A SATURDAY SIX Salute To All Nations Of The World (but Mostly AMERICA)

comic books, pro wrestling, jazz music, and horrible TikTok lip syncing — are one of the rare forms of art that we in the USA have given to our fellow citizens of Earth. In fact, our favorite theme parks themselves have some wonderful tributes to American history as well, so let’s head into the parks and check out some theme park American goodness that can both entertain and inspire us all…
# 6 – Liberty Square

While not containing the thrill rides of Frontierland or Tomorrowland, Liberty Square in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is one of my favorite lands in any theme park. Recreating America at the time of the American Revolution, Liberty Square brings history to life in a way school books can’t.

In 1976, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of America declaring its independence, 50 replicas of the Liberty Bell were made and sent out to every state. According to Disney legend, Pennsylvania already having the real Liberty Bell, didn’t have much use for a replica. On July 4th, 1989, Pennsylvania’s replica bell made its way to the Magic Kingdom, making Florida the only state to have two of the replica bells (the other is located in the state capitol of Tallahassee). The Liberty Bell is an icon to this country in the same way that Cinderella Castle is for Magic Kingdom or Spaceship Earth for EPCOT. As its name implies, the Liberty Bell stands for being free from oppression. Throughout the years anti-slavery groups and the women’s suffrage movement have used the bell as a symbol of their protests.

It’s also worth noting that the state of Florida also has a third replica of the Liberty Bell located in Melbourne. In 1976 the school system of Brevard County raised money to purchase a replica, and had their bell cast by the same company in London, England who cast the original Liberty Bell back in 1751.

While the impressive Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom is completely man made, The Liberty Tree at the Magic Kingdom is an actual winding oak that was transported to Liberty Square. Now over 130 years old, Disney’s Liberty Tree pays tribute to the real Liberty Tree in Boston. Leading up to the American Revolution, the tree itself became a rallying point for those opposed to British law. Protesting groups would meet underneath. Political cartoons would be nailed to it. Effigies of people would be hung from the branches.

Disney’s Liberty Tree has 13 lanterns hanging off it, one for each of the original 13 colonies.

The Hall of Presidents is one of the most powerful attractions in all of Walt Disney World as it is not just a museum of American history, but also an amazing theatrical production, along with being an example in Florida of Walt Disney’s original vision.

Just seeing the sheer number of presidents represented all at once on stage is a striking visual. Then, one by one, they acknowledge their names as the roll is called. George Washington stands and speaks. “My fellow citizens, no events could have filled me with greater anxieties than that notification on the 14th day of April 1789, that you had selected me to lead our nation. But it was with the confidence of my fellow citizens that I took an oath: thirty-five simple words that have been repeated by every American president throughout history.” Truly awe inspiring.

The pillory in Liberty Square would be well served in 2026 to be used for people committing the following theme park related crimes: being rude to Cast Members, taking vertical photos, or – gasp – not letting the camera eat first…

# 5 – Toon Lagoon
I can hear some of you right now thinking, “Toon Lagoon?! Have you lost your mind?!!” But hear me out, comic strips are one of the rare forms of art that originated here in the USA. While unfortunately their relevance is waning by the day, Toon Lagoon is a reminder of the importance that comic strips once held in America. Filled with humor, heartbreak, and a healthy dose of speaking truth to power, newspaper comics have appeal to every single person in the household – dreamers of all ages, rich or poor – in a way that no other section of a newspaper could.

The colorful and vibrant Toon Lagoon is based around characters and strips from a bygone era; including well known classics such as Blondie, Beetle Bailey, and The Family Circus but also deep dives in comic strip history with Alley Oop, Gasoline Alley, and Funky Winkerbean,
Toon Lagoon.(photo by Michael Carelli)
Today Toon Lagoon is more well known for its incredible water rides and fun photo-ops featuring characters many guests probably don’t know, but for those who do it is a wonderful trip down memory lane paying tribute to a form of media that was once a dominant force in American pop culture.
Toon Lagoon photo-op. (photo by Scott Sanders)
While you may have to get Grandpa or Grandma to explain who some of the characters are, Toon Lagoon is LOADED with a ton of great areas to take fun family photos or Instagram-friendly selfies. Among the more popular photo-ops are the various “word balloons” which you can position near the people in your photos.
Rainy day gag in Toon Lagoon referencing the strip Tumbleweeds, which began in 1967. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
One of my favorite “secrets” of Islands of Adventure is the waterside areas that you can explore. No matter how busy the park is, these areas are almost always completely empty and often have fun surprises to discover. Toon Lagoon has possibly the largest quiet area of all the lands that includes great views of the Wizarding World, Seuss Landing, and Marvel Superhero Island. This is the perfect area to take a break and relax while also seeing some truly fun gags.
A superb gag in Toon Lagoon that also is referencing an American historical moment. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
# 4 – Soarin’
Soarin’. (photo by Rikki Niblett)
Soarin’ is a thrill ride for all ages, as exhilarating as a hawk on the wing and as mellow as swinging in a hammock. If you’ve ever experienced flying dreams, you’ll have a sense of how Soarin’ feels. It began as Soarin’ Over California, giving guests a memorable experience “flying” over locations in the state, including Napa Valley, Yosemite State Park, and Downtown Los Angeles.

