Video: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Fly Over Walt Disney World Icons
It’s the first time the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have flown over two of central Florida’s theme park icons. Here’s where and when you can see this historic flight demonstration.
UPDATE: Here’s a video of the flyover
In honor of the beginning of National Veterans and Military Families Month in November, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will fly over Walt Disney World. According to Disney Travel News, is the first time that both Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom and Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be the sites for flyovers the same day.
The flight demonstration will begin at 10:30 a.m. It will last about 5 minutes. Along with honoring veterans and military families, the event coincides with the celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary and the Thunderbirds’ 70th year presenting their shows.
According to the statement, Disney’s support of the military dates back to Walt and Roy Disney, who each served during the First World War. This support has continued, celebrating members of the U.S. Military and their families. There is even a resort at Walt Disney World just for military members, veterans and Department of Defense employees and their families. At Magic Kingdom, each day veterans are honored with the Flag Retreat, as the American flag is lowered.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. They began May 25, 1953 as the Air Force’s official air demonstration team. The team has been in Florida, spending the weekend of October 28th and 29th at the Orlando Air and Space Show in Sanford, Florida. That will be followed by the Florida International Air Show 2023 in Punta Gorda on November 4th and 5th.
Celebrities Spotted at Florida Theme Parks
When you wander around the Florida theme parks, you should always keep an eye out for famous actors and musicians – especially on weekdays. When there are smaller crowds, celebrities love to throw on a hat and a pair of sunglasses and enter the parks at Disney World and Universal. And then of course there are the Disney events when the celebs are a featured attraction.
Check out these shots from Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure from over the years.
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Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World Resort in 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
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Michael J. Fox (R) poses with a competitor during the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Sitting Volleyball Gold & Bronze Medal Matches at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on May 10, 2016 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images for Invictus Games)
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John Stamos poses with Nurse Minnie Mouse in the Magic Kingdom October 9, 2007 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Walt Disney World via Getty Images)
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Steve Carell poses with Minnie Mouse at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 28, 2015 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Carell visited the theme park while on vacation with his family at Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Chloe Rice/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker in the 'Star Wars' film saga, poses with Jedi Mickey Mouse at Disney's Hollywood Studios June 5, 2014 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Hamill is at the Walt Disney World Resort theme park for appearances June 6-8 at "Star Wars Weekends," an annual special event. This year marks the first time Hamill has attended 'Star Wars Weekends' in the event's 17-year history. (Photo by David Roark/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Lady A poses in front of Cinderella Castle while taping the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" TV special. (Photo by Mark Ashman/ Disney via Getty Images)
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Katy Perry poses with Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse at Disney's Hollywood Studios. (Photo by Chloe Rice/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Justin Bieber performs a medley of songs from his holiday album while taping a performance segment for the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" TV special at the Magic Kingdom in 2011. (Photo by Mark Ashman/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Richard Gere and his wife, Carey Lowell, vacationed at Universal Orlando Resort March 29, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. During their hosted visit, the couple experienced iconic theme park attractions, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, The Simpsons Ride and Revenge of the Mummy, and explored The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Gere is best known for iconic films such as "Pretty Woman," "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "Chicago" and stars opposite Susan Sarandon in the upcoming film, "Arbitrage." (Photo by Julie Fletcher/Universal Orlando Resort via Getty Images)
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Brad Paisley (left) and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, pose with a Halloween-clad Minnie Mouse in front of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom on October 25, 2010 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The singer and his wife also were celebrating Brad's October 28 birthday at Walt Disney World this week. On November 10, 2010, Paisley will co-host "The 44th Annual CMA Awards" telecast on ABC-TV. He will share hosting duties with Carrie Underwood. (Photo by Gene Duncan/Disney via Getty Images)
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Brian Austin Green (right) and his wife, actress/model Megan Fox (left), take a souvenir photo in the Magic Kingdom November 26, 2010 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Green ("Beverly Hills, 90210", "Desperate Housewives") and Fox ("Transformers," "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen") were married in June 2010 in Hawaii. (Photo by Gene Duncan/Disney via Getty Images)
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Tim Tebow and fiancée Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters take flight on Dumbo at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort while celebrating their recent engagement with family and friends on January 11, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo Kent Phillips/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Bruce Willis poses with Minnie Mouse and Goofy during a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios park on February 27, 2011 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Willis was on vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort with family and friends. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
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Prince Harry greets actor Morgan Freeman with Michelle Obama and George W Bush in the background during the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 at ESPN Wide World of Sports on May 8, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Prince Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation is in Orlando ahead of the opening of Invictus Games which will open on Sunday. The Invictus Games is the only International sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Started in 2014 by Prince Harry the Invictus Games uses the power of Sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus)
