Disneyland Resort and Alaska Airlines Salute U.S. Military on Flag Day with an All-American Homecoming Celebration

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ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 14, 2005) — Disneyland Resort and Alaska Airlines have teamed up to honor American men and women of the military by reuniting 50 soldiers who have recently served overseas with their Southern California-based families this Flag Day. The all-American homecoming will allow soldiers to reunite with their loved ones at “The Happiest Place on Earth” and be saluted with a patriotic “Welcome Home” cavalcade down Main Street, USA.

The troops will arrive at LA/Ontario International Airport on the new Alaska Airlines Disneyland-themed airplane, the “Magic of Disneyland.” Adorned with the familiar image of Walt Disney’s animated character Tinker Bell on the fuselage and golden Mickey Mouse ears on the tail, the bright blue Boeing 737-400 celebrates the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. It is the second Disneyland-themed airplane born out of the successful partnership between Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort.

“Alaska Airlines is proud to be flying these service men and women in our ‘Magic of Disneyland’ aircraft for a reunion with their families,” said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska’s executive vice president of marketing and planning. “We can’t imagine a better partner than Disneyland to share in this honor, and we congratulate the resort on 50 great years of special memories like those being made today.”

© Walt Disney Company

Alaska and its sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve more than 80 cities in Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. For reservations visit alaskaair.com.

The Disneyland “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” 50th anniversary celebration pays tribute to the millions of guests who have contributed to the rich legacy of “The Happiest Place on Earth” over the past five decades. The 18-month-long occasion represents the biggest event in the history of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and is the first truly global Disney celebration (with new spectacular entertainment and iconic attractions premiering at each of the Disney theme parks around the world in salute to Disneyland).

© Walt Disney Company