After a legendary pre-show, guests strap in to begin their flight.
Soarin’ seating. (photo by Erin Foster)
The three rows of seating swing into position, with the legs of each guest dangling and giving the immediate sensation of being on a hang glider.
Soarin’. (photo by Tom Bricker)
Hot Air Balloons in Soarin’. (photo by Diservations)
Soarin’ shifted to Soarin’ Around the World in 2016, with California being replaced with locations across the globe including the Great Wall of China, India’s Taj Mahal, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. For 2026, another switch came with Soarin’ Across America, where the locations were based around iconic American visuals such as the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon.
Soarin’ Across America in EPCOT.
# 3 – Captain America
America’s super soldier, Captain America meets guests daily at Marvel Superhero Island. The origin of Captain America himself is tied to World War II and – in the pages of comic books – was fighting the Nazi army in Europe months before America itself officially entered the war in December of 1941. Draped in red, white, and blue, Cap is the living embodiment of everything many of us strive to be: courageous, loyal, selfless, and unshakably honest.
Captain America. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Disney is banking a lot on this year’s Avengers: Doomsday coming out in December, and considering that, let’s take a quick trip back to the summer of 2019 and Avengers Endgame. The audience reaction to the “portals” moment was so powerful that Marvel used it in a video tribute that celebrated the return of movies to the theater after the Covid shutdown. The reason that moment was so meaningful to us is because of Captain America. Despite overwhelming odds, Cap stood up, tightened his armband, and prepared to be the last line of defense to stop Thanos taking over the world.
Cap had no idea that help was on the way, he just knew he had to get up and fight back. In a way, Cap is all of us over the last half decade or so. Even though many of us got knocked down, we got back up. While the storm hasn’t completely passed, for the first time in a long time things are looking up.
Captain America stands up to Thanos’ army in Avengers Endgame.
It is always heartwarming seeing Cap meet his fans at IOA.

While it certainly won’t be getting any Michelin stars anytime soon, the Captain America Diner is worth checking out for the views it can give you of Islands of Adventure while you enjoy the AC inside.

# 2 – The American Adventure
The American Adventure in EPCOT is a journey through American history narrated by audio-animatronic versions of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, two of our country’s most iconic figures. The show itself starts over 400 years ago with the landing of the Mayflower (in 1620) and hits many landmark moments in time as over 400 years of America are condensed into about 20 minutes. Using a combination of animatronic scenes and video, the American Adventure is amazing to watch just from a technical perspective.
Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. (photo by Mike Sperduto)
The American Adventure is Imagineering bringing its A-game, brilliantly taking advantage of limited space and challenging subject matter and presenting it in a uniquely interesting way.
The American Adventure show building. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
The American Adventure theater is huge and can seat 1,024 guests! Each padded seat offers a great view of the stage and screen, so you’ll have a good view no matter where you sit. The seats themselves are surrounded by 12 statues representing the Spirit of American Values (including Adventure, Compassion, Independence.)
Spirit of American Values at the American Adventure.
The stage itself is just about the size of half a football field. Behind it is a digital rear-projection 72-foot screen on which images are projected and interwoven with onstage action. Altogether, ten different impressive sets and 35 incredible -audio-animatronic characters representing important eras in American History rise from the stage floor (or descend from above in some cases).
George Washington at Valley Forge. (photo by Tom Bricker)
Guests will witness the landing of the Mayflower, the Boston Tea Party, the winter at Valley Forge, writing the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War period and the Great Depression among others. Narration and speeches are delivered by audio-animatronics depicting Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Thomas Jefferson, Chief Joseph, Teddy Roosevelt, and more. One detail that makes it extra-special is that the speeches you hear are true to history. For example, when you hear Franklin D. Roosevelt talking on the radio, you’re hearing a recording from his actual inaugural address to the nation.
Our National Park system being conceived at the site of what would become Yosemite National Park. (photo by Tom Bricker)
Voices of Liberty
The Voices of Liberty are an a cappella group that will have your heart swelling with pride as they belt out some of the most well known songs paying tribute to our country’s rich history. The playlist includes: “America the Beautiful,” “This Land is Your Land,” “This is My Country,” “You Raise Me Up,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure Pavilion.
Voices of Liberty at Christmas.
# 1 – Main Street USA
Nothing is more American than Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. Nothing. You could take a picture of a bald eagle eating an apple pie on the top of Mt. Rushmore, and it still wouldn’t evoke the Americana feelings that come when Main Street, U.S.A. reveals itself as you walk under the Walt Disney World Railroad and into the park. Main Street, U.S.A. sets the tone of your park day, as guests are transported to a different time and place, one in which you can leave your real world worries at the front gates.
Main Street, U.S.A., as seen at dawn on the Omnibus (photo by Kendra Hayde)
A turn of the century small town American street should feel antiquated, but, all things considered, when you take the buildings (both inside and out), the period-authentic vehicles, the streetmosphere, the background music, the parades, and all the “little things” (such as the iconic Mickey balloons), Main Street, U.S.A., is a wonderfully immersive experience that all the theme park lands built afterwards have a hard time competing with. It draws us in without the lure of an E-Ticket attraction or a big movie tie-in and is a reminder of the visionary that Walt Disney was.
The Dapper Dans in harmony on Main Street.
Harmony Barbershop on Main Street USA.
On the corner of Main Street USA.
Main Street pianist outside Casey’s Corner.
The street itself is designed so your eyes can’t help but see the Castle, beckoning you to enter this world of magic. It’s what urban planners call the view terminus, but Walt called it the “wienie”. Something that not only beckons but adds character to the place and also helps you to orient yourself.
Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street USA. (photo by Tom Bricker)
Main Street, U.S.A., is a slice of American history that most of us today never experienced, but it feels as real as the streets we return to when we come home from vacation. At night, the entire area pops with a gorgeous lighting package…
Main Street USA at night. (photo by Mike Sperduto)
…making views of the nightly fireworks spectaculars even more special.

