Veterans Day

During World War II, Disney artists created more than 1,200 military insignia, for military and auxiliary units, which included designs for the US Naval Construction Battalion known as Seabees. Their name combines "SEA" for maritime work and "BEE" for industriousness, and its phonetic sound forms "CB," short for Construction Battalion.

In honor of Walt's generosity and patriotism, the Navy presented him with a statue of a Seabee in 1966. Along with the award, Walt was bestowed with the title of Honorary Seabee.

In the queue of Soarin', you will pass the Wings of Fame exhibit, which proudly displays photos of 18 of the greatest airplanes designed and built in California, many of which were flown by famous pilots to set and break records. The exhibit also pays tribute to some of the great doers and dreamers of California aviation, as well as historic planes flown by brave military service members.

Plus, the hangar exterior of Soarin' was inspired by a similar structure at Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert!

Taking inspiration from Walt Disney Animation Studios' The Princess and the Frog, Walt Disney Imagineering built upon the story of Tiana’s father James inside the attraction, in partnership with their fellow storytellers at the animation studios.

Tiana’s father James served in 369th Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. He is honored with photos and memorabilia within the queue. Walt Disney Imagineers created several photos of James serving in France during the war adorn the walls, including a framed newspaper clipping in Tiana’s kitchen that shows her father receiving the Croix de Guerre medal by the French government for valiant service in action.

Retired Rear Admiral Joe Fowler, renowned for his resourcefulness and determination, was personally hired by Walt Disney in 1954 to lead the construction of Disneyland Park.

Fowler, a US Naval Academy and MIT graduate, served in both World Wars, designing major naval vessels such as the USS Lexington and USS Saratoga, and overseeing Navy operations on the West Coast.

After retiring as a Rear Admiral in 1948, Fowler met Disney and began a 25-year career managing Disneyland's construction and operations, even serving as a technical advisor for the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. He retired from Disney in 1978 and was named a Disney Legend in 1990.