Welcome Home: Hundreds of Immigrants Become U.S. Citizens at Disney World on July 4
On July 4, 2007, Walt Disney World Resort hosted an event transcending the usual theme park magic. On that day, 1,000 immigrants from more than 100 countries gathered to take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become U.S. citizens right in front of Cinderella Castle. The powerful event remains one of the most memorable and heartfelt moments in the history of Disney parks.
As Independence Day celebrations unfold across the United States, this rare and moving moment from 18 years ago reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday and the ideals that America was built on. Immigration is a divisive topic these days, and it’s hard to imagine such a ceremony at Walt Disney World Resort in 2025. However, in 2007, 1,000 people put their differences aside and united in a shared goal: achieving the American Dream.
TikTok user @mousevault recently recounted the July 4 event in this video:
@mousevault What a cool moment in Disney history. #mousevault #parkvault #disneyhistory #disney #history #todayilearned #waltdisney #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #cinderellacastle #naturalizationceremony #fourthofjuly #4thofjuly #independenceday #historytok #disneytok
The ceremony kicked off with a stunning rendition of the National Anthem by Gloria Estefan and the raising of the American flag by a military Honor Guard. The event also featured speeches from U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, then-Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Director Kathy Redman, USCIS Acting Deputy Director Michael Aytes, and actor Andy Garcia.
“America is a country more diverse than any other, built on the backs of millions of people who sought liberty and a better life for themselves and their families,” Garcia said. “A country not defined by race, religion, or ethnicity, but by shared civic ideals and values.”
“While it wasn’t your typical Independence Day celebration, it may have been one of the most meaningful ever held inside the Magic Kingdom,” the TikToker said.
The crowd, undeterred by sudden rainfall as the Oath of Allegiance concluded, stayed put. Disney cast members handed out ponchos as speeches and performances went on, culminating in a flyover by two F-15 jets soaring down Main Street, U.S.A.
Following the Oath of Allegiance, the newly sworn-in citizens participated in a parade down Main Street, U.S.A., waving American flags as they marched toward Town Square behind Mickey Mouse and a marching band.
“For a moment, the symbolism was easy to see,” the TikTok user said. “Main Street has always been a vision of America, and now it had 1,000 new citizens walking right down the middle of it.”
Although Walt Disney World Resort has not hosted this exact event again, the Magic Kingdom still celebrates Independence Day with a spectacular 360-degree fireworks show, special entertainment, and festive food and drink offerings.
Should Walt Disney World Resort bring back this special July 4 ceremony? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