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Mario Lopez plays with three canine stars of the upcoming Disney DVD and Blu-ray film, "Treasure Buddies" while taping a segment of the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" TV special at the Magic Kingdom park on December 3, 20111 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Lopez is one of the hosts of the 28th annual "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" that airs nationwide December 25, 2011 on ABC-TV. The holiday telecast features performances by a variety of stars from both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. (Photo by Mark Ashman/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Joe Don Rooney (R), guitarist/vocalist of the country music trio Rascal Flatts, joins (L-R) his wife Tiffany, son Jagger (age 4) and daughter Rocky (21 months) at the "Cars"-inspired area of Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort on June 20, 2012. (Photo by Gene Duncan/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Maria Menounos tapes a segment for the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" TV special in the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World on December 1,2012 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Menounos is the co-host for the holiday special. The annual telecast, which airs Dec. 25, 2012 at various times across the country on ABC-TV, features celebrity performances and segments taped at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Featured performers include Lady Antebellum, Backstreet Boys, Brad Paisley, Phillip Phillips, Colbie Caillat, TobyMac, Yolanda Adams, Ross Lynch, the cast of "Newsies" and a U.S. Marine Corps Band. Nick Cannon and Mario Lopez host the special. (Photo by Mark Ashman/ Disney via Getty Images)
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Nick Cannon gives a fist-bump to Disney Junior character "Jake" while taping the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" TV special in the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World on December 1,2012 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Cannon is one of the hosts for the holiday special. Jake is the star of the Disney Junior series "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." The annual parade telecast, which airs Dec. 25, 2012 at various times across the country on ABC-TV, features celebrity performances and segments taped at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Featured performers include Lady Antebellum, Backstreet Boys, Brad Paisley, Phillip Phillips, Colbie Caillat, TobyMac, Yolanda Adams, Ross Lynch, the cast of "Newsies" and a U.S. Marine Corps Band. (Photo by Mark Ashman/ Disney via Getty Images)
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Drew Carey, host of "The Price is Right," poses with Mickey Mouse at a kickoff celebration for the "2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios January 11, 2013 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Carey is one of the special guests attending the annual weekend of endurance races and health and fitness seminars at Walt Disney World. (Photo by Ali Nasser/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones along with their children Dylan, 10, and Carys, 7, fly over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and past Hogwarts Castle while riding Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando Resort on November 27, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. Fans of the Harry Potter books and films, the family also sampled Butterbeer, got fitted for wands at Ollivanders and toured Hogwarts Castle while on vacation at Universal Orlando over the Thanksgiving holiday. (Photo by Matt Stroshane/Universal Studios via Getty Images)
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Neil Patrick Harris hosts and performs in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade television special at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort on December 07, 2013 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The parade will air on December 25t. (Photo by Mark Ashman/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Garrett Clayton and Grace Phipps, from the Disney Channel film 'Teen Beach 2' at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. (Photo by Gregg Newton/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Michael Rosenbaum (L) takes a drive on the "Tomorrowland Indy Speedway" at the Magic Kingdom theme park on December 28, 2005 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Rosenbaum portrays Lex Luther on the series "Smallville." (Photo by Dana Zalucky/Walt Disney World via Getty Images)
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Mitchel Musso ("Hannah Montana," "Phineas & Ferb") poses with Goofy at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on September 18, 2009. Musso was at the Walt Disney World theme park to meet fans and sign copies of his self-titled debut CD. (Photo by Handout/Getty Images)
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Marcus Scribner, Marsai Martin, Miles Brown and Yara Shahidi, from the cast of the ABC series "black-ish," take a selfie with Princess Tiana at Magic Kingdom March 28, 2015 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The four visited Walt Disney World Resort with their families to kick off their summer break and celebrate the success of the show's first season. (Photo by Mariah Wild/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Johnny Galecki and his niece, Luci, pose with Pluto at the Mission: Space attraction at Epcot at Walt Disney World on May 4, 2016 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Di Stasio/Disney Resorts via Getty Images)
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Justin Hartley celebrates his daughter Isabella Justice's thirteenth birthday by braving Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster July 6, 2017 at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Hartley was joined by his fiance, actress Chrishell Stause. (Photo by Chloe Rice/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Jesse Tyler Ferguson jokes around with Woody Woodpecker while being hosted with boyfriend Justin Mikita at Universal Orlando Resort on March 25, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. The couple experienced both of Universal Orlando's theme parks while on vacation, stopping to ride the Incredible Hulk coaster and enjoy lunch at Three Broomsticks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (Photo by Robert Gonzalez/ Universal Orlando Resort via Getty Images)
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Nicole Kidman poses with Mickey Mouse in Magic Kingdom Park during a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort on February 20, 2017 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Chloe Rice/Disney Resorts via Getty Images)
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Kate Upton and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander are all smiles during a safari adventure on Wild Africa Trek February 3, 2015 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The couple visited Walt Disney World Resort on vacation before Verlander reports for spring training later this month. (Photo by Chloe Rice/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Tim Allen, his wife Jane and daughter Elizabeth pose with Buzz Lightyear during a special preview of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. In the new land, officially open on June 30, Walt Disney World Resort guests can whoosh along on the family-friendly roller coaster Slinky Dog Dash, take a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers and try for the high score on Toy Story Mania! (Photo by Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images)
