Disney Parks Looks Back at Disney’s Forgotten Patriotic Icons

In a new Disney Parks video, Disney highlighted and celebrated lesser-known patriotic Disney characters ahead of America 250.

What’s Happening:

• America’s semi-quincentennial, AKA America’s 250th birthday, is just a few weeks away, and Disney Parks is getting ready by highlighting some lesser known patriotic Disney characters that appeared in attractions, parades, and special projects throughout Disney history.
• Kicking off the list, Disney spotlighted Sam the Olympic Eagle, a mascot created by Walt Disney Productions for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics and designed by future Disney Legend Bob Moore.

• Sam was officially unveiled on August 4, 1980, and later appeared in promotional tours, marketing campaigns, and a 50-episode animated television series in Japan.
• The video also referenced Sam the Eagle, the patriotic host character from America Sings at Disneyland Park.

• Sam the Eagle guided guests through scenes of American history and was created by Disney Legend Marc Davis.
• They are not to be confused with Sam Eagle from The Muppets!
• Disney then highlighted Phil Bison, a patriotic bison character concept developed during the creation of America on Parade in the 1970s.

• Concept art showed Phil Bison wearing an Uncle Sam-inspired hat and costume elements influenced by Benjamin Franklin, though the character was never used in the parade.
• Another patriotic bison character, Bicentennial Ben, later served as a mascot for the California Bicentennial Commission.

• Revisiting America on Parade, the massive bicentennial celebration featuring larger-than-life parade figures led by Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy as the Spirit of '76, the video also highlighted Winnie the Pooh for President. 

• The little-known Disney campaign began at the Hollywood Bowl in 1968 before expanding to Disneyland Park with rallies, parades, and a cross-country promotional tour.
• Check out the full video below, and kudos the Disney Parks for the incredibly fun and informative deep dive into lesser-know Disney lore!

Soarin’ Across America:

• A new version of Soarin’ is ready to help you and your family celebrate America’s 250th.
• Already open at EPCOT and debuting at Disney California Adventure on July 2nd, Soarin’ Across America takes riders across the sprawling beauty of the United States.
• For those looking to celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial with an extra touch of magic, Laughing Place recommends Mouse Fan Travel.

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