Honorable Mention – Electric Water Pageant
One of our favorite parades is the incredible Electrical Water Pageant that takes place along Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. We’re not sure what is more amazing: a parade taking place in a lagoon or the fact that it has been doing so in various incarnations for over 40 years!

We all have our favorite floats (with our personal fave being King Neptune and the four seahorses.)

(photo by @bioreconstruct)
We can not confirm or deny the serpent’s day time job as a topiary in Disney’s Magic Kingdom hub. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
The parade ends with the floats turning into American flags along with red, white, and blue stars while patriotic music plays. Now that’s how you end a show!

Double Secret Honorable Mention: PARKS CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY
Every July 4th both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando take it up a notch with added patriotic theming through the parks, including Spaceship Earth popping with the red, white, and blue.
Red, white, and blue Spaceship Earth lighting for Independence Day Weekend 2023, reflected in Showcase Lagoon. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Certain characters can be seen in limited time attire…
Goofy, Mickey and Pluto. (photo by @Mousesteps)
…and you can also see the annual Fort Wilderness Golf Cart Parade. Check out these great pics from Jeff and Denise from Mousesteps, as they are always onsite to cover the awesome parades at Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans. There’s a strong case to be made that the “Disney Difference” is dying the death of a 1,000 cuts, but none of WDW’s competition have anything close to something like these parades at the resorts. Just a total blast.
July 4th Golf Cart parade. (photo by @Mousesteps)
July 4th golf cart parade. (photo by @Mousesteps)
While Epic Universe is introducing the Celestial Goodnight nighttime spectacular next week, on the 4th of July last year they had a fireworks celebration at the park.
July 4th Fireworks show. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
In fact all of Epic’s amazing lighting package was lit up red, white, and blue.
Red White and Blue in the Cosmos Fountain for the Epic Universe 2025 July 4th Celebration. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Over at the other Universal theme parks and Citywalk you will find red white and blue decorations throughout along with special live entertainment.
American Sirens performing on the CityWalk fountain stage on 4th of July. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Even the newly opened Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas has added some patriot flair for their first ever July 4th weekend!
Minions and USA bunting. (photo by Diservations)
I’m personally here for the merchandise, including this year’s 250 Anniversary Coke Freestyle cup from my beloved Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Other items may not make much sense, but they exist anyway. That’s pretty much the state of America itself in 2026, so here’s a salute to that as well.

So there you have it: The SAT SIX Celebrates AMERICA! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out the THEME PARK ENJOYMENT INDEX, giving a monthly recap of all the theme park news you need to know (and a lot more you don’t need to know, but we’re gonna tell you anyway). You can also follow Your Humble Author on BlueSky (@derekburgan).
If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following:
Theme Park Turkeys of the Year Archives
The SATURDAY SIX Celebrates 10 Years of @bioreconstruct
SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Josh easyWDW
SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Ian Barritt
TPEI Tribute to Bret Taggart (AKA @Schmoofy)
Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, Digital Maestro Scott Walker, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, Ace Photographer Diservations, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, artist @SonderQuest, the mighty maven of merchandise Hedgehog’s Corner, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, the permit princess Alicia Stella, master cartographer Tommy Hawkins, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Thickey for their invaluable assistance with this article. Absolutely no help was added by Lightning Lane Influencer Professor Leisure. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHide.
Jaws unit in Universal’s Mega Movie parade is always celebrating July 4th. (photo by Thomas Wagner)

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