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Tracy Morgan, fiancee Megan Wollover and daughter Maven Morgan, 2, take flight July 2, 2015 on Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The family celebrated Maven Morgan's second birthday at Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Chloe Rice/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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"Larry the Cable Guy," and his family take the cars for a spin at Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom Park January 8, 2018 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (L-R, front, back): Daniel Lawrence Whitney, his son Wyatt Whitney, wife Cara Whitney and daughter Reagan Whitney. Whitney, who voiced Mater, the friendly tow truck in the Disney-Pixar "Cars" movies, is vacationing with family at Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Matt Stroshane/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Matthew McConaughey visit the Magic Kingdom Park on December 18, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Steven Diaz/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Tina Fey braves Expedition Everest roller coaster at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort on March 24, 2017 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Fey, currently vacationing with family at Walt Disney World Resort, is looking forward to Netflix's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" season 3 premiere on May 19. (Photo by Chloe Rice/Disney Resorts via Getty Images)
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Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG award-winning actress Claire Danes enjoys the dog days of summer with Goofy at Magic Kingdom Park August 23, 2017 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The actress took some time in between projects to vacation at Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Matt Stroshane/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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Hayden Panettiere (R) poses with Minnie Mouse on April 25, 2009 in Orlando, Florida . (Photo by Gene DuncanWalt Disney via Getty Images)
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Vanessa Hudgens, starring in the upcoming film "Beastly", poses with Minnie Mouse at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort on February 13, 2011 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Todd Anderson/Disney via Getty Images)
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Nick Lachey (L) greets with the audition's participants during the Disney's High School Musical Get in the Picture Session Casting at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on May 07 2008 in Kissimmee, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Nick Lachey
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Mads Mikkelsen makes a special appearance at Walt Disney World Resort as the iconic Spaceship Earth transforms into the dreaded Death Star from Star Wars on December 5, 2016 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mikkelsen plays Galen Erso in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," which premieres on December 16, 2016. Mikkelsen's appearance coincides with the announcement that new Star Wars experiences are coming to Walt Disney World this month and throughout 2017. (Photo by Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney Co. via Getty Images)
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Mira and Paul Sorvino take a ride on the Cinderella Carousel October 10, 2005 at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The Sorvinos are on vacation at Walt Disney World Resort. Mira, who starred in films including "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" and "Summer of Sam," won an Academy Award for her role in "Mighty Aphrodite." She stars with Donald Sutherland in the upcoming Lifetime Television mini-series "Human Trafficking," which premieres Oct. 24, 2005. Her father Paul, a director and actor, has starred in films including "Oh God!," "Goodfellas" and "Nixon." (Diana Zalucky, photographer)
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Actor and Golden Globe award-winner John Travolta and his wife, actress Kelly Preston, became immersed in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during their visit to Universal Orlando Resort on September 5, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. After sipping Butterbeer at the Hog's Head pub, Travolta and Preston stepped into Ollivanders wand shop, where the wand chooses the wizard. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most spectacularly-themed entertainment experience ever created and was inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters. (Photo by Matt Stroshane/Universal Orlando Resort via Getty Images)
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Josh Hutcherson visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on December 23, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. During his visit, Josh tasted Butterbeer and encountered students from the Durmstrang Institute, one of three schools that compete in the Triwizard Tournament in the Harry Potter books and films. Josh plays Peeta Mellark in the highly anticipated film, "The Hunger Games", due out in March 2012. (Photo by Universal Orlando via Getty Images)
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Blair Underwood stopped by with children Blake (9) and Paris (13) to kid around with Bart and Homer Simpson while visiting Universal Orlando Resort on December 28, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. Underwood, along with wife, Desiree, and their three children, was hosted for the day to enjoy award-winning attractions like The Simpsons Ride at both Universal Orlando theme parks. The Simpsons Ride showcases everything the popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love . . . a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation and voiced by the shows original cast members. (Photo by Kevin Kolczynski/Universal Orlando Resort via Getty Images)
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Uma Thurman was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort on Sunday, January 15, 2012 while vacationing in Orlando with friends and family. During her visit, she came face-to-face with a mysterious Egyptian guard moments before experiencing the pulse-pounding attraction, Revenge of the Mummy. Thurman is best known for action-packed films such as "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill" and stars in the upcoming historical drama, "Bel Ami", due out in March. (Photo by Universal Orlando Resort via Getty Images)
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Kathy Ireland as she vacationed in Orlando with family and friends on March 14, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. During her visit, she took a spin on the Caro-Seuss-El and experienced other whimsical attractions in Seuss Landing, an area of Universal's Islands of Adventure where the beloved books of Dr. Seuss spring to life. (Photo by Kevin Kolczynski/Universal Orlando Resort via Getty Images)
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Peyton List (R) joins her twin brother and actor Spencer List for a spin on the Mad Tea Party teacups at Magic Kingdom Park on December 20, 2017 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. List just wrapped shooting her latest film and is vacationing with family at Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Steven Diaz/Disney Parks via Getty Images)
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