Flag Retreat...

[JIMINYCR]

A neighbor of mine did as stated above a few months ago and was able to take part. It was a similar circumstance as OP originally described. By checking in at guest services early, and explaining the desire to take part in the ceremony, the chances he will be chosen are very good. Explain that he's just returned from deployment, celebrating his return with family, he is active duty, and show the military ID he carries with him.

 

[sxeensweet]

Thanks for the extra tips everyone. I may try this as well for my DH on our next trip. I'm not an early bird but I'm sure he would appreciate it. If they say no at least we tried.

 

[popcenturylover]

Thank you for the info. I appreciate it. I totally don't EXPECT anything but, I was just hoping for some tips on ways to increase our chances of it happening. We love our trips to Disney & this one is special because my Son-in-law is joining us for the 1st time. I like how it was said that if you don't play the lottery, you are not going to win.

 

[HauntedPirate]

I did this for my dad, a Navy vet, in 2007, as something of a "Thank you!" for not only bringing us there when I was a kid but also for bring me and my family that time (it was something of a "last big family vacation" kind of thing he wanted to do). I went to Town Hall on the first day of our vacation and asked if he could do the flag ceremony. I was told that they book up a week out, so if we would still be around on Friday (I asked on a Saturday) they would put his name down. I did, and he did the flag ceremony that Friday. That was the last time I got to go to WDW with my dad, and that memory will always have a cherished place in my heart.

Not sure if the process has changed since then, and it sounds like it may have, but that's what I did.

 

[popcenturylover]

I did this for my dad, a Navy vet, in 2007, as something of a "Thank you!" for not only bringing us there when I was a kid but also for bring me and my family that time (it was something of a "last big family vacation" kind of thing he wanted to do). I went to Town Hall on the first day of our vacation and asked if he could do the flag ceremony. I was told that they book up a week out, so if we would still be around on Friday (I asked on a Saturday) they would put his name down. I did, and he did the flag ceremony that Friday. That was the last time I got to go to WDW with my dad, and that memory will always have a cherished place in my heart.

Not sure if the process has changed since then, and it sounds like it may have, but that's what I did.

Thank you for sharing. It sounds like you have a great memory.