has been at the forefront of this celebration each year. After all, Walt Disney very much was a patriot who loved history and this country. He once said, “I believe that this spiritual and intellectual freedom which we Americans enjoy is our greatest cultural blessing. Therefore, it seems to me, that the first duty of culture is to defend freedom and resist all tyranny.” He also struck a note of gratitude about this nation: “I thank God and America for the right to live and raise my family under the flag of tolerance, democracy, and freedom.”

And Walt’s patriotism was distinctly American in that he saw the value of our past, and was optimistic about the future. In Beyond the Wisdom of Walt,  Jeffrey Barnes noted, “When leading, people don’t care about where you’ve been— past credentials, past experiences, past exploits. What they care about is their future— and as much as Walt Disney was patriotic about the past, he was equally fervent about moving forward into the future.” Indeed, Walt summed it up best, “Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life.” As Americans do at their best, Walt tied together the past with the present and the future.

With all of this in mind, YouTube offers us opportunities to take note of the Walt Disney Company’s celebration of American Bicentennial in 1976. First, there’s “America on Parade,” which was held at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland from June 1975 to September 1976. As Dave Smith noted in Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia: 

“Disney designers, led by entertainment head Bob Jani came up with special floats and a series of costumes featuring oversized heads that told the story of America’s history, culture, and achievements, from its pioneers to present, all marching to a sound track of American popular songs recorded from a band organ, the Sadie Mae. The parade was led by Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy as the ‘Spirit of ’76.’”

For good measure, there was an “America on Parade” TV special that aired on April 3, 1976.

God bless, America!

__________

See related...

“Walt Disney Quotes About the USA on Independence Day”

__________

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution (now available at a deep discount) and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

Is There More than BBQ’d Burgers and Hot Dogs on July 4th? Yes, According to the Disney Parks

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 2, 2019

My idea of July Fourth food fare tends to be limited to the traditional grouping of hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken on the barbecue; potato salad and Cole slaw; corn on the cob; baked beans; a cool beverage; watermelon; and perhaps some, well, apple pie. Hey, that’s America, baby! But as we all know, there’s much more to American cuisine, and if you look to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, there’s much more for the patriotic palate on Independence Day.

Consider a few of the many items highlighted by the Disney Parks Blog that will be available either in Disneyland or in Walt Disney World on and/or around the Fourth of July.

At Walt Disney World...

• At the Magic Kingdom, through July 31^st, the Plaza Ice Cream Parlorwill offer: “Red velvet cake topped with birthday cake ice cream, vanilla sauce, raspberry sauce, whipped cream, a cherry, and red, white, and blue sprinkles.”

• Count on Liberty Inn to get it right on Independence Day with the straightforward and beautifully patriotic All-American Burger, which is “1/3 lb Angus burger with Vermont sharp cheddar, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickle on a brioche bun with french fries.”

• And how about these two treats over at Epcot?

- Berry Shortcakeat Sunshine Seasons: “Fresh blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream topped with patriotic sprinkles and a chocolate Mickey coin.”

- Fourth of July Cupcakeat Fountain View: “Yellow cake with buttercream and white chocolate mousse dome.”

• Count me in for the Ultimate Barbecue Platter at Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree Barbecue, which includes house-smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, coleslaw, and beans. (Okay, now, I’m hungry.)

• And yes, I wouldn’t mind having an Uncle Slam at the Oasis and Barefoot Pool Bars at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Uncle Sam features rum blended with cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and strawberry purée with a floater of blue curaçao. Yes, God bless, America!

At Disneyland...

• The Sand Bar at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will offer a “Wagyu beef dog with caramelized onions and homemade ketchup on a pretzel bun.”

• Disney California Adventure Park’s Hollywood Lounge will offer a Mojito with blueberries and strawberry popping pearls.

• The Red, White & Blue Cake Shake will be available at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. This marvelous concoction is a “vanilla shake with red, white, and blue cake slice, whipped cream, sprinkles, a cherry, and a vanilla frosted rim with red, white, and blue sprinkles.” As Keanu would say, “Whoa.”

• The Plaza Inn will serve up the following Dining Package Adult Meal: “Slow-roasted BBQ pork, fried chicken breast, smoked bratwurst with golden mustard sauce, fresh watermelon, corn on the cob, house-made cornbread, sweet baked beans, mac and cheese, and apple pie.”

I forgot about the cornbread. Love cornbread on July 4^th!

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) A new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – is coming very soon. You can pre-order the Kindle edition, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.com or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

July 4th Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 2, 2019

Not going to be at Walt Disney World or Disneyland on July Fourth? Are you bummed out about it? Well, cheer up. 

The Disney Parks Blog will be livestreaming “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” at 9:10 PM EST on July Fourth.

Fireworks and Mickey sounds fittingly patriotic.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) A new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – is coming very soon. You can pre-order the Kindle edition, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.com or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.